The company had been doing well when he joined, with a healthy store network and overall growth of around 20 percent, explained the executive. “I was lucky because the team in place is good and people knew what had to be done,” he said, noting that the unusual circumstances allowed for a sped-up adapting period. Just as he arrived in his new position, the wave of lockdowns swept through Europe and the U.S. “I saw firsthand how 16 different labels worked in fashion in very different universes - it was an enriching experience that serves me well here,” he said.
Zadig & Voltaire was founded in 1995 by Thierry Gillier, who remains majority owner.īaume, a business school graduate who started his career in mergers and acquisitions, noted his past position taught him about navigating a fragmented sector - which he sought to consolidate in a manner similar to that of Luxottica in eyewear - as well as giving him an understanding of how a variety of creative visions operate. The company’s previous investor, TA Associates, helped it double in size and expand into the U.S. Recruited at the beginning of the year, Baume arrived along with a new minority investor, private equity firm Peninsula. Spotted: Eva Longoria with her Celsa cashmere jumper, Jessica Alba with the Love Deluxe shopping bag and Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio with the Relia Deluxe dress.The executive was previously ceo of Kidiliz Group, a company that created kids clothing lines for brands like Kenzo, Paul Smith, Jean Paul Gaultier, Levi’s and Catimini. Zadig and Voltaire are also proud to dress the celebrities who follow the brand. In 2014, Danish model Freja Beha Erichsen collaborated with Zadig and Voltaire, creating androgynous pieces, that seamlessly slotted into the fashion house’s rock ‘n’ roll style pieces, denim jackets and edgy t-shirts. In 2011, model Erin Wasson went back to her Texan roots to design a capsule collection with the brand, which included snakeskin cowboy boots, flared raw denim jeans and jackets embellished with large metal studs.
On the whole Thiérry and Amélie design the collections together, however from time to time they do collaborate with other designers. Zadig and Voltaire also design a wide range of shoes: Studded flat boots, nubuck leather ankle boots, leather court shoes… Contemporary, chic and laid-back luxe. When it comes to bags, they come in all shapes and sizes, from the Sunny XS mini bowling bag to the 48 hr bag and not forgetting the Touly beggar's bag, with the padded pocket and chain shoulder strap. We cant get enough of their python boots nailed accessories and the Gaia Repossi openwork ring.
With their skull and crossbones, animal motifs and diamantes, Zadig and Voltaire's leather goods and accessories are inspired by rock ‘n’ roll glam and the British ‘cool’ scene. Zadig and Voltaire also create accessories – refined with an edgy twist, such as the studded leather fingerless gloves, serpent and skull rings, and feather-shaped or angel wing-shaped earrings. Beginning with womenswear, and later expanding the chic rock ‘n’ roll style into collections for men and children. Assisted by his wife Amélie, who shared his passion for fashion, Thiérry works with luxury materials such as silk and cashmere, playing with animal prints and revolutionary messaging. The great-nephew of André Gillier, co-creator of the renowned French brand Lacoste, Thiérry Gillier launched Zadig and Voltaire in 1997, in homage to Zadig, the main character from the novel by Voltaire. Embellished cashmere jumpers, leather trousers and studded boots work in perfect unity.
Both men's and women's collections combine both an edgy rock ‘n’ roll style with wearable pieces. Zadig and Voltaire subtly blend Parisian elegance and British eccentricity. Zadig and Voltaire, luxury with a rock ‘n’ roll twist.