With 16 years of fragrance-making in its locker, the French label has unveiled its latest perfume offering for women, the ZADIG, and to celebrate the occasion, we caught up with the Maison’s founder to talk all things fragrance.
Since 2009, Zadig & Voltaire has whisked us away to the cobbled streets of Paris with its bold and vivacious approach to fragrances. It has drenched us in sumptuous notes of blossom, vanilla, and patchouli, and it has emboldened wearers with an air of defiance. With freedom at the forefront of its mind, the Zadig & Voltaire vocabulary creates visionary experiences in a bottle-sized perfume. Now, the French Maison is dabbling in the world of feminine fragrances, with its latest edition to the Zadig & Voltaire family – the ZADIG: a perfume designed for the modern woman. With notes of white and black sesame accord, ginger, orange blossom, and neroli essence, the ZADIG fragrance is addictive, sensual, and enigmatic.
Drawn from the noses of Amandine Clerc-Marie and Florian Gallo, the ZADIG fragrance comes house in a horizontally designed, refillable bottle, in the shape of Zadig & Voltaire’s wing motif. Here, Wonderland chatted with the founder of the French label, Thierry Gillier, to discuss the release of the ZADIG perfume, key inspirations, and his relationship with fragrances.
How do you manage to continue to break away from convention and carry the banner of the ‘French Spirit of Freedom’?
After all these years, Zadig&Voltaire remains true to its free and rebellious spirit. What sets us apart is our ability to reinvent ourselves while remaining authentic, never giving in to convention. This ‘French Spirit of Freedom’ is our very essence: a return to essentials, where each element bears our bold, rock signature, while remaining open to the desires of the moment.
What new facets of the Zadig&Voltaire world does the launch of ZADIG reveal? Does it mark a turning point?
With ZADIG, we’re exploring a new dimension in our universe, a sort of extension of our creative vision in which perfume also becomes a fashion accessory. It’s an important step that affirms our identity while remaining surprising. This fragrance embodies our relaxed spirit, with a hint of provocation, while introducing something new and personal into the mix.
Who is the typical ZADIG heroine? And how does Louise Robert embody her perfectly?
The ZADIG heroine is a woman who embraces her freedom and individuality. Louise Robert embodies this spirit with a natural allure and a touch of nonchalance. She represents the modern, independent woman who needs nothing to assert her personality. She is both elegant and raw, a perfect match for the soul of this fragrance.
What can you tell us about the invention of the horizontal bottle for this fragrance?
The idea behind the horizontal bottle came from our desire to defy convention. By placing the bottle horizontally, we give it an original look that evokes our daring and offbeat spirit. It’s an object that intrigues, that stands out, while remaining true to our vision of reinvented luxury.
How did wings become such a strong symbol of the House?
Wings embody the freedom that is at the heart of Zadig&Voltaire. They are a reminder of our desire for independence and movement. Featured on our clothes and accessories, they have become our emblem, a symbol of the free spirit and boundless creativity that characterise the brand.
How does Voltaire’s novel, Zadig; or, The Book of Fate resonate with the ZADIG FRAGRANCE fragrance?
The spirit of Zadig; or, The Book of Fate is one of rebellious freedom, a desire to go beyond the norm. This fragrance captures that essence: it represents a manifesto of freedom, an olfactory signature for those who want to stand out boldly from the crowd.
If ZADIG were a piece of music, which song would you associate it with?
I’d say Patti Smith’s Because the Night. With its raw energy and spirit of freedom, this song perfectly captures the soul of Zadig&Voltaire. It’s a powerful piece and a direct one, full of emotion and passion, just like our fragrance. It reflects the boldness and intensity that we want to embody: a fragrance for those who live and who are not afraid to assert themselves.
Why was ZADIG’s refillable bottle an obvious choice for you?
Sustainability has been part of our vision for a long time. Offering a refillable bottle is something that perfectly aligns with our commitments. It was natural to integrate this sustainable dimension for a brand that wants to grow while remaining responsible.
How is Angelo Pennetta’s vision expressed in the photos of the ZADIG campaign?
Angelo Pennetta has captured the soul of Zadig&Voltaire through images that are authentic and full of emotion. His shots express what we are: a brand with character, one that seizes the moment and spontaneity, and that celebrates the free and self-confident woman.
What is your relationship with perfume? Is it essential?
To wear perfume is to assert your style, to leave a subtle trace of your personality. For me, it’s a discreet but powerful way of marking your existence in the world. A well-chosen perfume becomes an invisible signature, telling something about us but without having to use words.
Words – Freya Goodchild-Bridge
