STAYING OPEN TO WHAT’S NEXT. Thierry Gillier is a French businessman. In 1997 he founded Zadig & Voltaire and continues to forge a modern approach to luxury expressed in an effortless and chic style.

Thierry Gillier, why the name Zadig & Voltaire?

Starting out, I worked with a small team and used my own name for a while, but it didn’t feel right. I had this book, Zadig; or, The Destiny, by Voltaire on my shelf, and it just clicked. The character Zadig goes through life’s ups and downs, and Voltaire tells us that life is anything but predictable. Zadig on its own wasn’t quite enough; adding Voltaire felt like the right touch — such a strong, meaningful name.

Is it true you studied film in New York before entering the fashion world?

Yes, I sometimes call myself an “artistic businessman”. I was drawn to painting, sculpting, and even made a few films. But back then, producing movies was tough, and the art world was smaller, too. Eventually, I came back to my roots — my family’s background in fashion. Zadig & Voltaire came from wanting to create something unique in that world, and I’m still figuring out how to steer it forward.

CHÂTEAU VOLTAIRE

Thierry Gillier, Zadig & Voltaire originally focused on cashmere and leather, right?

Right! Back then, women’s clothes were pretty rigid. I wanted to shake things up, introduce something fresh and flexible. I played around with loose knits, snipped collars with scissors, and broke some of those conventional molds. It was my way of doing something new.

Didn’t you expand into menswear in 2004?

Even earlier, actually. I grew up around factories, knew how to work the machines. Cashmere was typically tight-fitting back then, but I explored a looser, more laid-back knit. No one was doing that at the time. Zadig & Voltaire became this collaborative brand — musicians, artists, rock-and-roll types — they all gravitated to it.

So the brand connected with more than just the artistic crowd?

Yeah, we started with a rock-and-roll vibe, but it attracted everyone. It felt good to be early in that scene, doing our own thing. We didn’t start out chasing mainstream appeal, but it grew from that initial crowd.

Now there are Zadig & Voltaire stores everywhere!

We definitely grew, but I never really focused on the “success” part — it was about the work. We opened shops, then more shops, and eventually expanded to New York, London, Spain, South America, Mexico. It’s been quite the journey.

Today, Zadig & Voltaire has expanded into perfumes, watches, accessories…

Yes, it’s a lifestyle brand now, which is rare. A brand is usually strong in one area, but hard to nail in multiple. People resonate with the name Zadig, especially younger people — it’s accessible, distinct, and not something everyone has. They don’t want a big brand name to start in fashion, they want Zadig.

Thierry Gillier, with high-end brands on one side and fast fashion on the other, where does Zadig & Voltaire fit?

We sit in the middle. Sure, you can get some fantastic basics at places like Uniqlo, and I love mixing those with a good Zadig cashmere. It’s about building something that lasts, finding the right cuts, right ideas, and creating a lasting brand — that’s what I’m focused on.

You recently opened Château Voltaire in Paris. Why a hotel?

Zadig & Voltaire is about lifestyle. I’ve always admired Ralph Lauren’s approach — how he makes you feel at home in his spaces. Château Voltaire is my version of that. It’s meant to be warm, a place that feels like home.

How do people feel about the Château Voltaire?

People often tell me they love it because it’s cozy. It’s a place for people to connect, especially during events like fashion week. The restaurant’s great, too — it’s a spot where people want to linger.

What kind of food do you serve?

It’s all about simplicity with quality ingredients. We keep it fresh — a good salad, but only with the best produce. When you sit down, you’re greeted with a small, refined plate: a radish, salted butter, and real bread that’s always crispy. Château Voltaire is on Rue Saint-Roch, right near Saint-Honoré, between the Opera and the Tuileries. Our guests appreciate the welcoming, chic atmosphere, and it’s drawn an amazing crowd. But to really get it, you have to come and experience it yourself.

What inspires you most?

Creativity. I was inspired by the designers we produced for back in the day, and that sparked Zadig & Voltaire. I’m constantly looking around, staying curious, and I’ve collected art for years — big names and emerging artists. It’s all part of the same drive.

Has art always played a role in your life?

Absolutely. My first major piece was a Basquiat — I had to choose between buying an apartment or that painting, and I went for the Basquiat. I didn’t even hang it up for two years because it felt like such a crazy decision, but it’s paid off. I’ve always had a good eye and trusted that instinct.

Thierry Gillier, your brother Arnaud recently joined as president. What’s that like?

We started out together, learned the business together. Now, bringing him back feels natural. It’s a family business, and having him here is a balance I trust. He handles the business side, while I bring the creative vision. It works.

Family-owned brands are rare these days. Has anyone tried to buy Zadig & Voltaire?

Of course, but I’m not interested in selling. Zadig is something I built, and there’s so much left to do. It’s amazing to see it reach the streets around the world.

Where do you manufacture?

Mostly in France, but we also work with skilled factories in Italy, Europe, India, and China for different specialities. Building quality takes time, and that’s what I’m after.

Rock and roll seems less relevant these days. What’s the Zadig & Voltaire vibe now?

The first sweater I made had Elvis on it, but it wasn’t about Elvis — it was about freedom. Zadig’s vibe is about staying current, understanding people’s moods, and evolving. It’s less about rock-and-roll style and more about keeping that creative edge.

And that’s why you started Zadig & Voltaire?

I don’t know where this journey will take me; it’s like writing a story as you go. I’m always learning, always evolving. Sometimes, I see someone on the street wearing a Zadig T-shirt, and I realize what we’re doing resonates. You have to stay open to what’s next.

Stores or online — where’s most of the business now?

About 20% online, but it’s global. Zadig resonates in so many places — Spain, Miami, South America, Mexico, Colombia, and especially the U.S. It’s been incredible to watch.

Do you still design every piece?

Yes. I started this from scratch — no big funding, just drive and creativity. Building from nothing keeps you grounded, but it’s a constant challenge.

You have kids. Are they involved?

My daughter, who’s 24, worked with me for a while. She’s more of an artist. My son’s younger, only 13, so we’ll see. For now, it’s about deepening the brand, making it solid for the future.

You’ve got an art collection too?

Yes, collecting’s always been part of who I am. I have a good eye and a lot of curiosity. And Zadig, Voltaire’s story, reminds me that life isn’t straightforward. It’s about finding your path, just like Zadig, who ends up content with only bread and sunshine. We’re all a bit like that, right?

Thank you Thierry.

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