By Chrissy Iley
I’ve always been aware of Zadig and Voltaire but not intimately aware. For instance I didn’t know how this year they were to change my life. Clothes that are edgy, boho, a little bit rock chick, a little bit effortless and timeless. I have a had that I wear probably every day and it has become like a second head – more important than an extra limb. It literally elevates every outfit.
This is really because of the sales person Paula. I was casually browsing without intent when Paula discovered me. She has such an enthusiasm for the brand – no not enthusiasm – love, passion, understanding. It was infectious. She also had this almost psychic understanding of people and knowing what in the shop would work for them. It was like having my own personal stylist but better because it felt like a relationship of equals – not one serving the other.
Paula knew her stock and got to know me. She never let me walk out of the shop with something that was only OK or something that I thought was great but would get home and never be worn. She knew the sizes of her clothes and the shape of which ones would flatter. And how it is possible to be both an extra small and a large. My new Zadig pieces immediately and effortlessly complimented things I already owned. Their vibe just was slightly edgier and made me feel slightly cooler.
Life becomes so much easier if you’re comfortable in your clothes because then you become comfortable in your skin. I do believe it works that way round. There’s no point in feeling stridently confident but looking like you’re in the wrong decade. I do want my clothes to last. I want them to be classic but still edgy. I want them to work day, night, work meeting, party, sexy dinner or wedding. Paula helped me discover that Zadig and Voltaire could do all of this.
A denim jacket with tattoo embroidery for instance has taken me all over the world. Chiffony floaty tops will work summer and autumn. But all of this is not about Zadig or even me. It’s about Paula. Paula was one of those people who without knowing it was like a therapist. Her sartorial advice always worked. Her eye was always to be trusted. One day I went in and Paula was no longer there. The details of her departure were a little misty. I was very sad. Then I happened to be talking to a friend about my hat and she too mourned the loss of Paula. Simone put it best. “To me Paula was that store. She showed me things I didn’t know and she made me feel good about myself and those are the things you require in a lover and a sales person.”
Paula, wherever you are, know you were loved.