The French-Girl Perfume That Will Have People Stopping You In The Street

Mimicking the easy elegance of the French isn’t very easy as it turns out. And I should know. Those tousled, effortless waves for example? Well, turns out they require considerable effort. Those thrown-together outfits that ooze inherent style? I scroll Pinterest for hours in a bid to recreate anything that even slightly resembles such flair. Thankfully there is now one key component to French-girl chic-ness that I can get my hands on pretty easily.

Parisian women are renowned for their stop-in-the-street fragrances, the ones so good they compel you to tap the wearer on the shoulder and get all the details. The latest perfume to find favour with the French-girl elite comes from French fashion house Zadig & Voltaire. Their new fragrance, ZADIG Eau de Parfum, £124, is set to go viral, we’re calling it.

‘A great fragrance is like an invisible signature - subtle yet powerful - allowing you to express your individuality without compromise,’ says founder of Zadig & Voltaire Thierry Gillier. With ZADIG, Perfumers Amandine Clerc-Marie and Florian Gallo created a scent that truly embodies Gillier’s vision. One spritz delivers subtle hints of vanilla and soft Chantilly cream. There's a feeling of warmth and comfort while notes of ginger and black sesame add a refreshing, almost fiery edge that catches me by surprise. 'There's also sandalwood for sensuality and neroli which acts as a refreshing burst of energy,' Gallo tells me. 'It brings surprise and innovation,' adds Clerc-Marie. 'It is a brand new combination, something that has never been smelled before.' It’s true. It's a scent of many contrasts - but it works thanks to its addictive, lived-in quality.

Shop: ZADIG Eau de Parfum

The face of the fragrance is Louise Robert, a supermodel who Gillier calls 'the perfect incarnation.' With her flame red hair and smudged eyeliner she's every bit the Zadig muse. 'I feel connected to the perfume because it's all about freedom,' she says, 'The initial fresh, airy, and light notes act as a mood booster to inspire me to try new things. Yet, at the same time, the sandalwood and sesame give me the homely comfort I crave.'

And a moment for the bottle - there’s no denying that it's a piece of art in itself. According to Gillier, it represents freedom, with each vessel shaped as the iconic Zadig & Voltaire winged emblem. Designed to sit on its side, the design catches flashes of light beautifully. Plus, it’s refillable, a nod to the brand's commitment to innovation.

I've been spritzing this one regularly and have been delighted with the compliments I've received. Yes, I have been tapped on the shoulder a couple of times too. It really is alluring. It's sweet yet sophisticated, striking but soft. And the fact it still lingers come cocktail hour is testament to its staying power. It's special - a mist that smells more unique than your average skin scent. It's a 'very, very addictive perfume that irresistibly beckons us,' say Clerc-Marie and Gallo. And I'm inclined to agree. The French have done it again.

Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness