ENGLISH TEXTS man who, after many ordeals, ends up becoming king. Already a major art collector, Thierry Gillier entered the racing world in 2017, making a memorable appearance at the Arqana sales in Deauville. Three fillies for a cool € 750,000 later, the“ artistic entrepreneur,” as he likes to call himself, founded Haras Voltaire in the Deauville hinterland, near Haras du Quesnay and Haras de Colleville, and just next door to Wertheimer & Frère, fashion royalty( Chanel), in Saint-Étienne-la-Tillaye. Like a symbol, Zadig & Voltaire sits halfway between the grandes maisons and fast fashion, but with edge. And it’ s the same in racing. Gillier caused a stir at the August Yearling Sale 2021 sales when a homebred daughter of Dubawi fetched € 2.4 million- top price, of course. Thierry Gillier is one of the leading investors in recent years. He’ s also an owner and is approaching his 30 th win under his red and white silks. After restructuring his fashion house last year— appointing his brother as president— he’ s chosen his racing entourage wisely around Chantilly. His stable includes nine horses in training, six of them three-year-olds: three with André Fabre, including Prosecutor, who recently won at Saint-Cloud; another three with Philippe Decouz; and two of the three unraced two-year-olds are with Francis-Henri Graffard and Mario Baratti. Among them, Prose- cutor, who just scored a win at Saint-Cloud.
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By Serge Okey
SOPHIE THALMANN, PRESIDENT OF THE PRIX DE DIANE
Crowned Miss France 1998, the wife of Christophe Soumillon has been chairing the jury of the Prix de Diane Longines( Gr. 1) elegance contest for about a decade. As the most“ smart” event of the year approaches, Sophie Thalmann shares from the inside why this date— by far her favorite— remains so special to her.
Galorama. The Prix de Diane Longines is approaching— can you feel the excitement building in Chantilly?
Sophie Thalmann. The countdown began 30 days before the event. There’ s real buzz in Chantilly. It’ s the main topic of conversation. The ritual question is:“ What am I going to wear?” Everyone’ s asking it, starting with me( laughs). Chairing the elegance contest is a true mission. Between fashion, colors, and color codes, you can’ t miss the mark.
G. Without giving too much away, can you tell us what your outfit will look like?
S. T. I instinctively turned to Smaïn Boutamtam, an extraordinary designer from Rouen, but he was still swamped with work from the Cannes Festival. Last year, he was sewing my belt while I was getting my makeup done. I managed to borrow a beautiful floral dress in shades of red, pink, and orange on a white background. It’ s quite bold. Now comes the hat— an essential accessory. I called on Céline Cavé( Impertinence), whose creations pretty much win the contest every year, and sent her a photo of my dress. She always manages to surprise me.
G. How long exactly have you been chairing the Diane contest?
S. T. I’ d say about ten years. I remember breastfeeding Robin, my son who’ s now eight, while already serving as president. Every year, I’ m delighted to be asked again. It’ s a contest that continues to be a huge success, especially with women— it’ s incredible. So many deserve to be on the podium. I advise them to come well accompanied, as Longines changed the rules a bit last year by opening the contest to duos, which offers three extra chances to win.
G. What are the key criteria for success?
S. T. The golden rule is to avoid fashion faux pas. Don’ t pick a dress that’ s too basic, and make sure every accessory is thoughtfully chosen— including the shoes.
G. The first Prix de Diane dates back to 1843. It’ s a tradition that’ s...
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