ZILLI’s Story

Oscar and Rose Schimel set up a workshop making coats in the Croix-Rousse district of Lyon and open several shops in the city centre. Their son Alain grows up in this world of clothing and couture. However, he decides to devote himself to his law studies.

Alain Schimel rediscovers the family passion for making clothes. He sets up Maison ZILLI in Lyon by investing in the workshop of an Italian tailor by the name of Teofilo Zilli, who specialises in leatherwork. ZILLI introduces the luxury leather jacket.

Alain Schimel is joined in the family business by his wife and children. ZILLI becomes and has since remained a 100% family business.

ZILLI opens its first boutique in London, on New Bond Street, a legendary road in the world of luxury, and one of the most chic addresses in Europe.

ZILLI opens its first boutique in Paris at the heart of the French capital’s prestigious golden triangle, on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré.

The Parisian flagship boutique later moves to rue François 1er.

ZILLI headed east, and opened its first boutique in Moscow on Kuznetski Most.

ZILLI developed a full range of high luxury menswear: suits, jackets, jeans, knitwear, shirts, ties, shoes, bags and leather goods were added to the main Collection of leather and furs.

Boutiques were opened in Rome, positioned adjacent to the gardens of the Villa Medici, on Via Veneto.

ZILLI opened a second boutique in Dubai.

Alain Schimel received the Kinght’s insiginia of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.

ZILLI‘s shoes award: in Milan, Simonetta Fiocchi receives a Mercurio d’Oro to reward its creations.

ZILLI launched its first collection of luxury cufflinks.

ZILLI carries on expanding with a new store opening in New-York: a prestigious location at the Four Seasons Hotel on 57th Street.

ZILLI launches its Eyewear collection worldwide. A total symbiosis with the ZILLI codes: the laid-back luxury, the boldness of the design, innovation, precious and technological materials.

Alain Schimel is awarded membership of the National Order of Merit by Minister for Culture, Frédéric Mitterrand.

Having already opened boutiques in Rome, Capri and Porto Cervo, ZILLI strengthens its presence in Italy with the opening of a boutique in Milan Via Gesù, within the walls of the Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi, at the heart of Milan’s fashion district.

A new 1000m² ZILLI showroom opens its doors in Paris at 9 avenue Matignon.

The Moscow boutique moves to 2 Okhotny Ryad with new premises of 300m².

Zilli establishes its presence in Singapore and China with boutiques in Beijing, Xi’an and Macau.