The diptyque story began in Paris at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain with, at its heart, three friends driven by the same creative passion. Christiane Gautrot was an interior designer, Desmond Knox-Leet, a painter, and Yves Coueslant, a theater director and set designer. The first two collaborated designing fabrics and wallpaper for Liberty and Sanderson.
They were joined by the third in 1961 and opened a shop to display their designs. Yves became the administrator and consultant; Desmond and Christiane were the artistic soul. Bit by bit, with finely honed taste, the trio transformed the site into a one-of-a-kind setting, a kind of stylish bazaar where one found surprising articles unmatched in Paris, mined and conveyed home by the trio over the course of their travels.
About Maison Margiela
Founded in 1988 by Belgian designer Martin Margiela, the Parisian haute couture house was founded on ideas of nonconformity and the subversion of norms. Enriched in the memory of shared codes, contemporary couture starts the conversation for a dynamic wardrobe proposal. The Maison is devoted to uncompromising creativity invigorated by authenticity, radicality and self-expression.
Maison Margiela became part of the OTB Group in 2002, and is under the creative direction of Glenn Martens since 2025.
About OTB
OTB is an international fashion group, powering a range of global, unconventional brands, including Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni, and Viktor&Rolf. The group also controls the Staff International and Brave Kid companies, and holds a stake in L.A. brand Amiri.
OTB embodies the brave, innovative and unapologetic spirit and vision of its founder and chairman Renzo Rosso, who disrupted the world of fashion with an open-minded, highly creative mentality, aimed at “building not the biggest, but the most alternative fashion group,” as he stated.
Voluspa began as a passion project in a California kitchen, driven by a deep love for scent and the way it connects each other to the world around us. What started as a small, handcrafted collection quickly grew into a global celebration of fragrance, designed to inspire and transport.
At the heart of every Voluspa creation is a belief that fragrance has the power to take us on a journey. Whether evoking a moment in time, a place, or a vivid daydream, each scent is meticulously crafted to spark the senses and expand the mind.
Crafted in Irvine, California, our candles and fragrances are designed with impeccable attention to detail. From sourcing the finest ingredients to perfecting every note, we ensure each collection is an experience of luxury, artistry, and elegance.
Driven by a dedicated team with a wealth of expertise, Voluspa continues to grow while staying true to our roots. Our mission is to bring beauty and inspiration into your home, illuminating your space and enhancing your everyday moments.