In the world of jewelry design, where storytelling intertwines with elegance, few brands carry a narrative as deeply personal and poetic as Zaza&Lili. Founded by Madeleine Jarl, a woman whose path winds through the silent depths of professional diving, the luminous stages of international modeling, and the intimate world of motherhood, Zaza&Lili is more than a jewelry label—it is a living mosaic of artistry, resilience, and soul.
A Leap from the Deep
The transition from professional diving to modeling may seem like an unlikely leap, but for Madeleine Jarl, it was a natural evolution. “Diving taught me to trust my instincts and embrace the unknown with grace,” she explains. “It gave me more than discipline—it gave me a sense of precision and poetry in movement.”
That fleeting moment of weightlessness in the perfect dive mirrored the pursuit of the perfect pose—where emotion, form, and intention align. Modeling became an extension of that quest: a visual language for grace, strength, and self-expression. These experiences honed her eye for beauty and shaped her belief that life itself can be a work of art.
This philosophy would later become the heartbeat of Zaza&Lili.
The Courage to Begin Again
In 1995, Madeleine launched her first agency—alone, in a foreign country, with no safety net. It was a leap as bold as any she had taken from a diving platform.
“I had to be resourceful, brave, and endlessly adaptable,” she recalls. That period taught her everything about business—from strategy to survival. It also laid the groundwork for her brand’s DNA: resilience, independence, humility, and human connection.
“Those early years taught me that every situation—even the hard ones—can be transformed into something beautiful. Entrepreneurship, for me, is a form of artistry.”
Jewelry Born from Love
The most profound inspiration behind Zaza&Lili came from Madeleine’s twin daughters, Kenza and Ellin, lovingly nicknamed Zaza and Lili. Naming the brand after them was more than symbolic—it was essential.
“They are my heart, my inspiration, my greatest teachers,” she says. “The brand carries their laughter, their strength, their multicultural roots.” Through them, Zaza&Lili took on a deeper identity: not just a brand, but a love letter—to her daughters, and to all women.
Creating jewelry became an act of nurturing. Each piece is designed not just to be worn, but to evoke emotion, tell a story, and connect.
A Global Eye for Beauty
Having lived across Europe and Asia, Madeleine’s design sensibility is infused with a broad and refined global perspective. “From the minimalism of Japan to the romanticism of Paris, from Scandinavian clarity to Pacific warmth—I’ve gathered pieces of beauty from everywhere I’ve called home.”
These influences are woven into Zaza&Lili’s aesthetic, making it distinctively cosmopolitan while remaining intimate and personal.
Balancing Nordic Calm and Parisian Flair
Zaza&Lili collections strike a harmony between Scandinavian minimalism and Parisian elegance. “Scandinavian style brings clarity—Parisian flair adds sensuality,” Madeleine notes. “When you blend them, you get timelessness with a quiet sparkle.”
Her aim is to make refined beauty accessible—crafted ethically, intentionally, and honestly. “Luxury doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to feel true.”
Three Collections, One Spirit
Each Zaza&Lili collection embodies a different mood, allowing women to connect with pieces that reflect their personal journeys:
- The Silver Collection: Minimal, strong, and pure—perfect for those who value clarity and quiet sophistication.
- The Pearl Collection: Graceful and timeless, ideal for lovers of softness and whispered elegance.
- The Fancy Collection: Bold, expressive, and radiant—for moments of joy and fearless femininity.
“I want every woman to find herself in one of the collections—or in all of them, depending on her story and her moment,” says Madeleine.
Design as a Living Art
Madeleine’s design process is deeply intuitive and emotional. She collaborates closely with artisans who share her respect for craftsmanship and detail. “Each piece must be made not just with skill, but with love and intention.”
But for her, the creative process doesn’t end with the jewelry. From crafting visuals to writing copy, every part of the brand’s identity is infused with care and storytelling.
A Commitment to Sustainability
For Madeleine, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a core value. Zaza&Lili sources materials responsibly, working with small, family-run suppliers and avoiding overproduction. The focus is on slow growth, timeless designs, and meaningful relationships.
“Sustainability is love in action,” she says. “It’s about honoring the planet, the people we work with, and the women who wear our creations.”
A Brand with Soul
Zaza&Lili is more than a jewelry brand. It’s the life’s work of a woman who has traveled through art, movement, motherhood, and entrepreneurship—and emerged with a vision rooted in love, elegance, and truth.
Through Madeleine Jarl’s journey, we see that grace is not just something you wear—it’s something you live.
