What’s next for Bally after Rhuigi Villaseñor steps down as creative director?
The Swiss brand offers modern heritage with newly appointed design director
“In fashion, as in our daily lives, beauty is always linked to a sense of place and identity: ideas and gestures we can understand and connect with on a personal level. When I discovered the Bally universe, it was clear to me that my energy and my point of view would be the catalyst for a renaissance, two decades since the last Bally runway show. Placing Swiss craft and European art of living in harmony with my own American story, I’ve called this collection ECDYSIS—a reset and a celebration of radical luxury.”
These were the words of Rhuigi Villaseñor about his first (and last) spring collection for Bally. However, the metamorphosis brought by the designer didn’t seem to fit with the brand’s notions, resulting in a stumble only after his Fall 2023 collection.
As Bally’s creative director, Rhuigi embraced the luxe jetsetter vibe of Bally. He explored a minimalistic take on denim, sportswear, and tailored suits in addition to the superior leather craftsmanship Bally is known for. Rhuigi also conceived a new emblem for the brand, which interlocks two letters of B inspired by the tradition of elastic-making from Bally.
What’s new to our eyes is the use of playful metallic and animal prints on Bally’s workwear and suiting. While Rhuigi is ready to explore the brand’s wild side, our instincts make us wonder if Bally is ready to traverse an unfamiliar direction.
Speaking of a new direction, the Swiss brand announced that Simone Belloti will be taking over the brand’s design lead. It has also been revealed that Simone has been affiliated with similar luxury brands in the past, such as Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, and Gianfranco Ferre, gearing him up with “a deep understanding of both ready-to-wear tailoring and accessories craftsmanship,” as per the brand.
“I am honored to announce Simone Bellotti’s leadership for the Bally design studio,” stated Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally. “Having already worked alongside the team during the past nine months, Simone will continue to interpret and rejuvenate our signature codes in the context of today. Simone’s passion and appreciation for Bally’s heritage, coupled with his extensive industry experience, will enable us to continue to execute on our vision of creating timeless and elegant products that uphold our legacy of craft and stand the test of time.”
To which Simone countered, “It is a great honor to be appointed Bally’s design director and trusted with contributing to Bally’s extraordinary legacy. The House’s unique Swiss heritage, coupled with its beautiful history rooted in a pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, is a powerful inspiration.”
Simone’s first collection for Bally will be presented during a fashion show at Milan Fashion Week in September.
In the Philippines, Bally is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, City of Dreams, Power Plant Mall, and Newport Mall.
