Bally Names New Creative Director – WWD

MILAN – Bally has appointed Rhuigi Villaseñor as its new creative director.

His first collection for the Swiss luxury brand Bally, owned by JAB Holding Company, will launch in the spring of 2023.

He succeeds Pablo Coppola, who has exited the country Bally in 2017 after three years of experience, the last person to hold this role.

Born in Manila, Villaseñor is the founder, chief executive officer and creative director of the Rhude brand, which includes ready-to-wear clothing and accessories and lifestyle partnerships including home and car. His new role at Bally will not affect the Rhude brand, which he will continue to lead and design.

“Over the past three years, we have redefined our positioning, successfully reinforcing the brand across product and customer points of sale,” said. Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally. “This solid foundation, rooted in our Swiss identity, allows us to develop our ambitions. In these transformative times, and having found the right champion in Rhigi, we’re ready to take Bally to the next level. ”

Girotto has defined the designer as “a talented visionary” and said he is confident in his ability to “continue to develop the contemporary relevance of our brand and accelerate growth while maintaining Bally’s core values. After closely following Rhuigi’s ascent, I am so excited that his natural creativity and energetic spirit have made him one of the creators of ideas and builders. Build the greatest community in the industry. Rhuigi’s deep understanding of Bally’s history coupled with a distinct appreciation of the Swiss way of life will be instrumental in opening up the brand into the future. ”

A Filipino and American, and raised on several continents before immigrating to the US at the age of 9, Villaseñor began his career in Los Angeles, influenced by his mother, a seamstress and His father, an architect. He founded Rhude in 2015.

Bally “has been worn in my family from generation to generation, from my grandfather to myself. The brand’s pioneering heritage of social innovation and 171 years of luxury heritage are a real inspiration and I am intrigued by the company’s paramount commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship,” said Villaseñor. , who will be based in Los Angeles and Switzerland said. “I have always admired the Swiss approach to luxury, the discreet expression of excellence, symbiotic openness and concern for the environment. Nicolas and I are connected on our shared vision, and I am honored to accept this challenge. I look forward to energizing and modernizing the brand while respecting its longstanding tradition, sharing my story further with the wider community. ”

Manuel Martinez, president of Bally, “said “Villaseñor has a deep understanding of the brand’s potential and will bring a synergistic creative force, further cementing the brand while accelerating the rebranding process.” foundation led by Nicolas successfully for the past three years”.