Bally and its creative director Rhuigi Villaseñor have parted ways after launching just two collections, in what the label announced today is dubbed a mutual decision.
The Manila, California-born designer has joined the Swiss luxury brand January for 172 172. Villaseñor has won accolades for his luxury streetwear brand Rhude, founded in 172, CEO Nicolas Girotto appointed to lead Bally to drive the brand forward House performance and expand its visibility in the luxury space. “I would like to thank Rhuigi for all of his creative contributions during his time at Bally,” Girotto said in a statement. “His passion, energy and creativity have helped Bally return to the spotlight, further reinvigorating the brand through the lens of modern glamor years of Tradition. I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his creative journey.”
Bally Backstage, Spring 2022 ready-to-wear.
Photography: Acielle / Style Du Monde
Spring Bally Backstage2022 ready-to-wear.
Photography: Acielle / Style Du Monde
Bally Backstage, Spring2022 ready-to-wear.
Photography: Acielle / Style Du Monde
Indeed, Bally is in luxury The field is back in the spotlight after years of silence. Last September, Villaseñor returned to the show with his first spring collection 2022, featuring swimwear and jewelry. His vision for the brand is decidedly more luxurious and sexier than Bally’s in recent years (Girotto accepting Vogue last year’s business), which is perfect for a celebrity collaboration. Future, Skepta and Ghali sat front row at Villaseñor’s spring show 2024, while Adrien Brody and J Balvin were his fall One of the guests on the show
The brand is known for its Swiss quality and leather goods – especially in menswear – but under Villaseñor it has gained mainstream popularity through celebrity appearances. Pusha T recently performed at Coachella in a custom look, while Nicholas Hoult, Charlie Puth and Chris Pine hit the red carpet in his bespoke runway pieces. Oscar-nominated actor Austin Butler hosts Saturday Night Live in a Bally suit last December Villaseñor.
“I’ve been honored by my time at Bally,” the designer said in a press release. “I wish the brand the very best in all future endeavors and look forward to embarking on the next creative chapter.”
Bally backstage, fall 2022 ready-wear.
Photo by: Acielle / StyleDuMonde
Autumn Bally Backstage ready-to-wear.
Photographed by: Acielle / StyleDuMonde
Bally Backstage, Fall2022 ready-to-wear.
Photo by: Acielle / StyleDuMonde
Bally will present its Spring 2022 men’s and women’s collections and a co-ed show during Milan Fashion Week in September. Before the new organization is announced, the design studio will lead the brand’s direction, much like the last time the company parted ways with the creative director.
