Bally has appointed Simone Belotti as design director for the Swiss luxury label. Bellotti joined Bally in October 2022 following a 16-year tenure at Gucci. Bellotti has also held design positions at Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, and Gianfranco Ferré.
The news follows on the heels of Bally parting ways with designer Rhuigi Villaseñor, who held the position for just 17 months. Villaseñor was viewed as a creative capable of growing the brand’s standing among young consumers with a taste for streetwear. It’s a strategy the label appears to be backing away from given Bellotti’s background with legacy luxury labels.
Commenting on the appointment, Bally CEO Nicolas Girotto said, “I am honored to announce Simone Bellotti’s leadership for the Bally design studio. 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.”
Bellotti added, “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.”
Bellotti’s first collection for Bally will be presented during Milan Fashion Week in September 2023.
