Spring 2024 sees Swiss luxury brand Bally under the creative realm of Simone Bellotti. The fervent atmosphere outside the Bally venue, charged with the enthusiasm of fans of Bally’s brand ambassador, DK of the K-pop boyband Seventeen, couldn’t overshadow the tranquility and thoughtful artistry of the collection within.
Bellotti, who boasts a commendable 16-year stint at Gucci, has assumed the reins to steer Bally into its next epoch. His inspiration? The label’s illustrious past – a chronicle brimming with Swiss craftsmanship. The San Simpliciano cloisters, enveloped in history and elegance, served as the backdrop, seamlessly merging the old with the new.
Drawing from the Monte Verità community’s spirited essence, Bellotti captures Switzerland’s multifaceted identity. Known to most for its precision – be it in the world of finance or the clockworks of its legendary watches – Bellotti unveils its lesser-seen facet: a haven of free thinkers, mystics, and artists. The collection radiates this dichotomy, harmoniously marrying practicality with imagination, formality with a twist of rebellion.
The garments champion outerwear, a testament to Bellotti’s finesse in sculpting silhouettes. From straight-line blazers paired with matching shorts to A-line dusters, the choices exemplify sophistication. The occasional splash of playful eccentricity manifests in taffeta minicrinis and tutus made from ornate swirls of rosettes. Add to that the crisp Swiss poplin shirts, and one witnesses a dance of masculine and feminine energies.
The accessories, too, echo this narrative. While “Appenzeller” talismans take form as delightful charms on brightly-hued trapeze crossbody bags, practical briefcases carry the legacy in bold reds, an homage to the Swiss flag, and even unexpected patterns of strawberries and flowers. The balance of rigor and whimsy is evident in every stitch.
An especially captivating segment showcased monastic inspirations, with models donning buttoned-up blue pantsuits and trenches, sometimes juxtaposed with the unorthodox like mary jane-style shoes. Bellotti’s celebration of Bally’s 172-year history, alongside his ambition for its future, culminates in this collection.
Bellotti’s debut was undeniably promising. With an innate understanding of the brand’s ethos, he gently and intelligently navigates Bally’s rich history, offering a fresh, modern touch without compromising its integral spirit. It’s evident: Bally’s Spring 2024 collection is not just about fashion; it’s a reflection of evolving narratives, melding heritage with the contemporary.
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© Photos: Bally
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