Bally's Journey: A Testament to Foresight

BALLY was established in 1851 by Carl Franz Bally. Before its founding, it was a rubber ribbon company, and the ribbon motif, along with the special use of rubber found in Chelsea boots, became Bally's signature. This was followed by a series of epoch-making events.

First, there was the "Bally Poster" advertising campaign, a precursor to today's art project support. They succeeded in pioneering a new approach to art and advertising, with renowned artists like Laubi, Baur-Frohberg, and Bäseler shaping Bally's image to this day. While commonplace now, conceiving such a campaign in 1910 speaks volumes about its innovation and foresight. This legacy continues today through art-related activities such as participation in Art Basel and collaborations with students from Central Saint Martins. Of course, the highly anticipated 160th-anniversary project has also been launched this year.

Furthermore, the presence of the British duo Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz, who joined Bally as new Creative Directors in April 2010, is particularly noteworthy. They are undoubtedly key figures in returning Bally to its intended form as a "modern luxury house" that truly reflects a European spirit.

“Our experience as designers, leading collections and runway shows each season, and directing advertising campaigns—“Being chosen as Creative Directors is a truly wonderful opportunity to consolidate all our past experiences. It's also a chance for an exciting new challenge and to work on new products that can reflect our aesthetic.”

“Bally possesses an extensive archive, serving as a wonderful resource for learning about the brand and finding inspiration. To create truly urban and timeless looks, we focused on the fundamental forms of menswear, using natural and honest materials and cleverly incorporating leather elements and trims in sophisticated ways. Our materials include bonded leather, suede, wool twill and herringbone, the finest cashmere and merino knits, as well as brushed cotton for shirts. We particularly recommend the boots from the 160th-anniversary collection line. Available in Oxford and Derby styles, they feature modern accents integrated into traditional brogue detailing.”

Additionally, they have skillfully translated functional features into modern designs, such as tote bags combining luxurious grained leather with gadget pockets, and improved curling boots designed for ultimate warmth and comfort. They have crafted an image of "a man who is always confident and at ease, intelligent and cultured." All of this appears to stem from an understanding of the connection between Bally's history and aesthetics, gained through exploring its archives.