BALLY | BALLY LOVES ART! Bally's Intimate and Stimulating Relationship with Art
BALLY | BALLY
BALLY LOVES ART!
BALLY and Art: An Intimate and Stimulating Relationship
BALLY and Art──Since its founding in 1851, these two have been intimately connected. The visual development of the "Bally Poster" series, launched in 1910, was truly an epoch-making concept and an innovative endeavor. This was followed by participation in Art Basel in recent years and the "BALLY Love" collection, a collaboration with contemporary artists. Bally's challenge to art knows no bounds.
By Yumiko Takayama
A Passion for Art, Breathing Within the Brand!
Since its inception, Bally has strived not only for craftsmanship but also for constant newness and modernity. This can be seen not only in its items but also in its passion dedicated to creativity and art.
The inspiration for the Autumn/Winter 2011-12 womenswear collection came from Bally's advertising visuals from the 1980s by poster artist Bernard Villemot. Bally began its "Bally Poster" advertising campaign in 1910, pioneering a new approach to art and advertising. In addition to B. Villemot, the brand's public image has been shaped by a constellation of renowned artists such as Laub, Baumgartner, Berser, and Hadler. Their artwork remains vibrant and possesses a timeless brilliance even today.
Where Contemporary Art and Fashion Intersect──"BALLY Love"
In recent years, since 2010, Bally has partnered with Art Basel, the world's largest art fair, and Art Basel Miami Beach, launching the "BALLY Love" collection in collaboration with contemporary artists. The first installment featured Swiss artist Philippe Decrauzat, who transformed Bally items into works of art using geometric and abstract patterns. The collection, characterized by sharp grids and dots in black and white, presented a highly design-oriented aesthetic that garnered significant attention not only in the fashion industry but also in the art world.
Philippe Decrauzat
"BALLY Love" 2010 Exhibition
"BALLY Love" First Collection
"Collaborating with contemporary artists is an incredibly fascinating experience. It allows us to showcase the brand in a different light and, by working with creators from diverse fields, to gain new perspectives on the brand," say Creative Directors Michael Herz and Graeme Fidler.
A Partnership with Emerging Artist Olaf Breuning
The highly anticipated second artist for "BALLY Love" is Olaf Breuning, an artist active in New York. He is a rising star with international acclaim, evidenced by major exhibitions such as Migros Museum (2007) and the Whitney Biennial (2008). Breuning is known for his distinctive style of intervening in ordinary landscapes and everyday objects. While his work spans various mediums including video, sculpture, photography, drawing, and installation, it is consistently infused with a sense of absurdity and black humor. It's no wonder that New York Times critic Roberta Smith has dubbed him a "joking sculptor."
Emerging artist Olaf Breuning.
Drawing inspiration from Bally's vintage posters, reminiscent of his own "Marilyns" project from 2010, Olaf Breuning photographed five models covered in white paint, accessorized with wigs, shoes, bags, and gloves made of masking tape. This series formed the basis for the "BALLY Love" second collection, which was first unveiled at the Bally Collection Lounge during Art Basel in June. The collection will be presented in full during Art Basel Miami Beach in December.
Olaf Breuning, inspired by Bally's advertising posters, paints models.
Artwork for the "BALLY Love" second collection by Olaf Breuning.
The "BALLY Love" second collection, comprising women's and men's shoes, handbags, and T-shirts, will be unveiled during Art Basel Miami Beach in December. Bally's innovative challenges in art continue to captivate.
Bally Japan
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