Following Rhuigi Villaseñor‘s departure as Bally‘s Creative Director, the brand has officially appointed new leadership. Bally has announced that Gucci alum Simone Bellotti will take over as its new Design Director.

Bellotti joined Bally in October 2022 and will now lead all in-house design operations. He has previously held senior positions at Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, and Gianfranco Ferré, providing an in-depth understanding of ready-to-wear, tailoring, and accessories.

Rhuigi Villaseñor’s one-year tenure at Bally showcased the brand’s willingness to head into new directions, while Villaseñor was unable to push Bally toward younger audiences. As a result, he parted ways with Bally in early May after a “joint and mutual decision.”

Alongside CEO Nicolas Girotto, Bellotti will guide Bally into a new era and focus on the label’s “core values of craftsmanship, innovation, and Swiss luxury.” The designer’s first collection as Bally’s Design Director will be presented at Milan Fashion Week in September 2023.

Speaking on his appointment, Simone Bellotti says:

“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.”

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