STEADY AT BALLY: Fashion’s revolving door continues to swing, but don’t expect a new creative director to join Bally any time soon.
The Swiss brand has been going through major changes since the acquisition last August by an affiliate of Regent, the owner of Club Monaco and Escada, from JAB.
Two months later, CEO Nicolas Girotto exited the brand, succeeded by former Dsquared2 and Roberto Cavalli executive Ennio Fontana, who joined as general manager.
In March, creative director Simone Bellotti left Bally to join Jil Sander. He brought rigorous designs, sleek tailoring and understated chicness, while at the same time adding irreverent and whimsical twists to sober and tailored suits and trenches, like the tiny cowbells referencing the Swiss heritage of the brand. Bellotti had been named to that post in May 2023, succeeding Rhuigi Villaseñor. The latter, who is also the founder of luxury streetwear brand Rhude, held the top design role for only one year.
Bally did not present a menswear collection in Milan, but staged a presentation on Sunday of a capsule inspired by an archival tennis shoe, and a spokeswoman said the aim is now to focus on the immediate future with collections designed by the brand’s team for consistency, after all the changes.
Michael Reinstein is the founder and chairman of investment firm Regent. In April, as reported, seasoned fashion and retail executive Mario Grauso joined Regent as operating partner of its fashion and luxury group, a new role. Grauso is the former president of Holt Renfrew, Vera Wang, Joe Fresh and Puig Fashion, parent of Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci and Paco Rabanne.
Regent’s wider portfolio also includes the retailer Intermix plus a clutch of hosiery and innerwear players: Dim, Intermix, Playtex, Wonderbra, Bellinda and La Senza.
Based in Beverly Hills, Regent invests across sectors including retail, luxury, media, technology, automotive and industrial.