Last September, Rhuigi Villaseñor made a memorable debut at Milan Fashion Week as the creative director of Swiss luxury fashion house, Bally. He selected Casa degli Atellani, a 15th-century town house once belonging to Leonardo Da Vinci and now home to Italian architect Piero Portaluppi, to showcase his latest collection. The historic residence was the ideal setting to present Villaseñor’s reinterpretation of the long-standing Swiss label established in 1851.
Backstage, Villaseñor stated, “this location is breathtaking, what could be a better place to display a collection that pays homage to history with a modern twist?“. He believes the twist he brings to the brand should be a “bold statement“, showcasing his unique sense of style. Moving away from the Los Angeles influence in his first collection, Villaseñor is reinforcing the luxury codes embedded in Bally.
The Fall/Winter 2023 collection’s outerwear pieces were highlights, including several snakeskin trenches and faux-fur coats in bold hues like burgundy and purple. An oversize velvet parka with large bows was sure to make a statement. Villaseñor envisions Bally’s woman as sensual yet understated, as demonstrated by Irina Shayk in a long velvet dress with cutouts. The brand’s name was prominently displayed in gold, with metallic details appearing throughout the collection for added glamour.
While the looks were predominantly monochromatic, they were often paired with printed silk scarves and incorporated into the design of the structured bags. Villaseñor is aware of the importance of staying true to Bally’s core accessories business, particularly footwear, and the collection did not disappoint with a variety of boots in different materials. The men’s pin-striped suits were elevated with knee-high boots, adding a touch of edginess.
