Bally Just Named Rhude's Rhuigi Villaseñor As Creative Director
Some news for folks that like good menswear: Bally has just announced that it has appointed Rhuigi Villaseñor as its new creative director. The Filipino-American fashion designer founded luxury lifestyle and streetwear brand Rhude in 2015 which has since been sported by the likes of Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and more. The label is known for mashing up luxury techniques with streetwear elements, with pieces ranging from graphic t-shirts to statement varsity jackets.
"Over the past three years, we have redefined our positioning, successfully consolidating the brand across product offering and customer touchpoints," said Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally. "This strong foundation, rooted in an embrace of our Swiss identity, enables us to progress on our ambitions. In this transformative moment, and having found the right champion in Rhuigi, we are ready to move Bally to the next level. I entrust Rhuigi, a talented visionary, to continue evolving the contemporary relevance of our brand and accelerate growth while preserving Bally’s core values. Having acutely followed Rhuigi’s ascent I am excited by how his natural creativity and energetic spirit have made him one of the industry’s greatest idea generators and community builders. Rhuigi’s deep understanding of Bally’s history coupled with a distinct appreciation of the Swiss lifestyle will be instrumental in ushering the brand into the future."
Villaseñor added: “I am proud to be appointed as the new Creative Director of Bally. As a brand that is very dear to my heart, Bally has been worn in my family from generation to generation, from my grandfather to myself. The brand’s pioneering legacy across social innovation and 171 years of luxury heritage is a true inspiration, and I am drawn to the company’s paramount commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. I have always admired the Swiss approach to luxury, its discreet representation of excellence, and symbiotic openness and care for the environment. Nicolas [Girotto] and I connected on our shared vision, and it is with immense honor that I accept this challenge. I look forward to invigorating and modernizing the brand while respecting its longstanding tradition, sharing its story further with a wider community.”
Born in Manila, Philippines, Villaseñor moved to Los Angeles at the age of 11 when he could barely speak English. He tells Esquire U.S., “I came into the States and I didn't even know who Tupac was.” Now, he's using his experience as an immigrant to design from an emotional standpoint. He takes cues from his family's journey, from the countless buses his mother had to take, to learning his very first English sentences, to graduating as a valedictorian.
As creative director, Villaseñor will oversee the artistic direction for the whole of Bally. The Rhude founder will release his first full collection for the brand for the spring/summer 2023 season.
