The designer, who moved to Los Angeles from the Philippines at 11, injected his love for bold silhouettes into the recognizable legacy brand.
In January, Bally named its first creative director in five years Filipino-American Rhuigi Villaseñor. “I am proud to be appointed as the new creative director of Bally,” the 30-year-old said in a statement upon the announcement. 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.”
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Over the weekend, On September 24, Villaseñor presented his debut collection for the Swiss luxury house during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021. The designer, who moved to Los Angeles from the Philippines at 11, injected his love for bold silhouettes into the recognizable legacy brand.
Opulence and sexiness
Among the 45 looks were tiger print men’s trousers, a yellow snakeskin coat, and a Barbiecore look presented through a metallic pink jacket paired with knee-high boots. Before entering his post at Bally, Villaseñor founded Rhude in 2015. The design venture was born in his native Los Angeles and balances “luxury techniques with streetwear elements.”
His California upbringing reflects in Bally’s latest set through relaxed denim button-downs, cut-out gowns, and elevated swimwear cut from suede and metallic spandex. Describing the collection, Villaseñor told Vogue, “Being about opulence and sexiness it’s about what I want to wear when I go out, what my friends want to wear when they go out, and what I think other people want to wear when they go out.”
Banner image design by Paolo Torio from photos via Bally’s Instagram page.
