MILAN (AP) 鈥� Simone Bellotti, a long-time member of the Gucci design team, was named design director at Bally on Wednesday as the 172-year-old Swiss fashion house continues a process of rejuvenation.
Bellotti, a Milan native, will debut his first collection during Milan Fashion Week in September.
Bellotti spent 16 years at Gucci before joining Bally last October. He previously worked at Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta and Gianfranco Ferre where he learned Ferre鈥檚 architectural approach to fashion design.
Bellotti 鈥渂rings with him a deep understanding of both ready-to-wear tailoring and accessories craftmanship,鈥欌�� Bally said in a statement, adding that while at Gucci Bellotti 鈥渄eveloped his keen obsession with detail, interpreting archival references in innovative directions.鈥欌��
Bellotti succeeds U.S. designer Rhuigi Villasenor, who left Bally earlier this month after one-year tenure during which he helped boost the brand鈥檚 visibility as it returned to the runway following a 20-year absence.
A transformation at the fashion house is being led by CEO Nicolas Girotto, with a focus on 鈥渃raftsmanship, innovation, and Swiss luxury,鈥欌�� Bally said in a release.
鈥淭he house鈥檚 unique Swiss heritage, coupled with its beautiful history rooted in a pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, is a powerful inspiration,鈥欌�� Bellotti said.
The Associated Press
