Filipino-American designer Rhuigi Villaseñor has been named the newest Creative Director of the Swiss fashion house, Bally.
Villaseñor, the 29-year-old founder and creative director of the Los Angeles luxury lifestyle and streetwear brand Rhude, was announced as the Bally brand’s next Creative Director on January 19, 2022.
Born in Manila, Villaseñor immigrated to the United States at the age of nine. He founded his luxury streetwear brand Rhude in 2015 and credits his understanding of garments and construction to growing up with a mother who was a tailor and an architect father.
The Fil-Am designer is known for his unique reinterpretation of the modern wardrobe and often references American iconography with nostalgic reflections observed through a foreign, aspirational lens, a visual narrative combining luxury techniques with streetwear elements.
As the brand’s newly appointed Creative Director, Villaseñor will oversee the artistic direction across the brand. His first collection for Bally will debut for the Spring/Summer 2023 season.
“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,” Rhuigi Villaseñor said in a statement.
“I have always admired the Swiss approach to luxury, its discreet representation of excellence, and symbiotic openness and care for the environment. Nicolas and I connected on our shared vision, and it is with immense honor that I accept this challenge,” Villaseñor added.
Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally, said: “Over the past three years, we have redefined our positioning, successfully consolidating the brand. This strong foundation, rooted in an embrace of our Swiss identity, enables us to progress on our ambitions,”
“Having found the right champion in Rhuigi, we are ready to move Bally to the next level…[his] 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.”
Rhuigi Villaseñor is the 171-year-old Swiss luxury label’s first Creative Director in five years. He takes over the post left vacant by Pablo Coppola in 2017.
Filipinos making strides in the fashion world include Dubai-based couturier Michael Cinco and Furne One.
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