about bally
Bally’s Creative Directors
Two creative minds in the name of Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz
took over Bally’s menswear and womenswear design studio in March
2010 with the focus to give it “a contemporary heritage” (Michael
Herz) and “a sense of modernity while looking at the past” (Graeme
Fidler).
Since then, the two have been working on the impressive archives
and defined a map for a new Bally journey.
The Perfect Duo
With a deep understanding of the Swiss luxury heritage and a 7-year experience of working together, Graeme and Michael have the business silhouettes to wear Bally AD mantles. The two met in London at Aquascutum when Graeme was Head of Menswear and Michael Head of Womenswear. They have been working together ever since with the intention to convey a consistent and constant message across divisions. They are recognized as prolific design partners, moreover none of them became a “we” and they have remained two distinct personalities that walk at the same speed but in their respective shoes.
The Key of Their Success
What is key today for Bally is that they share British roots and value
history, but are not locked in the past. On the contrary they use
signature details to create new fabrics, textures or shapes. It is not
about a revival but about an evolution that means a full international
challenge as much for Bally than for the designers.
Indeed, Bally is originally Swiss but has gained a global reputation
over 160 years. Graeme and Michael have committed to foster the
brand’s image of supreme excellence and fine craftsmanship. They
know precisely what it implies to create for 165 Bally-owned
boutiques and 555 store-partners worldwide. Both have a strong
aesthetic identity and are business savvy, which matches perfectly
Bally’s DNA. “ Together we marry design sensibility and business
acumen” - Graeme Fidler & Michael Herz.
Designing The Future
Far from being nostalgic, it is about setting the right frame for a new
contemporary branded vision. Neither a revolution nor a simple
renovation, but a change in direction, “ We will explore what is at the
heart of Bally, no just its archives but also its charm, its mentality and
intelligence.” - Graeme Fidler & Michael Herz.
The duo has raised the success bar and is willing to take the brand
further by giving it a contemporary relevancy without compromising
on the brand’s heritage.
Bally is first and foremost a shoe brand with a story made of pairs,
which makes the creative one Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz even
more appropriate to hold the gears of its design future.
