Sophistication and playfulness

BALLY SPRING/SUMMER 2009 COLLECTION

Leading Swiss brand Bally introduces its Spring/Summer 2009 collection for both men and women.

For the women’s collection, lace and vintage lingerie techniques give a touch of old world elegance to a silhouette that is short, flirty and feminine.

For women, lace and vintage lingerie techniques give a touch of old world elegance to a silhouette that is short, flirty and feminine, with full emphasis on the legs. The tones are earthy colours, muted whites and washed out florals.

Modern romantic perfectly describes the ready-to-wear; very feminine but ultimately urban. The 1940s-inspired undergarments, delicately ruffled chiffon blouses and dresses, on a loose cut, are paired with very tailored structured, high waisted skirts, vests and jackets.

The woven lace theme is repeated through every element; corded silk belts, in pastel shades; scarves, which carry all the prints mixed together, are finished with a fringe detailed with tiny crystals, repeating the lace patterns yet again.

Shoes are the cornerstone of the collection. Sandals, whether flat or on a 9-cm conical heel, tie up the legs like vines. The platforms see 12-cm heels with 3-cm platform creating the statement that a true 9-cm heel is completely wearable. Bold design is softened by the use of materials and details. Flats are simple and sporty, with an upper chain.

Softness is the key for bags. Working with the treatment of pleats, weaves, stitching and cut, the construction almost gives the feeling of a second skin. The easy shopper with its clean lines acts as an elegant and sophisticated document-carrier bag that can convert to a clutch. Clutches, featuring pleats and a plexi-glass frame, have a deco feel with enough volume to work as day clutch or come in satin for evening.

Meanwhile, the men's collection has a strong sense of travel and adventure. From footwear, through bags, to ready-to-wear, there is an eclectic combination of multi-ethnic, weaves and textures that layered together create a relaxed silhouette.

The men’s collection has a strong sense of travel and adventure.

For men's ready-to-wear, softest jersey is not just used for t-shirts but also for jackets. Jersey fleece is used to create trousers that are soft, light and sophisticated.

Beautiful linen gauze shirts with micro weave prints, printed jacquards, natural cotton weave and denim are additionally detailed with intricate embroideries.

Panels on shirts and jackets, whether cotton, fleece, leather or suede, are hand-woven together with cashmere blanket stitches or suede lacings. The weave theme is carried through to the leather belts and also in the leather and suede jackets.

For shoes, there is a rich earthy palette reflecting the colours of the desert throughout. Loafers and moccasins in suede, classic espadrilles, woven leather sandals, flip-flops with micro rubber soles, and cowboy boots are all on offer. The dress shoes, whether classic oxfords, monk or brogue styles, are given a playful twist.

There is a strong hint of travel throughout the bags - from saddle bags to Victorian expedition bags to weekenders and totes with detachable document pouches and bags made in buckskin with grained calf trim.

The S/S 09 collection for men and women are available at Bally stores at Gaysorn, Central Chidlom, The Emporium and Paragon department stores. RT