Image via Vogue
In what may be viewed as a surprising move depending on who you ask, Rhuigi Villaseñor has announced his departure from luxury Bally as their Creative Director. This decision has been described as “joint and mutual” and marks the end of his tenure with the brand which began in January 2022. During his time with the company, Villaseñor’s goal was aimed to rejuvenate the brand and appeal to a younger audience. Despite his efforts, it seems as though the partnership did not yield the desired results.
Rhuigi Villaseñor is renowned for his own brand, RHUDE, known for its fusion between high-end fashion and streetwear. It quickly gained a strong following and has become a favorite amongst fashion enthusiasts and celebrities. His unique aesthetic is what led him to earn the CD position at Bally and a host of other top tier partnerships.
Villaseñor’s goal for the Swiss luxury label, known for its timeless design and rich heritage, was to breathe more life into the brand. Post Louis Vuitton x Supreme, there has been a decided effort among luxury brands to cater to a younger demographic. As the marriage between luxury and streetwear has become more prevalent, it appeared as Bally wanted a seat at the table with a more modern and edgy infusion.
Villaseñor embarked on an ambitious journey to reboot the 170-year-old legacy brand. He was the first creative director for the brand since Pablo Cappola left in 2017. Some of his accomplishments during his tenure:
· Presenting the brand’s first runway show in 20 years in September 2022
· Rolling out a New York flagship store
· Partnership with actor Adrien Brody
Bally CEO, Nicolas Girotta, spoke highly of Villaseñor stating,
“I would like to thank Rhuigi for all his creative contributions during his time at Bally. His passion, energy, and creativity helped catapult Bally back into the spotlight, further rejuvenating the brand’s 170-year legacy through a modern, glamorous lens. I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his creative journey.”
Villaseñor spoke on the separation as well adding,
“My experience at Bally has been an incredible honor. I wish the brand nothing but the best in all its future endeavors and look forward to enjoying its next creative chapter.”
In a short series of tweets, Villaseñor mentions “never compromising your values and culture for anything” and “creative freedom”. Despite the initial excitement of his creative direction, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for this split as he has not responded to any requests for comments.
As he bids his farewell, it looks like he will continue to focus on RHUDE and R.H.U., the line he designs for Zara, until his next Creative Director journey. His talent is proven, and his keen fashion sense makes him a sought-after creative force. There’s no doubt that he’ll continue to captivate his audience and push the boundaries.
We wish Rhuigi nothing but success in his future endeavors and we will continue to wait in anticipation for what he does in this industry. We’ll be waiting to see what’s to come.