May 19, 2023
Manila-born, California-based designer Rhuigi Villaseñor is exiting Bally after two collections.
Villaseñor, who found acclaim through his luxury streetwear brand ‘Rhude’, quickly courted cult success for his youthfully American and casual yet tailored sartorial iterations. It wasn’t long until the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and LeBron James, sported his creations.
Tapped in January of 2022 by the 172-year-old Swiss fashion house, the ‘Rhude’ founder was appointed in the hopes of “modernizing” and “taking the brand [Bally] to a new level”.
After his appointment, Bally CEO Nicolas Girotto shared in an official statement: “Having acutely followed Rhuigi’s ascent I am excited by how his natural creativity and energetic spirit have made him one of the industry’s greatest idea generators and community builders. Rhuigi’s 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.”
Bally SS2023 RTW | Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
Now, after two collections, the Swiss fashion house has announced that Villaseñor will be stepping down from his position in what was described as a mutual decision.
“I would like to thank Rhuigi for all his creative contributions during his time at Bally,” Girotto said in a statement. “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.”
No further announcements of who will be replacing Villaseñor have been made.