BALLY (SINGAPORE)

Founded by Carl Franz Bally, what started as a family-run ribbon factory in Schönenwerd, Switzerland, swiftly evolved into a pioneering global brand by the turn of the century. Today, Bally continues to honor its timeless traditions, adhering to the belief that quality speaks for itself, while embracing innovation and sustainability in its designs.

A Rich History

Bally industrialized its processes in 1854, built infrastructure and services to support its employees, and expanded its stores from Montevideo, Uruguay in 1870 to Paris, France in 1879. From its humble beginnings, Bally grew into a global brand, establishing a legacy of excellence that spans over a century and a half.

Craftsmanship and Iconic Designs

Bally’s commitment to craftsmanship is exemplified in its iconic men’s formal Scribe shoes, created by Carl Franz Bally’s grandson Max Bally in 1951 to celebrate the brand’s 100-year anniversary. These shoes are still handmade in Switzerland, requiring 240 artisanal techniques to complete. Bally’s dedication to longevity and innovation is evident in its designs, handcrafted by multi-generational artisans in Caslano, Switzerland, who bring consistency and care to shoes, accessories, and ready-to-wear collections.

Key Highlights

• Scribe Shoes: Handmade using 240 artisanal techniques.
• Artisans: Multi-generational craftsmen in Caslano, Switzerland.
• Designs: Include the classic red-and-white Bally Stripe and 1851 hardware.

Bally’s functional fashion breaks boundaries, from the Reindeer boots worn by Tenzing Norgay during the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 to the technical Curling shoes worn by the Swiss Olympic team. The brand embraces cutting-edge technologies like AI and 3-D prototyping to enhance its designs, creating beautiful, relevant products with clean lines and a signature edge inspired by modern architecture and the arts.

Collaborations with Creative Talents

Since the early 20th century, Bally has collaborated with top creative talents, commissioning globally-renowned advertising posters by French illustrator Bernard Villemot and working with leading architects like Le Corbusier, Karl Moser, Robert Mallet-Stevens, and Andrée Putman. In 2019, award-winning firm Casper Mueller Kneer Architects designed the Milan Bally Haus flagship concept, blending modern design with Bally’s heritage.

Sustainability and the Bally Peak Outlook Foundation

Rooted in the Swiss Alps, Bally integrates nature into its practices, taking tangible action towards mountain preservation through the Bally Peak Outlook Foundation, established in 2020. The elements serve as a primary source of inspiration for Bally’s collections, reflecting the brand’s profound passion for sustainability and the protection of fragile alpine environments worldwide. Learn more about Bally’s approach to sustainability and the Bally Peak Outlook Foundation, dedicated to preserving the beauty of the world’s alpine regions.