Simone Bellotti

Simone Bellotti is an Italian designer who was appointed as the Design Director of Bally in 2023, bringing experience from Italy's most prominent fashion houses. His career is notably defined by a sixteen-year tenure at Gucci, where he worked under both Frida Giannini and Alessandro Michele, contributing to the brand's evolution across several eras. His background also includes roles at Bottega Veneta and Gianfranco Ferré, establishing him as a seasoned professional within the luxury industry.

In his role at Bally, Bellotti is tasked with revitalising the Swiss brand by leveraging his understanding of Italian craftsmanship. He is regarded as a scholarly figure who approaches design with a focus on archival research and technical precision. His appointment marks a shift for the house, aiming to balance contemporary relevance with the quality and understated elegance of the brand’s identity.

Refined minimalism and a profound respect for heritage archives characterise the design approach of Simone Bellotti. His work emphasizes the enduring value of Italian craftsmanship, particularly in the treatment of leather and other traditional materials. By focusing on the intersection of contemporary utility and timeless elegance, he creates garments and accessories that avoid fleeting trends in favour of a more permanent aesthetic. This methodology is rooted in a scholarly exploration of a brand's history, allowing him to reinterpret archival signals through a modern lens.

A recurring concern in his practice is the balance between structural restraint and material sensuality. He often employs clean lines and precise tailoring to highlight the intrinsic quality of the textiles, rather than relying on overt ornamentation. This focus on construction ensures that each piece possesses a functional clarity, while still maintaining a sense of luxury. By prioritising the heritage of leatherwork and artisanal techniques, he signals a commitment to a sophisticated, understated style that celebrates the archival legacy of the houses he leads.