In the verdant pasture that was the label s menswear presentation, Bally Man and Bally Gal sat sunning. "We wanted to give a tableau of our man in his world," designer Michael Herz explained. So they were surrounded by their accoutrements: a record player and 33s; a fine Swiss camera; a croc-covered water bottle; and, for good measure, a Swiss BMC bike that had won the Tour de France. Not just the same make and model—the very bike itself.
There s the Swiss temperament for you: Even in a romantic meadow scene lurks the precision of a champion. The association between Bally, the Swiss shoemaker, and BMC, the bicycle concern, is hardly accidental. "Our point of difference is that we want to innovate," said Graeme Fidler. "It s not about being fashion-forward. It s about being relevant to the customer tomorrow."
What most seemed to excite the two designers were the accessories that emphasized innovation. Their collection is long on acetate-welded soles, Goodyear welts (even in casual shoes, like desert boots), and little extras like the removable, leather-soled sock that comes with the hiking-style Forest boot. An unlined suede bag elicited especial glee. Among the apparel, multimaterial pieces like half-suede shorts and reversible suede-and-lambskin jackets set the scene. They all looked ready for a brisk walk in the shade. "He s not a guy who goes clubbing," the designers confirmed.
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