Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

BALLY MEN Au t umn/Wi n t e r 2019 C onceived by dynamic Design Directors, Antonio Monfreda and Patrick Kinmoth of Kinmoth and Monfreda Studio, the set for the Bally Men’s Autumn/Winter 2019 runway explored the multisensory dimensions of travel, with a train embarking from Milan, Italy to Zermatt, Switzerland. More than a literal evocation of transport, the installation reflected a train of thought, tracing new contours through an acquainted terrain. Emerging out of a surreal mountainscape, the runway presented as bustling platforms with clusters of voyagers wearing Bally’s AW19 collection, awaiting departure. Cosy carriages sheltered more travellers and luxe leather outerwear, shoes and accessories tidily sorted overhead. It was a moment of reflective theatre – a tradition of quality, a place of change, a new and powerful imagination – which set the stage for the new collection. This year, the Bally Man is exploring new terrain and all it contains. A citizen of the world, he expresses creativity through colourful and unexpected pairings. SHOES Given the Bally heritage, and the wintry setting, boots were centre stage. The Maloja boots feature Wet Ice Technology soles by Vibram, underscoring the shoe theme for men this season, alongside the Zermatt and Lyskamm styles. The Mountain Peak motif also features fur trims and shearling accents. Sporty hiking sneakers and curling boots complete the collection. BAGS The Hawke backpack is rugged but designed with everyday use in mind. Technical details such as cording and colourful mixed materials give it a fashion edge. The lightweight and dynamic High Point group updates the classic Bally stripe with a younger attitude and accessible price point. Elevate provides an urban take on the outdoors with a two-in-one dimension and features an archive inspired jacquard pouch that sits inside a TPU outer shell. READY TO WEAR Bally is the architect of leather. Dynamic outerwear makes a statement with a buttery, angular cape and an oversized blouson jacket worn over a slim zip hoodie and sporty cargo trousers. A down-lined silk jacquard coat and ink-printed nappa tracksuit intricately illustrate an archive drawing from a mountain expedition, complemented by a chunky knit scarf featuring nostalgic motifs. A 1970s Bally Polar logo is a feature on caps and sweatshirts. Warm and woolly, textured and tactile, the materials in this collection include shearling, nylon, velvet, waterproof leather, featherweight leather, technical fabrics, silk and printed jacquard, knits, wool, cashmere, coated canvas and flannel, brushed mohair, and suede. The juxtaposition of materials is also important: quilting, inlays, cording, knitting, crocheting, leather trims, treatments showing the diversity of Bally’s craftsmanship in leather. The collection is anchored in an exceptional heritage of shoemaking and unique designs, driven by a strong, retro sportswear aesthetic, taking the Bally man wherever he wants to go.