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.
