Full press clipping https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8v86ercQAKteTY4QVBTaGo1TzA/edit?usp=sharing
Original interview in English for Velvet Magazine October 2012
Q&A with Bally Creative Directors, Michael
Herz and Graeme Fidler
By Graciela Martin
They say
two heads are better than one, and such is the case of Michael Herz and Graeme
Fidler, who have been widely acclaimed for their work at Bally since taking
over the creative direction of the house over three years ago. The legendary
Swiss brand, celebrated for its unequalled craftsmanship in shoes and leather goods since
it was founded in 1851, has regained international success thanks to the British
duo’s ability to create up-to-date, simple, yet elegant ready-to-wear and
accessories whilst maintaining the house’s heritage intact. At the same time,
this has allowed Bally to further broaden its offer in accessories and to
quickly expand its number of stores around the world.
You both seem to have very different
personalities and very different things inspire you. For instance, Michael has
mentioned that he is very inspired by his home, which was built in 1710, and
Graeme finds modern architecture and functional design fascinating. How do you
marry your distinct personalities into such a great balance? Could you imagine
not working together?
Fortunately, we genuinely like one another and
talk all the time, sharing ideas and seeking the other’s input. We’ve been
working together for over 10 years now and while we both have our moments, we
ultimately respect and trust each other enormously.
You have both been at Bally for over three
years, what has been the most challenging part of the job so far?
Finding
the right balance between our work commitments and spending time with our
respective families. We’re both workaholics who love our jobs so it’s not easy
but time at home is extremely important to both of us.
Working with a brand of such a great heritage
comes with a great deal of fantastic archives as well, how do you manage not
falling into retro and nostalgia?
Bally was founded over 160 years ago and as a result, has this
incredible heritage and amazing archive. When we first arrived, we spent a lot
of time at the archive, coming to understand the brand and connecting with its
history and aesthetic. We sought out inspirational pieces from which we could
build our collections and develop an authentic Bally mood that still reflects
the brand’s playful spirit. Customers
expect Bally to deliver on its promise of excellence in quality and
craftsmanship in every piece we design.
We took a lot of time at the start, coming to understand what Bally
stood for and what the brand wanted to be. While we want to respect that
heritage, we also want to create highly relevant, contemporary collections that
set the benchmark in leather design and craftsmanship. The archives are our
inspiration to design collections that are iconic and desirable; a contemporary
heritage for now and the future.
Until now which pieces have you found to be the
most inspiring?
We’re constantly looking for inspiration and
particularly love spending time at the Bally archive, hunting around, digging
up hidden gems. It could be as simple as a heel shape or a colour around which
we can base a collection.
While obviously maintaining a certain aesthetic
for both lines, how does the process change when designing for men and when
designing for women?
Most men’s
fashion is made for conventional styling so the challenge is to maintain a
balance between classic, practical design that is still innovative and
interesting. Women on the other hand want it all – and we’re here to give it to
them! For the Bally woman, we still keep things simple
however the brand has a very playful side and there is definitely more scope
when creating an informal luxury lifestyle for the cosmopolitan woman.
The collections are effortless, slightly sporty
yet very elegant. Do you think women today care more about being practical
rather than dressing up?
Who says
you can’t have both? Our collections are designed for women who want that sense of freedom and
enjoyment luxury products bring. It’s about really allowing yourself to be enveloped in a world
that is both extremely comfortable and unique.
In spite of the great rise of fast fashion and
the global financial crisis, high-end fashion retailers are still going strong.
How do you see the future of fashion? How are you preparing yourselves for it?
Fashion is an expression of our culture and time, and Bally is about creating classic and iconic
shapes and interpreting them in new ways. We want to produce a product that is
beautiful and allows our customers to appreciate it because it’s desirable.
Bally’s heritage is shoes and luxury leather goods, which represent
authenticity and integrity. ‘Bally Switzerland 1851’ speaks for itself: simple, modern elegance; fine
craftsmanship; and beautiful leathers.
