Simone Bellotti is headed to Jil Sander, whose previous creative director post was left vacant by the departure of Luke and Lucie Meier last week.
“Simone embarks on this journey with extensive experience and a distinct talent. Over the time spent together we shared the strategic vision and mission for Jil Sander, the values of innovation and sophistication that make it an iconic and unique brand,” said Renzo Rosso, chairman of OTB Group.
Bellotti was recruited to Bally’s design team in October 2022 from Gucci, where he’d spent 16 years in the design studio under Frida Giannini and Alessandro Michele. In May 2023, Bellotti became design director, when then-designer Rhuigi Villaseñor left just over a year at the helm.
It’s the latest of moves at Bally. Former CEO Nicolas Girotto left in October to lead Berluti. The Swiss luxury label also has new owners as of last August, when it was acquired by Regent, an investment firm, from JAB, the investment arm of German’s Reimann family. Regent installed Ennio Fontana as Bally’s general manager in October following Girotto’s departure.
At the time of Bellotti’s appointment, the brand said that he would bring a “deep understanding of ready-to-wear tailoring and accessories” to the brand. His collections, debuting at Milan Fashion Week spring/summer 2024, have been well received.
The underrated approach to threading the history of a house – Ball dates back more than 170 years – with modern updates makes Bellotti an ideal choice for Jil Sander. The Milan label is younger, founded by its eponymous designer in Hamburg in 1968, and therefore, its references and codes are newer. Luke and Lucie Meier’s term as co-creative directors lasted seven years, through the acquisition of the label by OTB Group founder Renzo Rosso in April 2021. It sits alongside Diesel, Maison Margiela, Marni and Viktor & Rolf.
“I am incredibly honored to join Jil Sander, a storied house that created a new aesthetic with its unique approach and strong identity, and that has always had such a significant influence on the design community. I am grateful to Renzo for the trust,” said Bellotti.
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