Sophisticated urban

       World leading Swiss fashion brand Bally introduces its Autumn/Winter 2009 collection for both men and women under Brian Atwood, the brand's creative director.
       According to Atwood, the women's collection was inspired by Helmut Newton's iconic portraits of Charlotte Rampling and Bianca Jagger.
       "I am constantly mesmerised by his ability to create luxury out of simplicity. Taking this inspiration as a starting point, I wanted to create a collection that captures the excitement, energy and creativity of urban life," he said.
       The women's collection highlights a rich palette of colours and textures, with metallic accents. A delicate yet graphic floral print was created in devore. Both in black and a hand-painted burst of colour, this fabric then carries across the collection, including shoes, accessories and readyto-wear.
       A very graphic, slightly gothic lace has also been created in gold metal; heels, platforms,bags and jewellery featuring this gives the entire range an elegant edge. In addition, a few elements were plucked from different eras such as the Arabian influence of the '30s, and the tailored sophistication of the '80s.
       The star shoe of the collection is a classic T-bar Mary-Jane whose heel and platform both have lace patterned gilding and are available in a vast array of colours and materials. Ankle,knee-high and thigh-high stretch suede boots feature a 130mm gold lace 'cage' heel, and giltedged platform.
       For daywear, luxurious satchels in pleated nappa, laminated gold kid, natural and jewel coloured snakeskin, embellished with gold hardware, are chic and effortless. Clutches and minaudiere feature prominently, with cleverly designed interiors.
       The ready-to-wear range has a sophisticated and soft-flowing silhouette. Metallics are threaded throughout the collection to create a certain sparkle: long flowing marabou cardigans are laced together with chain; a patent leather lace jacket has a network of delicate chain holding it together; full draped jackets come in jewel tone wools and animal prints.
       Rich fabrics are gathered and elegantly draped to create a relaxed look. Soft leather turbans,low-cut driving gloves and patchwork lace tights give the looks a daring young finish that is simply urban.
       For men, Brian Atwood has created a collection to capture the tangible energy and creativity of city life."Originally I was concentrating on interpreting a classic tailored look, when I saw an amazing shot of Steve McQueen working on his motorcycle; instantly the collection came together - clean, modern and simply urban," he said.
       Green, grey and black are the statement palette of the collection. Although these are accented with hints of colour, the true core feature is texture. Shoes, bags, belts, jackets, trousers, even motorcycle helmets all are offered in a wide range of textures.
       The shoe collection is sleek, sharp, elegant and ultimately modern. For the main; classic Oxfords, monk strap loafers and Chelsea boots,all come in lustrous, warm colours, finished with stitching details. There are also classic combat boots with chunky zippers.
       The bag collection is simply sophisticated.Clean lines are supported by sumptuous textures,shearling, ostrich, washed python and blanket wool. Key shapes are the elongated document bag and the oversized satchel/shopper.
       The travel collection features purpose-built pieces: trolleys, 24- and 48-hour weekenders,computer cases, a men's shoe carrier, as well as small leather goods. This entire range has clean modern lines with multi-layered, highly-organised compartments including removable pouches to ensure everything is well protected, including laptops.
       The ready-to-wear features an eclectic mix of textures, materials and prints. Here the vest of a traditional 3-piece suit is replaced with finely knit jumpers or cardigans, often in an animal print.
       A hand-tailored jacket is paired with jeans originally inspired by motocross trousers. The traditional suit shirt is replaced with silks and cottons cut pajama style, and completed with a skinny leather tie.RT
       Shoes and bags come in a rich palette of colours and textures, with metallic accents.
       BALLY AUTUMN/WINTER 2009
       The new collection by Brian Atwood,the brand's creative director,captures the excitement,energy and creativity of urban life.