Bally Looks to Zagliani for Leather

BALLY DEAL: Bally aims to tap into the leather crafting skills of sister firm Zagliani, taking over the latter’s renowned Milan atelier to boost its own production of high-end bags and accessories. An announcement is expected today. Bally will have exclusive use of Zagliani’s Milan atelier, which houses 30 artisans recognized for their technical know-how with soft, luxury leathers and exotic skins. The production of Zagliani branded bags will be paused as a result. “Our women’s segment is accelerating, and this is one of the finest handbag ateliers in the world,” said Frédéric de Narp, chief executive officer of Bally. He added that five years from now he expects the women’s handbag business to generate 15 to 20 percent of overall sales. “There will be a major focus on exotic skins, and made-to-order bags for men and women,” said de Narp. Giovanni Torchiani, who joined Bally’s executive committee as vice president, global manufacturing in October, will spearhead the integration of the atelier and the production of the special accessories. Bally and Zagliani both belong to JAB Holdings, which is also the parent of Jimmy Choo and Belstaff.

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