History of Bally
Bally is a Swiss luxury fashion brand founded in 1851 by Carl Franz Bally and his brother Fritz in
Schönenwerd, Switzerland. What began as a small family shoemaking business soon became recognized
for its high-quality leather shoes and craftsmanship. By the end of the 19th century, Bally had
grown into an international name in footwear, admired for its blend of tradition and innovation.
In the 20th century, Bally expanded beyond shoes into bags, accessories, and ready-to-wear
fashion. The brand became a symbol of elegance and durability, with its shoes worn by celebrities,
public figures, and even climbers of Mount Everest in the 1950s. This established Bally as both a
luxury and performance brand.
Today, Bally is owned by JAB Holding Company, which is controlled
by the Reimann family. JAB owns several global luxury and consumer brands, and under its ownership
Bally continues to uphold its heritage of Swiss craftsmanship while embracing modern design and
sustainability. With its long history, Bally remains a timeless symbol of Swiss luxury.