Original Bernard Villemot Bally Kick Poster | Bally Globe | Circa 1989 | Small Format Offset-Lithograph | Linen-Backed | Grade A Condition

Description

This is a vibrant and playful original Bernard Villemot Bally poster, created circa 1989—one of the final works produced by the legendary French graphic designer before his death that same year. Known colloquially as “Bally Kick” or “Bally Globe,” this striking composition captures the spirit of international luxury footwear through an image of spirited elegance and movement. A glamorous woman adorned in a sophisticated polka-dot dress executes a graceful upward kick, her leg extended with confidence and style. In a brilliant visual paradox, her shadow beneath the figure reveals not a female form but a man’s leg encased in a sleek Bally shoe. The composition is set against a bold red background, with a luminous blue globe positioned in the upper-right corner, symbolizing Bally’s status as a worldwide luxury brand and emphasizing the universal appeal of its footwear. This is a masterpiece of commercial design that seamlessly merges art and advertisement, sophistication and playfulness.

Bernard Villemot’s 22-year partnership with Bally produced some of the most celebrated advertising imagery in fashion history. Throughout this collaboration, Villemot created numerous campaigns that elevated shoe advertisements to the status of fine art, working within a distinguished lineage of premier poster artists commissioned by the Swiss brand, including Jean D’Ylen, Leonetto Cappiello, Raymond Gid, and Binder. The “Bally Kick” composition demonstrates Villemot’s continued mastery of visual narrative in his final years—the ability to convey complex messages about brand identity, global reach, and aspirational lifestyle through apparently simple compositional elements. The interplay between the woman’s vibrant energy and the shadow figure creates visual depth and intrigue, while the polka-dot motif and bold color palette channel the optimism and sophistication of mid-century modernism. This is among Villemot’s last contributions to advertising design, making it both historically significant and artistically accomplished.

What distinguishes this particular variant is its intimate small-format scale combined with Grade A museum-quality condition. At 16″ × 23.5″, this is the smaller version of the design (also available in the monumental 46″ × 67″ format), making it more accessible for intimate interior spaces while retaining all of Villemot’s artistic impact. The poster remains in exceptional condition—colors vibrant and unfaded, lines crisp and bold, with archival linen backing ensuring preservation for generations. This is an authenticated investment-grade piece representing not only a masterwork of commercial design but also a poignant final statement from one of the twentieth century’s most influential graphic artists.

Condition & Details:

• Original, not a reproduction
• Size: 16″ × 23.5″ (small format)
• Medium: Offset-Lithograph
• Artist: Bernard Villemot (1911–1989)
• Date: Circa 1989
• Backing: Linen-backed (museum quality, archival preservation)
• Condition: Grade A, excellent/fabulous condition
• Authenticity: Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Subject: Bally Shoes / Bally Kick / Bally Globe
• Also Available: Large format version (46″ × 67″)
• Alternate Small Format: Bally Blonde version also available
• Historical Significance: One of Villemot’s final works

This is an authenticated Villemot masterpiece of exceptional collector value. We are IVPDA-certified specialists with deep expertise in twentieth-century European poster art, fashion advertising design, and modernist graphic design. Every vintage poster in our collection undergoes rigorous authentication, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and a detailed condition assessment. This iconic “Bally Kick” poster represents a significant investment opportunity for serious collectors of design history, advertising art, fashion illustration, and modernist visual culture. Order with complete confidence online 24/7—this museum-quality piece is ready to frame and ship worldwide. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Own a final masterpiece by a legend—where fashion, art, and global vision converge in perfect elegance.