In “Le Lotus”, created in 1978, Bernard Villemot reimagines the luxury of Bally shoes through a serene and symbolic composition. This elegant poster draws the viewer into a world where footwear becomes poetry—an organic fusion of form, femininity, and finesse.
Set against a deep black background, the poster centers on a stylized red Bally stiletto, gently cradled by the soft, curving petals of a pink lotus flower. The lines are fluid, minimal, and evocative—classic Villemot. The composition radiates calm and balance, suggesting that Bally doesn’t just adorn the foot, but elevates the entire being.
The lotus, a symbol of beauty and transcendence, becomes a perfect metaphor for Bally’s ethos: rising from simplicity into sophistication, from the everyday into the exquisite. Villemot’s color palette—rich reds, soft pinks, and dramatic contrasts—transforms this commercial image into something meditative and refined.
Bernard Villemot, one of France’s most celebrated postwar poster artists, was known for blending advertising with the visual language of fine art. His work for brands like Orangina, Perrier, and Bally redefined what poster art could be in the 20th century—bold yet subtle, accessible yet refined.
“Le Lotus” is more than a shoe ad—it’s a modern symbol of elegance, a quiet celebration of sensuality and style. With a few well-placed lines and a brilliant sense of composition, Villemot once again makes a product iconic.
An enduring classic, this 1978 Bally poster stands as a testament to the power of graphic design as art, and to the enduring beauty of simplicity in motion.
Fashion - Advertising - France
Printed by IPA in Champigny
Good condition, slight creases
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