Walter Albini's brand is ready for major relaunch

The investment company Bidayat, founded by Rachid Mohamed Rachid, will relaunch the brand of Walter Albini, the Milanese fashion designer who reached the peak of his success in the 1960s and was defined by the international press of the time as the «new Italian star» as strong as Yves Saint Laurent. For Bidayat, this is the first acquisition of an Italian luxury brand, a gamble that will start with the commitment of Albini's archive and intellectual property to various museums and cultural institutions, with the ultimate aim of relaunching the brand on the catwalk. Although some recent reports have suggested that it would be Alessandro Michele who would become artistic director of the revamped Maison, Rachid preferred not to comment.

A portrait of Walter Albini, Milan, 1971 Credit: Alfa Castaldi

Designs by Walter Albini for Misterfox, Milan, 1971 Credit: Alfa Castaldi

Designs by Walter Albini for Montedoro, Milan, 1971 Credit: Alfa Castaldi

Celebrated worldwide from the 1960s to the 1980s, Albini established himself in the fashion world thanks to his enterprising spirit and his great passion for ready-to-wear. He provided the industry with an avant-garde approach, allowing it to discover new methods, recognising him as one of the main proponents of Made in Italy. The archive acquired by Bidayat includes some of the iconic elements of the designer's artistic and sartorial traits, such as prints, inspired by the colours and geometry of nature, fabric accessories and some original designs and photographs. «The real challenge will be to find a management team of the right calibre to realise our vision and ambition,» explained Rachid Mohamed Rachid. 

Design by Walter Albini, Milan, 1970 Credit: Alfa Castaldi

Original sketch by Walter Albini, used as a press release for the "Unified collection," FW 1971/72, presented in Milan at Circolo del Giardino on 27th April 1971. Credit: Bidayat

Bidayat's project to relaunch Walter Albini joins many others funded by the investment company. Established to support the arts in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Rachid Mohamed Rachid's company supports the growth of emerging brands by offering them a launch platform through mentoring and operational advice. Walter Albini's curator of the archive, Barbara Curti, will join Bidayat to help them rewrite the future of the Italian brand. «I look forward to being able to help ensure that many more generations can be inspired by the incredible talent of this designer,» explained Curti, «whose quest for perfection changed the entire Italian fashion ecosystem.»