The story of Bal Designs and the designer Rita Balta

Bal Designs is a label by the Lithuanian designer Rita Balta, based in Cologne. Her unique products are exhibited at exhibitions such as Tokyo Designers Week or New York Design Week and inspire people all over the world. 

We have our roots in Lithuania. After the Lithuanian team won its first major titles before the Second World War, basketball took on a special meaning here during Soviet times. It was the only possible outlet to publicly show feelings of home. Even when Lithuania became independent again, it was basketball players who carried the country's name out into the world for the first time.

Today, basketball is still considered a second religion here - but old balls do not find their way back into the limelight. That is about to change.

Similar to every good success story, this one starts with nothing more than an idea and a sewing machine. In 2011, Rita Balta designed a pencil case from the old, broken Spalding. The first predecessor, Bal Designs Etuis. The idea develops rapidly and the cases, which at first were only meant for her friends, gain popularity. In a short time, Bal Designs becomes an international label whose timeless design has found its fans from Tokyo to New York.  

Rita Balta