Bianca Balti

Bianca Balti, born in Lodi, Italy, is one of the most iconic models of her generation. Her passion for fashion and determination took her from working in a supermarket to becoming the face of brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, L’Oréal, and Victoria’s Secret. With a career spanning two decades on the world’s top runways, she has also ventured into film and television. In recent years, her courage in facing personal challenges, including her battle with cancer, has made her a symbol of resilience and authenticity.

Beginnings and discovery

Before entering the fashion world, Bianca worked in a supermarket to finance her web design studies. It was there that an agent discovered her, leading to a contract with IMG Models in July 2004. Her first notable job was the cover of L’Officiel in December 2004, photographed by Alexi Lubomirski.

Rise in the fashion industry

Bianca’s passion for fashion and her dedication quickly led her to work with renowned brands. Her collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana began in 2005, making her one of the most recognizable faces of the label for more than a decade. She has also been a spokesperson for L’Oréal and has appeared in campaigns for Roberto Cavalli, Donna Karan, Christian Dior, among others.

Presence on runways and in magazines

Bianca’s commitment brought her to the catwalks of designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Hermès, John Galliano, Gucci, Fendi, Valentino, Missoni, Chanel, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, and Victoria’s Secret. Her presence on the most prestigious runways in the world is a testament to her dedication and passion for fashion.

Film work and other projects

In 2007, Bianca made her film debut in Abel Ferrara’s Go Go Tales, playing an erotic dancer. She has also been involved in television projects, including hosting Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster in 2017 and starring in the web series A letto con Bianca Balti in 2022, where she interviews entertainment personalities.

Personal life and health challenges

Bianca has faced personal challenges with remarkable courage. In 2022, she underwent a preventive double mastectomy after discovering she carried a BRCA1 gene variant, which increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In September 2024, she was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer and began chemotherapy treatments. Despite these challenges, she has maintained a positive attitude and continued her professional career.

Public reappearance and activism

In February 2025, Bianca made a public reappearance as co-host at the Sanremo Festival, proudly showing her shaved head and the scars from her surgeries. Her participation was both a celebration of life and a powerful way to raise awareness about her battle with cancer, inspiring many with her authenticity and strength.