In case you don't recognize the bella donna in front of you, it's Italian model Bianca Balti. Smokin', right? Here she is at a cocktail party in Milan looking every bit the fashion-forward model in her wild splatter minidress. This print is artsy, funky, and perfect for a Summer night on the town. If the frock is too much for you, try it out in smaller doses via tops, shoes, and clutches.
>> 2011 Pirelli Calendar Cast Revealed —Karl Lagerfeld, who is photographing the 2011 Pirelli calendar, said he envisioned the images set in studio rather than against the usual beach scenery. He's reportedly shooting the calendar in Paris this week, and Isabeli Fontana posted pictures on Twitter (which she has since removed) from the set of herself with Heidi Mount, Natasha Poly, Magdalena Frackowiak, and Bianca Balti; Lara Stone and Julianne Moore are also rumored to be part of the cast. [Quem, @BetonyVernon, House of Models]
>> A casting surprise was promised, and Miuccia Prada delivered: Victoria's Secret regulars like Doutzen Kroes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Bianca Balti all walked the labyrinthine runway — perhaps as a one-up to Givenchy, who cast Adriana Lima, and Balenciaga, who cast Kerr, in recent seasons. Also populating the Fall 2010 Prada cast: Lara Stone, Catherine McNeil in her first runway turn since a year ago, Mariacarla Boscono, Rose Cordero, and opener and closer Samantha Gradoville.
The show was preceded by cartoons portraying feminine cliches like "He loves me, he loves me not" while front rowers complained about the anchovy canapes handed out, but once the show started, it was all beehive hairdos, cat-eye librarian glasses, and A-line skirts in muted tones and vinyl-like finishes. Busts were enhanced with rows of ruffles and strategically placed darts, while knee-high pleated socks were finished off with pointy-toed patent pumps. A slow jazz soundtrack played, and the whole look — cable knit sweaters, sketchy plaid — earned a chorus of Mad Men comparisons. Apparently, when asked backstage, however, Miuccia said she had never seen the TV show. A video of the Prada show can be seen here.
>> Even though Fashion Month doesn't kick off until next week, Acne jump-started the Spring 2010 spirit Tuesday night in London with their spirituality-themed Spring 2010 presentation, full of long flowing dresses with Swarovski crystals clustered at acupuncture pressure — pictures here.
Nestled in Dossier's fourth issue — which features Leigh Lezark photographed by co-founder Skye Parrott on the cover, an upstate New York dinner party editorial with Shannan Click, Bianca Balti, and New York personalities styled by Kate Lanphear, and is out during New York Fashion Week next week — Acne founder Jonny Johansson chats about how he went from 100 pairs of jeans in the '90s to a cult empire built on those same jeans . . .
Cesare Paciotti's ads are always skin-baring and action-packed. Remember the one with Anja Rubik cycling? Ouch. Now it's Bianca Balti's turn to deliver, and by deliver I mean simultaneously be desirable, cover up inappropriate body parts, and show off the accessories. For Fall, instead of actually carrying the bags and wearing the shoes, Bianca is mostly posing alongside them. The problem with that is, I find myself staring at her and not the fashion items. I guess that's what you get for hiring such a drop-dead model. What do you think?
>> Models are making some scores stateside with the August 2009 issues — Steven Klein shot Lara Stone as Brigitte Bardot for W and Christy Turlington is headlining Vogue's Age Issue, shot by Annie Leibovitz. But if raw is what you're looking for, Greg Lotus shot Bianca Balti for the June/July 2009 cover of French Playboy — the magazine that has featured Anouck Lepere, Lily Cole, and been photographed by Karl Lagerfeld and Terry Richardson in the past — with little to cover up in, save a bikini bottom and a stretch of net.
Gallery is NSFW.
Bebe's Holiday campaign is every guy's fantasy — a hotter than hot girl posing against a rugged environment. And, even better, she's not afraid to get dirty! Bianca Balti sizzles in her jewel tone and metallic outfits as she poses in what looks like a junkyard. Oily tires, compressed car parts, rusty trash bins; nothing is off limits. The juxtaposition between the flirty frocks and the filth hits you like a ton of bricks. True, this contrast has occurred in ads before, but Bebe's is beyond bold. What do you think? Do these ads entice you?
Fab Face Bianca Balti is the perfect girl to star in Missoni's latest Spring/Summer '08 ad campaign; her piercing baby blues entice you and stand out against the dark background. Despite being dressed in Missoni's luxurious designs, Bianca is one with nature. She gives the phrase "hug a tree" a whole new, posh meaning. I appreciate that these ads capture nature at its prettiest and I love the way the colorful flowers float in the lake. What do you think?
If ever there was a girl literally born to be a model, it's Italian stunner Bianca Balti.
Just take a look at her facial structure (hello cheekbones), full lips (Collagen couldn't produce that), and mesmerizing blue eyes. It's hard to believe that she was initially rejected by so many agencies and deemed "too average and common looking." Right! Luckily the 23-year-old, born in Lodi, Italy, was eventually discovered in a supermarket at which she was working to finance her studies. She has since worked for the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Donna Karan, and walked the 2005 Victoria's Secret fashion show. Take that nay-sayers!
To see more photos of Bianca, read more
