Bianca Balti
Explore the life and career of Bianca Balti — the Italian model known for her work with Dolce & Gabbana, her resilience in personal health battles, and her evolving role as a public figure.
Introduction
Bianca Balti is a celebrated Italian model whose striking beauty, Mediterranean charm, and strong work ethic have made her a familiar name in fashion. Born on 19 March 1984 in Lodi, Lombardy, she became famous for her long-term collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana and for gracing international runways and campaigns. In recent years, she has also become a symbol of vulnerability and strength as she openly shares her health challenges. Her journey transcends modeling; it’s a story of self-expression, survival, and evolving identity.
Early Life and Roots
Bianca Balti was born in Lodi, Lombardy, Italy, on 19 March 1984. Bruno Balti and Mariabice Marzani.
Before modeling, she was studying communication design at the Politecnico di Milano and worked side jobs like being a promoter in supermarkets to gain financial independence.
Modeling Career & Rise to Prominence
Discovery & Breakthrough
Bianca’s modeling career began when she was around age 20, after being scouted while working as a promo girl. Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2005 campaign, which led to a decade-long association with the brand.
Campaigns, Runways & orials
Over the years, Balti has been featured in major campaigns for brands such as Dior, Revlon, Valentino, Armani Jeans, Missoni, La Perla, Mango, and others. Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Marie Claire.
On the runway, she has modeled for elite designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Prada, Valentino, Versace, Chanel, and more. Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (2005) and appeared in related catalogs.
In addition to her modeling work, she appeared in the film Go Go Tales (2007), directed by Abel Ferrara, taking a role as one of the erotic dancers.
She has also been selected for prestigious projects such as the 2011 Pirelli Calendar, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld.
Signature Associations & Style
One of Bianca Balti’s most enduring professional relationships is with Dolce & Gabbana. She became one of their iconic faces, including representing their Light Blue fragrance starting in 2013.
Her modeling profile lists her physical stats (e.g., 173 cm height, brown hair, blue eyes) and acknowledges her representation by major agencies (IMG, Storm, Wilhelmina, etc.).
Personal Life & Health Journey
Family & Relationships
Bianca married Italian photographer Christian Lucidi, and together they had their first daughter, Matilde, in 2007. The marriage ended in divorce around 2010.
In 2015, she had her second daughter, Mia McRae, with American partner Matthew McRae. They legally married on 1 August 2016 in a civil ceremony and later renewed their vows in 2017.
Health & Public Advocacy
In late 2022, Bianca discovered she was a carrier of a variant of the BRCA1 gene, which increases risk for breast and ovarian cancers. double mastectomy.
In September 2024, she publicly revealed a diagnosis of stage 3C ovarian cancer, after experiencing lower abdominal pain and checking into an emergency department.
Despite her illness, she has continued to embrace public life. At Sanremo 2025, she appeared as a co-host, wearing her post-surgery appearance openly—her bald head, scars, and all—to reclaim her identity on her own terms and to destigmatize the experience.
She has also aligned herself as a voice for ovarian cancer awareness, using her public platform to advocate for women’s health.
Impact & Legacy
Bianca Balti’s legacy in fashion is solid: she has embodied the archetype of Italian beauty, worked consistently with top designers and brands, and maintained relevance across decades. Her partnership with Dolce & Gabbana remains one of the most recognizable designer-model relationships of her generation.
Beyond modeling, her openness about genetic risk, preventive surgery, cancer diagnosis, and public reappearance during illness have made her a powerful figure in destigmatizing medical vulnerability. Her willingness to present her changed body publicly challenges narrow norms of beauty and invites empathy and conversation around women’s health.
She now stands as a role model not just for glamour, but for resilience—showing how public figures can use visibility for deeper human connection and advocacy.