The traditional Italian haute couture fashion house Balestra presented its first ready-to-wear collection at Milan Fashion Week. The focus was on the brand’s characteristic blue color.
Fashion designer Renato Balestra founded the label of the same name in 1959, whose couture creations quickly became known for their painterly embroidery. The label announced in February rebranding that is designed for sustainable growth. The rebranding also brought together a new creative leadership team, led by the founder’s daughters Fabiana and Federica Balestra, and his granddaughter Sofia Bertolli Balestra.
MFW AW22: Balestra repositions itself with a new brand identity
Guided by the principles of freedom, innovation and inclusivity, Balestra’s new direction aims to inspire new generations with optimism and glamour, explained Balestra. In the course of the realignment, the name was also changed – the brand is now only referred to by the last name of the designer. The new logo revisits a hand-drawn version of the designer from 1971.
“It is said that those who dream of seeing the sun rise are about to begin a period of rebirth and change. It is a symbol of optimism and belief in the future,” says Sofia Bertolli Balestra, Head of Research, Design and Brand Identity. “Dreams allow us to go beyond reality, shape our future, believe in ambition and sometimes to see who we really are.”
Inspired by the House’s haute couture, the first ready-to-wear collection offers timeless, fluid creations for strong women who want to “live through the night and stay up until dawn,” the brand continues.
“We started from where we came from,” the founder’s granddaughter continued. “We took inspiration from Balestra’s legendary period between the late 1970s and the 1980s, referencing soft shapes, plunging necklines and oversized shoulders, that leave the body completely free. A beautiful dream that passes from day to night”.
Flowing silk dresses embellished with crystals were showcased alongside sequined trousers, crop tops and jumpsuits, all highlighting the brand’s couture heritage. Originally designed by the founder in 1971, the new RB monogram pays homage to the House’s heritage. The monogram has been expanded into an all-over print, with an overlay of graphics creating a neon effect for a contemporary, modern update.
The highlight of the runway show was the blue Balestra pantsuit, embellished with fabrics printed with etchings by 18th-century artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a bold look that Balestra championed as a symbol of Made-in-Italy quality to reposition the modern woman.
This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Karenita Haalck