The designer Renato Balestra died at the age of 98, reports the specialist magazine WWD. He is known for designing for movie stars like Ava Gardner, Sophia Loren, Candice Bergen and Elizabeth Taylor.
Balestra opened his first studio in Rome in 1959. According to WWD, the brand is still based there. Earlier this year, the brand was relaunched under the direction of Sofia Bertolli Balestra, the designer’s granddaughter. A ready-to-wear collection was presented at Milan Fashion Week last February.
At the head of the brand are Renato’s daughters Fabiana and Federica.
This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.nl.