Italian supermodel Bianca Balti captivated audiences at the Sanremo 2025 Music Festival—not just with her stunning fashion choices, but with her fearless authenticity.
As she co-hosted the event, Balti embraced her natural appearance, foregoing wigs and proudly displaying her shaved head and surgical scars. Her bold decision sent a powerful message of resilience as she continues her battle with stage 3C ovarian cancer.
Balti’s life took an unexpected turn in September 2024 when she shared a heartbreaking revelation on Instagram: “Last Sunday, I checked myself into the ER to find out that my lower abdominal pain was stage 3C ovarian cancer.”
Despite the devastating diagnosis, she remains unwavering in her strength. “It’s been a week full of fear, pain, and tears but mostly love, hope, laughter, and strength.”
At Sanremo, Balti’s wardrobe choices carried just as much impact as her presence. One of the most striking moments came when she donned a shimmering silver Roberto Cavalli gown featuring a bold cut-out that highlighted her surgical scars—transforming them from marks of hardship into symbols of survival.
Her fearless approach to fashion didn’t stop there. Throughout the festival, she took the stage in a custom powder blue Valentino ensemble designed by Alessandro Michele, a breathtaking midnight-blue sequined Armani Privé gown, and a delicate sheer Fendi Couture masterpiece.
Victoria’s Secret Angel Bianca Balti (Photo: Getty Images)During the festival’s press conference, Balti made her stance crystal clear: she did not come to Sanremo as a cancer patient.
She refused to focus on pain. While she could have chosen to stay in bed feeling sorry for herself, she instead made the decision to celebrate life.
Since her diagnosis, she has gained a deeper perspective on existence, sharing: “Life happens—give it a reason.” Rather than seeing cancer as an ending, she has embraced it as an opportunity for self-discovery, explaining, “So far, cancer has given me a chance to find beauty through life’s hurdles.”
Balti’s unforgettable presence at Sanremo was more than just a fashion statement—it was a testament to courage, self-acceptance, and the power of embracing every stage of life.
And on the topic of redefining beauty, meet Gina Drewalowski. At 59, she’s breaking age-related stereotypes, proving that confidence and style have no expiration date.
With over three decades in the fashion industry, she has seamlessly transitioned into a digital creator, inspiring thousands to embrace aging with fearlessness and elegance.