Renato Balestra Foundation Launches in Rome to Preserve Couturier's Archive

The Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage has initiated the process to declare Renato Balestra's archive of historical interest, coinciding with the launch of the Fondazione Renato Balestra in Rome. The foundation will house the designer's drawings, collections, garments, and previously unseen documentary footage, aiming to move beyond aesthetic heritage to study technical and artisanal traditions in fabric, embroidery, and tailoring. Balestra, a historic figure in Italian haute couture, remains faithful to his poetic approach, where fabric replaces brushstrokes. His drawings, some resembling early engineering sketches, have been exhibited alongside works by Giorgio de Chirico and Filippo de Pisis, and will be auctioned by Christie's this autumn. A tribute fashion show during Altaroma, strongly supported by Silvia Venturini Fendi, was held at Cinecittà studios, featuring iconic blue dresses and a finale gown dedicated to Rome, where Balestra opened his atelier in the 1960s. The event highlighted his clients, including Liz Taylor and the Queen of Thailand.