Renato Balestra, Italian fashion designer, dies at 98

Renato Balestra, the Italian fashion designer known as "the painter of fashion," died in Rome on November 26, 2022, at age 98. Born in Trieste in 1924 to a family of engineers, he abandoned that path for the arts, studying painting and music. His career began in the 1950s with an apprenticeship at the atelier of Jolanda Veneziano in Milan. In 1954 he moved to Rome, working with the Sorelle Fontana and designing costumes for Cinecittà films. He became known for his unique style, the iconic "Blu Balestra" color, and innovations like "ricami pittura" (painting embroidery) and transparent fabrics. His first atelier opened on Via Sistina, later moving to Via Cola de Rienzo and finally Piazza Barberini. His first fashion show was held at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna. He made television appearances on programs like "Rosa & Chic" (1988, Rai2) and "Chiambretti c'è." A traveling exhibition titled "Celeblueation" toured Florence, Domodossola, Monza, Naples, and Forte dei Marmi, ending at the Fondazione Zeffirelli in Florence in 2020, featuring 300 pieces. The Fondazione Renato Balestra was established in 2018 to preserve his archive. He is survived by daughters Fabiana and Federica, and granddaughter Sofia, all involved in the family business.