Renato Balestra OMRI was an Italian fashion designer, the founder of the Balestra brand and company.
12 Facts About Renato Balestra
2.
Renato Balestra debuted in Hollywood with actresses such as Zsa Zsa Gabor, Tina Louise, Joan Bennett, Linda Christian, Natalie Wood, Ann Miller, and Arlene Dahl.
3.
In 1959, Balestra opened his first atelier in Rome at via Gregoriana 36.
4.
Those were the years when "Blu Renato Balestra" first appeared, on a short satin dress: a bright, magical and timeless hue, a unique color that remains an indisputable symbol of the maison to this day.
5.
In 1962, Renato Balestra became a member of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, and the Italian Trade Agency chose him to promote Made in Italy quality around the world.
6.
In January 1963, Renato Balestra held his first show in Palazzo Pitti's Sala Bianca, launching a completely new concept of fashion that stood out for its simplicity, accuracy and spontaneity.
7.
In 1973, the registration of the Renato Balestra brand was completed.
8.
Renato Balestra's creativity enhanced further collaborations and flourished in skillfully executed uniforms for Philippines Airlines, Alitalia Airlines, and for the managers of the Agip Petroli factories.
9.
Renato Balestra dressed Saudi princesses and for Princess Noor bint Asem of Jordan on the occasion of her marriage to Prince Hamzah bin Hussein Balestra designed a unique wedding gown.
10.
Renato Balestra returned to design the costumes for the Cinderella musical produced by Broadway-Asia Entertainment, which went on a global tour from major Asian cities to America from 2009 to 2011.
11.
In 2019, Renato Balestra's archive was declared by the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities "of particularly important historical interest".
12.
Renato Balestra died on 26 November 2022, at the age of 98.