Cannes 2011: Bianca Balti
I ♥ Bianca Balti.
The supermodel wowed at Cannes this week as she showed off her stunning jewellery collaboration with luxury jeweller, de Grisogono.
I've always thought Balti was beautiful - commercial enough, but with a high fashion edge. This is clear from her varied career; she's modelled for the famous Victoria's Secret catwalk show, as well as editorial campaigns for high-fashion houses including Roberto Cavalli and Missoni. Balti's magazine covers range from Vanity Fair to Vogue to Bazaar and Elle, and even Playboy - proving that this supermodel has what it takes to appeal (generally) to both men and women. This surely confirms that she truly is a top model, up there with Elle, Lara, Gisele, Heidi and Cindy, supermodels who also have both the male and female markets wrapped round their perfectly manicured fingers.
Balti has an interesting look. That wide-set, full lipped mouth is sensual, if a little weird. Her feline eyes are striking in pale green, but show something deeper than in just any other gorgeous model. Her figure is curvy, but so slender it's almost awkward. I like to see models with a little substance, more than a clothes hanger.
My favourite models are probably Cindy Crawford, Natalia Vodianova, Christy Turlington, Lara Stone and Elise Crombez. I've probably forgotten other favourites - but Bianca Balti is most definitely one of them, and is definitely not forgettable.
All images courtesy of Image.net, with thanks to Cannes and de Grisogono.
