Italian supermodel Bianca Balti covers the May 2025 issue of Vogue Adria, styled by Anda + Masha in Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, DZOJCHEN, Maison Valentino and more for images by Matt Easton [IG]./ Hair by Maranda Widlund; makeup by Holly Silius

The headlines surrounding Bianca Balti’s cover story grabbed me by the throat, as I didn’t know about her 2024 diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer. In addition, Bianca had a preventative double mastectomy after discovering that she was a carrier for the BRCA1 gene.

I haven’t yet read all the materials attached to the entire story. When mentioning that she grabbed me by the throat, it’s because of the courage and positivity with which this beautiful woman is handling this level 10 gut punch.

She is open about her feelings and Vogue Adria is encouraging her sharing of the details. The future for her two daughters is of great concern in this moment and, of course, her husband Matthew McRae.

Balti, now 41, is just so composed, elegant, beautiful and cheerful after being wacked big-time about the fragility of life, that it’s remarkable — and inspiring — to see how she is handling her diagnosis.

In February, the supermodel was a cohost of Italy’s Sanremo Music Festival 2025. “I’m not coming to be a cancer patient,” Balti explained at the press conference ahead of the event. “I don’t want to tell about the pain. I could have been lying in bed feeling sorry for myself, but instead, I want to be a celebration of life tonight.”

Bianca Balti’s cancer is in remission, which is always a positive sign. She will definitely be in my thoughts. ~ Anne