Former Victoria’s Secret Model Bianca Balti Reveals the Brand Denied Her Request to Walk in This Year’s Fashion Show as She Battles Cancer
Bianca Balti has always been known for her grace, beauty, and strength — but now, those qualities are taking on a much deeper meaning. The Italian supermodel, who was once a familiar face on the Victoria’s Secret runway, has opened up about being denied the chance to return to the brand’s 2025 fashion show as she continues her courageous fight against ovarian cancer.
Balti, 40, revealed her story in a heartfelt essay published on Substack, where she spoke candidly about her ongoing treatment and her hope to inspire others through visibility. She began chemotherapy in late 2024 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and has since shared glimpses of her journey with honesty and vulnerability. In her essay, she explained that she reached out to Victoria’s Secret earlier this year, hoping to walk in their return fashion show — not as a model reclaiming the runway, but as a woman representing survival and hope.
“I wanted to show what beauty really means — to walk bald, scarred, and alive,” Balti wrote. “It wasn’t about glamour. It was about reminding women going through illness that they are still worthy, still beautiful.”
But according to Balti, her request was denied. The response, she said, was polite but firm: the company would not be able to accommodate her participation. “It hurt,” she admitted. “Not because I needed their approval, but because I wanted to show that recovery could stand on the same stage as perfection.”
Balti’s words have struck a chord with fans and fellow models, many of whom praised her bravery and transparency. Supporters flooded social media with messages of admiration, calling her “a true angel” and “a voice for women everywhere.” Others expressed disappointment at Victoria’s Secret for missing an opportunity to redefine what inclusion and empowerment look like.
Balti’s modeling career began in the early 2000s, quickly propelling her to international fame. She worked with major fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, and Givenchy before joining the ranks of Victoria’s Secret Angels. Her striking blue eyes and classic beauty made her a standout, but behind the glamour, she’s always been known for her grounded personality and devotion to her daughters.
Her cancer diagnosis changed her life dramatically. In interviews and posts, Balti has shared that her journey has been both painful and transformative. “There’s a before and after,” she wrote. “Before, I thought strength meant pretending everything was fine. Now, I know strength is being real about how hard it can be.”
Despite the rejection, Balti remains hopeful. She emphasized that her goal isn’t to blame but to inspire change — to push the fashion industry toward more authentic representation. “The runway should reflect real life,” she wrote. “And real life includes scars, sickness, healing, and resilience.”
Her story adds to a growing conversation in the fashion world about diversity and authenticity. Over the years, Victoria’s Secret has faced criticism for its narrow definitions of beauty, prompting efforts to rebrand and broaden its image. Yet for Balti, the issue goes beyond marketing — it’s about humanity. “When you’re sick, the last thing you want is pity,” she said. “You want to feel seen.”
As she continues treatment, Balti has shifted her focus to advocacy and self-expression. She’s using her platform to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to encourage women to prioritize their health. “If my story can make even one woman get checked earlier, it’s worth it,” she said.
Bianca Balti’s grace — on and off the runway — continues to shine. Her story is a reminder that beauty isn’t measured by appearances, but by the courage it takes to show up as yourself, even when the world says no.
