Accademia Italiana Visits the Balestra Archive

Rome, 21 October 2026

A unique opportunity for our students to explore a renowned archive of Italian Haute Couture:

Students from the MA programme in Fashion Design and Management at Accademia Italiana Rome visited the Balestra archive, a valuable historical record of an iconic Italian Haute Couture Maison.

Sofia Bertolli Balestra welcomed the class for an in-depth introduction to the Maison’s history, marking the launch of a project that will be developed throughout the first semester of the programme.

Starting with the identification of a significant element from the Balestra archive — a motif, pattern, technique or craftsmanship detail — students will assess whether it could become a distinctive feature that aligns with the brand’s current identity. The aim is to explore how the archive’s heritage can be reinterpreted and transformed into a contemporary design language, taking into account quality, recognisability, applicability, costs, timelines and production feasibility.

The visit was essential in helping students understand not only the Maison’s historical vision but also its contemporary evolution, analysing Balestra’s signature codes from the perspective of innovation and new applications.

Sofia Bertolli Balestra presented our students with iconic creations from the Italian brand, showcasing unique and prestigious craftsmanship that made the experience even more immersive and enriching. An important opportunity to engage with a brand that has helped shape the history of Italian Haute Couture.

Discover more about the programmes offered by Accademia Italiana’s Fashion Department.