Born in Rome, Alberta Tiburzi began her modelling career in Italy in the 1960s. She later moved to New York after signing a contract with American Vogue. In the 1970s Tiburzi became a professional fashion photographer, known as signora della luce for her work with light. (Read a bio here, from the 2005 exhibition Italian Eyes: Italian Fashion Photographs from 1951 to Today.)
In the mid-1960s Tiburzi did some modelling for Vogue Patterns in Rome, for Couturier patterns by Italian designers. My mother made this Galitzine ensemble in fuchsia bouclé:
In this design by Federico Forquet, the shaped hem of the cutaway jacket matches the waistline seam on the dress:
Tiburzi brings out the drama of this double-breasted tent coat by Fabiani:
Tiburzi was also photographed in the dress from the same pattern:
Here she models a red Simonetta dress with tucks radiating from the collar:
Once in New York, Tiburzi did some work for McCall’s. Here she models a purple dress with heavily embellished collar by Pauline Trigère:
You can see a Hiro editorial featuring Tiburzi at Couture Allure, or click the models tag to see more posts in my models series.
PatternVault 
I love stories like this one. It puts a name and a real human behind the faces of the super models of their day. Makes me want to look at my collection of 60s patterns to see if Ms Tiburzi is on a pattern envelope.
Wonderful dress
Great post!
You’ve been on a roll the last few weeks! Love that first shot especially And PLEASE tell me your mum kept the suit?!
Thanks, Heather! Yes, she did keep the suit. It’s pretty amazing.. 27 pattern pieces, lined and interlined, with some elaborate couture-style closures. Unfortunately it doesn’t fit me! but I was able to find myself a copy of the pattern.
I’ve always loved that top photo, and the dress is one of my most favourite Balenciaga designs, but I never knew who the model was until now.
Your mother’s suit must have been beautiful, especially in that fabric. It’s such an elegant design with flair. It must have been very inspiring as a child to know that your mother made such clothes for herself.
❤ this post !!