Cristóbal Balenciaga
Cocktail dress
Black net lace, black silk crepe, pink satin ribbon
Circa 1957, France
Gift of The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art from the Estate of Ann E. Woodward, 87.158.2

Lace is an especially compelling and sexy fabric, as it covers the body while still revealing it. The bright pink sash of Balenciaga’s black lace dress adds sweetness and charm to its seductive allure. This dress was worn by Ann Woodward, a true femme fatale, infamous for the "accidental" shooting of her husband, bank heir William Woodward, Jr.