Medium: Black net lace, black silk crepe and pink satin ribbon

Date: c.1957

Country: France

Credit: Gift of The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art from the Estate of Ann E. Woodward

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.

Object Number: 87.158.2