Cristobal Balenciaga (French, founded 1949), Evening dress, c.1957. Black net lace, black silk crepe and pink satin ribbon. Gift of The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art from the Estate of Ann E. Woodward. 87.158.2. The Museum at FIT 2012 © The Museum at FIT.

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.