What color could be more appropriate for a femme fatale? In the 1946 film noir Gilda, Rita Hayworth donned a strapless black gown that mirrored her inner temptress. The dress, a creation of costume designer Jean Louis, may be most famous for almost coming off Hayworth during a striptease scene. “I’m not very good at zippers,” Gilda teases from the club floor where she had just sung “Put the Blame on Mame.” Gentlemen quickly rush to her aid.
Style Staple: 11 Iconic Little Black Dresses Through History
As a new exhibition pays tribute to contemporary interpretations of the fashion classic, TIME looks at other storied versions through history
Noir Means Black
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Black Dresses