A Closer Look: Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball | Cultured Elegance

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Two years before Truman’s ball, on my tenth wedding anniversary, Lenny and I gave a ball where the ladies were asked to dress in black and white. We had a policy that no one could bring houseguests because there was limited space. At the last minute Truman called and said, “Yes, yes, I’m going to be there, but I’m bringing three guests.” Well, we didn’t have the nerve to say no to him. They turned out to be people involved in the In Cold Blood case. It was a very glamorous affair, filled with film stars; Truman loved it. I have these incredible photographs of him dancing with Tuesday Weld, talking to Jennifer Jones. He was one of the last ones to leave. Then two years later he gave his great black-and-white ball and guess what: He didn’t invite us! - Dominick Dunne

Capote wearing a$ ,39 mask I think is brilliant because it’s out of breakfast at Tiffany’s where the main characters shop from a five and dime store, and they take Halloween masks❤

Truman's ball was also a funeral for an entire era. 🤔

The photo of James Dean was not at the Black and White Ball. The photo is with Ursula Andress at Ciro's nightclub in 1955.

I remember enjoying the coverage of the ball in Vogue. It was written in a thrilling style and I’ve never forgotten it.

I’m actually most fascinated by the beautiful gowns. It would be fun to have photos and info on them, but I doubt anyone stood still long enough! Thanks for sharing! p.s. I do appreciate your lovely fashion videos!

Katharine Graham wrote in some detail about the party in her autobiography from the late 1990s. That’s the first time I had heard of the ball, as I was 3 years old at the time. She was at Kenneth’s Salon and they were busy with many clients attending a ball. She told them she was the guest of honor, and they said in that case Kenneth himself would do her hair. Her hair did look the best I’ve ever seen it look. Kenneth was Jacqueline Kennedy’s hairstylist, incidentally.

If I were at the Black & White Ball (fat chance I'd be invited!) I'd like to talk with Slim Keith and Mia Farrow. --- I have mixed feelings about the whole event. It was remarkable and has a place in social history, but it's so connected to the suffering and the horrific deaths of the Clutter family whose murders are the reason for "In Cold Blood" and so soon after the execution of the murderers that I find the timing inappropriate. Maybe if this had taken place a book or two later.... --- One of the most enjoyable books I've ever read is Nancy Keith's autobiography "Slim --Memoirs of a Rich and Imperfect Life". A lot of the book deals with Truman Capote and his friendship with Lady Keith who was one of the "swans". There's a little about Babe Paley in the book also.

I’ve always wanted a film to be made of that evening. It was a night I wished I could have been part of. Since I was only 6 years old, I don’t think I would have made the cut. I did meet one of the guests many years ago, Andy Warhol was charming and friendly.

This was a great display of glamour as people dressed meticulously for special events. I wish we had more such occasions in this day and age.

Walter Cronkite is the person I would have wanted to talk to. Carol from California

I would have LOVED to have spoken with Princess Luciana Pignatelli (later known as Luciana Avedon), the blonde woman with the huge diamond dangling from her headdress. That picture of her smiling at the dark-haired woman became THE iconic image associated with the ball, yet hardly anyone ever mentions her. I hope she’s featured in the FX series. 🙏

Fabulously done video. Thank you so much!

Thank you so much - this is wonderful!

NYC was the center of the Universe back then. Truman was “catty”. His downfall was inevitable.

I was born on that date.....11/28/1966

I like Babe Paley and Lee Radziwill best. None of these women seemed to eat. They only drank and smoked cigarettes.

I love this!!! Thank you

This will be featured on Feud: Capote Vs The Swans episode 3