Blood and Black Lace is a 1964 Italian giallo film directed by Mario Bava. It stars Cameron Mitchell as Inspector Sylvester who is investigating the murder of Isabella (played by Eva Bartok), a fashion model working for the Christiana Fashion House. The Christiana Fashion House is owned by Countess Cristina Como (played by Giulia Blasi), who is notorious for her immoral and unconventional lifestyle.
As the investigation proceeds, Inspector Sylvester unravels a web of deceit and corruption among the employees of the fashion house. He discovers that Isabella had been keeping a diary detailing the various sins of the fashion house, including corruption, abortions, blackmail, and drug addiction. The diary becomes the key to the investigation as the inspector tries to uncover the killer's identity.
The suspects include the model Nicole (played by Ariana Gorini) and her boyfriend Franco (played by Dante DiPaolo), who are involved in a blackmail scheme; the designer Max Marian (played by Franco Ressel), who is having an affair with the countess; and the photographer Carlo (played by Luciano Pigozzi), who is secretly addicted to drugs.
As the investigation progresses, more murders occur and the tension rises. The killer is eventually revealed in a thrilling and climactic finale.
Blood and Black Lace is known for its stylish cinematography, use of bright colors, and innovative camera techniques. It is considered a classic of the giallo genre and influenced many other filmmakers, particularly in the horror genre.