Alex McCord Puts 'S&M Dress' to Good Use

If you're going to donate a dress to raise money for charity, it better be one you can make a splash in. And you can't get much splashier than the entrance Alex McCord made recently in her infamous "S&M dress." Even though the epic catfight between Sonja and Alex raised eyebrows, it was Alex's dominatrix-esque cocktail dress that nearly stole the show. "I love this dress by Walter, and it certainly got my castmates and the viewers talking," the Real Housewives of New York City star told The Examiner. "Who would have thought a simple black dress in New York City would create so much excitement?"

Or, that it could do a little good. This week, Alex donated the famous fashion statement to a charity fundraiser hosted by RHONY co-star LuAnn de Lesseps. The event supported the boutique Use Your Head, Shop for a Cause which donates proceeds to ACE Programs for the Homeless. All in all, it turned out to be a great opportunity for Alex to backup LuAnn while also contributing in her own way. "Simon and I love supporting Henry and ACE, and that LuAnn was there hosting the event was the icing on the cake," Alex explained. "Or the detail on the dress!"

As for parting with the dress, Alex says that it was simply time to move on. "I've now worn it on TV twice as well as a red carpet, so it's time to donate it and let someone else start her own conversation," she said.

You have an opportunity for a real live brush in with the dress itself before it's auctioned off -- it's on display this week at Manhattan's Use Your Head, Shop for a Cause.

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