She was 'the belle of the ball'. [=the most beautiful and popular woman at a dance, party, etc.]
a Southern 'belle'
(..) Don't be late home. Oh, dear. Kitty's coming by to see you. She's all grown up and a bit frightened of you. The belle of St. Petersburg society. Is that who I am? Dolly. Stiva has told me. Oh, Dolly, I'm sorry. From the bottom of my heart. (..)2012 Anna Karenina