The Queen Sofía Spanish Institute in New York, is opening an exhibit titled “Balenciaga: Spanish Master,” on November 19th.  Conceived by Oscar de la Renta, who is chairman of the organization’s board, this tribute will…

“….be the first to consider the impact of Spain’s culture, history and art on one of its greatest twentieth-century sons, the legendary designer Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972). Hailed as “Fashion’s Picasso” by Cecil Beaton, Balenciaga’s innovations transformed the way women dressed, from the opening of his Paris fashion house in 1937 until his retirement in 1968.”

The exhibit will showcase more than 70 items of  Balenciaga clothing and accessories Image above features a Balenciaga “Infanta” evening dress from 1939. Sounds amazing!

From stingray to crocodile and snake, fashion has had a long  love affair with textured skins.  Taking outside the box to an interesting, challenging  level , Iceland-based Rakel Hafberg  crafts funky accessories from the common ole chicken. Yes from eating your chicken, you can now wear your chicken. Kind of tribal, clearly  different and makes us wonder, if you think about it long enough,  why not? More views on the flip via  Fashion snoops. Available here.

Last  week Levi’s unveiled their brand new concept store in New York’s Meat Packing District . In a rustic space, the iconic brand exhibited a portion of its heritage with various Levi’s archive items. Current collections, like the brand’s collaboration with Pendleton were also shown. Limited-edition items, including archival 501 re-issues from the hard-to-get Levi’s Vintage Clothing collection will be available for sale, as well as non Levi’s products like field notes notebooks, red toe socks and much more. 

 The store  also houses a denim tailor for on site denim repairs. On the next page a look at the opening festivities which featured an energetic performance by the one and only Vivian Girls.

Lanvin and H&M presented a high-end version of the collection that will soon appear in the chain’s doors. Taking place at the Pierre Hotel,  runway models included Asia Chow, Pixie Geldof, Dree Hemingway, Olga and Anna Dello Russo. Alber Elbaz, too, was there to give a wave at the end of the show. Many images of the show after the flip.

Known as the publisher  of EY! Magateen and Candy Magazine, Luis Venegas collaborates with the illustrious Acne on a capsule collection of shirts:

Named after characters from Venegas’ favourite TV series, “Dynasty,” each shirt carries both masculine and feminine elements, offered in either silk crepe of Italian denim. Big sleeves decorate “Krystle,” “Sammy Jo” features subtle ruffles at the neck and the most dramatic of them all, “Alexis,” comes aptly equipped with a large bow.

More images on the next page via Dazed where you can also read Venegas’ interview about the project.

We mentioned earlier today that Nicki Minaj appeared on Wendy Williams’ talk show. Turns out it was revealed during her interview that Nicki has collaborated with MAC Cosmetics on a “Pink Friday” shade of lipstick (above), which totally has a Barbie pink vibe to it. Details are sketchy, but the current word is that it will be sold on the MAC site on Fridays only for the next four weeks, starting tomorrow [UPDATE: According to a reader it starts Friday November 26th].

There isn’t a lot of info accompanying the sneak peek images of  the Vans X Santigold perforated high-tops shown above, just that they have a Spring 2011 launch date. I’m guessing they will be available in other colors, especially given the Spring launch, but we shall see. One more image after the flip, more at Highsnobiety.

U.S. Vogue landed the first Tom Ford editorial, but Vogue Paris has Ford on its December cover and assisting on editing duties. Here he is with 15-year-old Dutch model Daphne Groeneveld (who some feel for this shoot has been excessively styled to resemble Lara Stone), as photographed by Mert & Marcus.

I cannot objectively say if I am drawn to the fab ring itself or if it’s  the fact that it actually bears a name I consider to be mine? Regardless the “Duchess of Fabulous” ring is worthy of your admiration.  Available at Net-a-porter.

Gucci tinted with a sexy feminine edge–colorful,  intense and oh so lovely!  Enjoy a look at their full Spring 2011 Collection.