GNO with Balenciaga at the de Young

My fashionista girlfriend, Megan (left), had the wonderful idea to do a girls night out at the de Young Museum's Balenciaga and Spain opening night bash this weekend.

(You can't tell from this photo, but I had tons of dirt under my nails.)

Realize - we were just happy to get out of the house!  What we didn't know at the time is that it was actually some sort of a star-studded event.  The best part of all - that is, aside from the incredible fashion - was that I actually stood next to a woman and thought - "Huh. Now isn't she the spitting image of Gwenyth Paltrow." Apparently, it was her! 

The night was great fun!  The de Young was turned into a night club, served up with great food, variations of pomegranate sippers, dj'd music and an old black and white Spanish film projected up high on to the wall over the main floor. 

The actual exhibit itself was smashing!!  While not a fully committed fashionista myself, I do have a special place in my heart for the lines and detailing of the 50's and 60's, brought on by the images of my mother in that era, who donned herself in hand sewn dresses and coats.  I must admit that as stunning as Balenciaga's vintage designs are, the whole experience was simultaneously, a tinge painful.  For me, the designs were so alluring BECAUSE they bordered on modern architecture - deceptively simple in appearance due to brilliant engineering.  And all the while I could do nothing more than appreciate, dream and drool.  Because not only would I never have access to such a masterpiece, but without much chance left of 'Princess' or 'Oscar Nominee' being added to my resume, there is not likely a chance in my life when I'll ever have the opportunity to dress like one. (Sniffle. Sniffle)

Te amo, Balenciaga!