Quickies: Galliano extends at Dior, Balenciaga menswear, and more

Photo: Getty Images

John Galliano (left) has supposedly signed "a long-term extension" of his design contract with Dior.
As well as they've done under his creative hand, they are planning a
further integration of his design, which means more flights of fancy in
the Dior menswear collections. [WWD]

As was reported, Balenciaga showed a quick passage of men at his Paris fashion show.
It was a quick seven looks that walked down the runway, and though
Cathy Horyn at the New York Times unsurprisingly called the looks
"duds," we simply see it as a taste of things to come. Besides that, Cole Mohr was the first male model out, and he's always enough to bring our guards down. [On the Runway]

(Almost) Open for Business: Paul Smith in Brooklyn. Though Manhattanites are rarely looking for a reason to love the borough, it will certainly help that the store will offer an ever revolving selection of his designs at up to 30% off. Who said the Brits weren't sympathetic to the American economic plight? [Material Interest]

(Actually) Open for Business: a peek inside Billy Reid's new Manhattan store.

Yves Saint Laurent is up for auction. Well, a big chunk of his art collection is at least. Come February the masses will get the opportunity to bid on everything from Matisse to Mondrian, with proceeds from the sale -- which is expected to garner $440 million -- going to charity. Self-serving philanthropy is the best, isn't it? [Material Interest]

-- SETH PLATTNER