Before there was Nicolas and his robot leggings, there was Cristóbal Balenciaga, the great Spanish innovator who flipped fashion on its decorated head in the early 20th century. Now, the style pioneer is getting his due and the royal treatment with a new exhibit opening next week at the Spanish Institute in New York.

Such an occasion calls for its share of queenly attention, which includes Spain’s current monarch, Queen Sofia, who’ll inaugurate the show, and Vogue’s Hamish Bowles, who’s doing the curatorial honors. The show draws from the expansive house archives, as well as a slew of high-profile private collections (including Bowles’ own). Expect lavish wedding dresses, saucy boleros, and flamenco gowns. We’re still trying to figure out what those things were doing in Hamish’ closet, but we’re glad he’s willing to part with them, if only for a little while.