5 Things To Know This AM — Jun 05 2012

We thought that Valentino — in his recent appointment as costume designer (and honoree!) for the New York City Ballet's Fall Gala— would eschew Rodarte's black and white swan uniforms, going instead with his signature red. Judging by this sneak preview, it looks like he will engage the full spectrum come that late September evening. We're staying tuned! (Lucky)

CUNY recently republished online their image and analytics-based profiles of New York neighborhoods from 1943. That means history-loving Manhattanites can peep vintage photos of their favorite streets, play around with interactive maps and plot wartime block-by-block census stats. Most intriguing are the rent-rates of yore. $12/mo for a LES 2 bedroom? TO THE DELOREAN! (NYTimes)

Those in search of eastern inspired fittings, look no further than designer Claudia Patel's Pop Up/Trunk Show event today in upper Chelsea. From 3:30-8 p.m. snack on snacks and toast the gorgeous silk kimonos with free drinks! (Claudia Patel)

Just yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo called for the decrminalization of "small amounts of marijuanna" in public view. Yes, Cuomes (may we call you Cuomes, Cuomes?) is turning a new leaf in the city's record of relatively strict drug policies. Do see what we did there? Dime-bagging New Yorkers definitely did. (Gothamist)

Helmut Lang long ago ditched the fashion fedora for the conceptual art chapeau. His 2009 sculpture "Front Row" poses a rare compromise between his hats, revisiting his past line of work, if at the same time that it takes a quick 1, 2 at the fashion world's enthroned complex of money, power and hierarchy. Now, Upper East side shoppers can see the work in person, oozing all its irony at the Barney's window display on Madison. His and 4 more site-specific installations will occupy the windows through June. (Interview)