Met Gala

The Met Gala's the time of the year when celebrities dress up like royalty and whisk past their subjects to party the night together in elite fashion ... and this year did not disappoint.

Kim Kardashian showed up to the Balenciaga bash in a superhero-looking outfit Monday night at Cathedrale Restaurant in NYC. It's a Balenciaga getup that seems inspired by Kanye. We got her stepping out of her SUV looking like the lead in Marvel's next blockbuster.

Justin and Hailey Bieber followed. The Biebs is the poster boy for Balenciaga, so it kinda makes sense he hosted the party.

Machine Gun Kelly showed up in a black jacket with roses on his shoulders, and GF Megan Fox looked her typical amazing self in a red dress.

Kid Cudi boldly went where no man has gone before at the 2021 Met Gala ... with damn near a couple million in bling hanging from his neck!!!

The "Man On the Moon" artist was decked out in a vibrant Louis Vitton getup for the event, but the centerpiece of the look was his not-so-little man on the moon ... an opulent, one-of-a-kind piece designed by Ben Baller and KAWS.

We're told the chain and pendant -- museum quality diamond work titled "SPACE" -- is a whopping $1,600,000 piece ... featuring more than 24,000 clarity E color diamonds, and more than a kilo in 18k rose gold.

The celeb jeweler says, "This is the most detailed and intricate piece of jewelry I’ve ever created in my entire career," adding that he had to shut down his entire factory for 3 months to focus on completing it.

The piece is a miniature take on Kaws' famous "Holiday Space" astronaut figure, and Baller says the pendant's backpack has a secret compartment where Cudi can keep weed -- or other small stuff -- in it.

Billie Eilish had just one condition if she was going to wear an Oscar de la Renta gown to the Met Gala ... the company had to stop selling fur. And, it obliged.

The "Happier Than Ever" singer gave the company a shout-out for the "BEAUTIFUL dress" she wore to Monday's highly-anticipated event in NYC. She particularly thanked ODLR for "bringing my ideas and vision to life."

Those ideas and vision? She wanted the brand to ditch fur -- not just for her gown, but for the whole label. She said, "It was an honor to wear this dress knowing that going forward oscar de la renta will be completely fur-free!!!!"

She added, "I am beyond thrilled that ... the entire team heard me on this issue, and have now made a change that makes an impact for the greater good, not only for animals but also for our planet and environment too. i'm honored to have been a catalyst and to have been heard on this matter."

Billie, who is vegan and an animal rights activist, reportedly had a meeting with the label about all of this and, in the end, the company's chief executive, Alex Bolen, agreed.

It should be noted ... the company hasn't used fur for its runway designs for years but fur products were still available in stores. According to the New York Times, de la Renta's own widow, Annette, has said the practice of selling fur products is "barbaric."

Ciara wore something Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber and Grimes couldn't get their hands on for the Met Gala -- a Super Bowl ring, courtesy of Russell Wilson!!

The singer showed up to the big event Monday night channeling her hubby's day job -- decked out in a sparkly green dress resembling Wilson's #3 Seahawks jersey, which was designed by Peter Dundas.

Ciara also held a bedazzled mini football clutch ... just to make sure everyone knew the theme she was going for.

But, to complete the look, Ciara pulled out quite possibly the biggest flex of all-time -- Wilson's Super Bowl XLVIII ring he won in 2014!!!

"My Hubby’s color rush Seahawks jersey transformed into a dress + His Super Bowl XLVIII ring = EVERYTHING!" Ciara posted on Instagram.

So, where was Russ?? The Seattle superstar was busy bro'ing out with Peyton and Eli Manning during their "Monday Night Football" broadcast ... but don't worry, he was sure to shower her with compliments in the comment section.

"My queen. My Everything," Wilson said.

What celebs wear is only half the Met Gala game, the other half is how they party -- and Alicia Keys' post-gala event had plenty of that ... with the biggest names.

The singer threw a bash at Casa Cipriani in lower Manhattan late Monday night, and along with performing ... she played host to the likes of Michael Jordan ... who's still so damn popular, he seemed cornered by crowds at times.

Leonardo DiCaprio was in attendance in his going-out baseball cap, and Elon Musk was rocking a white suit to stand out even more.

Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum had folks sounding the new couple alert as they hit the dance floor when the DJ dropped "Poison." Vanessa Bryant and her daughter, Natalia, got some dancing in too.

Finally ... we're wondering if Serena Williams ever got on that elevator??? Watch the video, maybe you've got a guess.

As we reported ... a slew of stars put on their most eye-popping and extravagant outfits for the 2021 Met Gala, and did not disappoint as they arrived in style for the first time since 2019.

Of course, the event was canceled last year due to the pandemic. This year, all gala attendees had to be vaccinated.

Frank Ocean might be thinking 'bout you -- but all anyone can think about is that weird-ass baby doll he brought with him to the Met Gala ... which looked more alien than human.

You probably saw this Monday as A-listers made their way into the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the high-fashion event -- FO touched down with what appeared to be an infant cradled in his arms. As it turns out, though, it wasn't a kid ... it wasn't even alive either.

Frank had some sort of a robot with him -- which moved and blinked (and maybe even cooed?) like it was the real deal, but very much so wasn't ... on account of its slime green skin tone, among other tell-tale AI signs. It was weird -- but very on-brand for Mr. Ocean.

Dude's pretty enigmatic as an artist -- so him walking out with this machine in hand isn't all that nuts if you think about it. It was actually more of a shock just to see him there at all.

He hardly ever goes out ... but when he does, it's always a scene. As for what he himself was wearing, Frank had on a black Prada suit, accompanied by a custom cap, jewelry he reportedly had designed by his own line, Homer ... and, of course, his highlighter hairdo.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are turning the Met Gala into the make out gala ... and they're not letting COVID protocols stop them from packing on the PDA.

Ben and Jen were together Monday at the Met Gala in New York City, where they were locking arms, hugging and kissing through their face masks.

J Lo wore a brown ensemble complete with a plunging dress and a long train, plus a hat, necklace, and a feather boa. She's also got an interesting accessory around her neck, something like a big choker.

Ben, meanwhile, went with a more classic look in his tuxedo ... kinda like he did last week at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, when they went to their first showbiz event together since reuniting.

Kim Kardashian West is already turning heads on her way to the Met Gala -- this time, without even showing her face -- and it's all thanks to a look from Balenciaga and inspiration from her estranged hubby.

Kim just left her hotel in NYC wearing the custom outfit designed by Demna Gvasalia, the creative director of Balenciaga. The look includes a curve T-shirt under a T-shirt dress with an incorporated bodysuit, completed with jersey boots Pantaleggings, jersey gloves and a mask hiding her whole face.

Sources connected tell us that while Kanye won't be at the Met in person, he gave Kim the courage to push the envelope with creativity and people's imagination through art.

We're told Kanye was also the one who introduced Kim to Demna -- who will join her at the Gala -- so he's a big reason the look came together in the first place.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were also spotted leaving the same hotel as Kim, but both were dressed down and likely headed to dinner ... no Gala.

We saw Kim rocking another head/face mask over the weekend in the Big Apple -- a head-to-toe black leather getup.

As you know ... Kanye's been all about the full head wraps lately too, and it sure looked like Kim might've taken a cue from him for the ensemble -- which appears to have been from the Spring 2019 Vetements collection.

The ensemble tonight is also a complete departure from what Kim's worn during past Met Galas -- especially over the last handful of years when her dresses were bright, shiny and sleek. She's rocked gowns designed by Thierry Mugler, Versace, Balmain and Vivienne Westwood -- just to name a few.

Now, she's going the Balenciaga route, and still looking incredible.

The Met Gala is back after a year off due to COVID, and it looks like the stars were chomping at the bit to put on their best suits and dresses in a return to normalcy.

This year's hosts include Keke Palmer, Billie Eilish, Amanda Gorman, Timothee Chalamet and Naomi Osaka -- and they've already arrived in with their own getups ... which were eye-popping and extravagant.

Some of the stars expected to show include Rihanna, J Lo, Kim K, Emily Ratajkowski, Camila Cabello, Lupita N'yongo, Beyonce, Addison Rae and more. This year's theme is "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" -- so we'll see wears to rep that.

We know what you're thinking ... what about the Delta variant? There are strict protocols in place to help mitigate that -- including requirements for proof of vaccination prior to showing up, not to mention a negative COVID test as well. Masks indoors are also required.

Remember -- last year's Met Gala got scrapped altogether due to the pandemic ... so, it's been a year-plus since folks have been able to flex their fashion muscles anew.

Kim Kardashian looked hell-bent for leather this weekend -- and that's no exaggeration ... she was completely covered up in the material from head to toe (emphasis on the former).

The middle Kardashian sister was out in NYC Saturday, heading into the Ritz Carlton to check in ahead of the Met Gala on Monday. Of course, it's also New York Fashion Week -- and, boy, did KK make a statement with her getup in front of a crush of paps and photogs.

Check it out ... Kim donned black leather from the tip of her scalp to the bottoms of her feet, which included a full face mask -- complete with zippers and a ponytail hole up north.

She was also wearing a black leather trench coat, black pants and black boots to ... well, boot. It was quite an outfit -- and she had all eyeballs on her as she went into the building, not really stopping to chat with anyone. And, frankly, how could she ... she was wrapped up!

This definitely tops her other fashion flex earlier this week, when she stepped out for a birthday dinner in Malibu in yet another black ensemble -- with a trailing cape and sunglasses for good measure. She's got the same color scheme going here ... but with a slight twist. And she seems to be keeping the 'Matrix' vibes going too -- maybe some 'Pulp Fiction' as well.

Also of note ... this is almost in the same vein as Kanye's recent full head masks ... a la 'Donda' listening events and other outings, where the dude is fully hidden from view. Makes ya wonder if she's following in his footsteps, fashion-wise. Hmmm ... 🤔

Dua Lipa's trading in one star-studded event for another -- the singer's missing out on the Met Gala ... because she's working on her big-screen acting debut.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the "Levitating" singer's among a slew of celebs invited to the famous fundraising ball in NYC this month, but she had to decline because she's busy filming for the upcoming action thriller, "Argylle."

The movie will be Dua's first acting role, and she'll be co-starring alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood ... Samuel L. Jackson, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Bryce Dallas Howard, John Cena, Sam Rockwell and Catherine O'Hara, just to name a few.

We're told Lipa's currently in the UK shooting the film -- directed by Matthew Vaughn of 'Kingsman' fame -- otherwise, she'd be at the event. She previously attended in 2019.

The Met Gala will be held on Monday, September 13, and even without Dua, will feature HUGE names, with rumored attendees that include Beyonce, Kim Kardashian West, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Harry Styles, Lupita Nyong’o, Camila Cabello, Addison Rae and Lewis Hamilton.

The 3 men who beat the crap out of an aggressive Cardi B autograph seeker have been ID'd by cops and TMZ's learned they're now persons of interest.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the guys are in Offset's crew, but when cops called neither the rapper nor his famous -- and very preggo -- fiancée were cooperating. Investigators had their luck quickly turn ... and it had everything to do with Offset's chain getting stolen from his hotel room.

We're told investigators in that case wanted a list of names of authorized people coming in and out of the Migos rapper's room. When they got that list, investigators handed it to cops handling the assault case. Those cops ran background checks on the suspects, checked surveillance and cross-checked the names on social media.

Sources tell us cops struck gold and found images that matched the same gear they were wearing in the assault captured on camera. We're told the 3 men are currently in Georgia. They're not officially suspects  ... at least not yet.

As we first reported ... the autograph seeker has sued Cardi B and Offset alleging their hired muscle is responsible for the attack.

Cardi B and Offset have just been sued by the autograph hound who got beat up by who he claims were Cardi and Offset's hired muscle ... TMZ has learned.

Giovanni Arnold claims he was at The Mark Hotel just after 2 AM on May 8 -- outside a Met Gala after-party -- when Cardi walked out and shouted at him, "F*** outta here n****, I will slap the s*** out of you."  He says he "expressed disappointment with being ignored."

Arnold says shortly after Offset, who was trailing behind his fiancee, said, "Shut up, bro, before a n**** beat you out here."

According to the lawsuit, filed by Daniel Szalkiewicz, Arnold says he tried de-escalating the situation, but within seconds 3 bodyguards attacked him. He says he didn't fight back. All he did was lie on the ground and try to protect his body.

He went to a hospital and says he suffered injuries to his face, neck, back and body.

J Lo and A-Rod's one-of-a-kind matching Met Gala outfits are going from the red (and white) carpet to an auction to raise money for (RED)'s fight to end AIDS.

The couple slayed Monday night in custom-designed Balmain looks from the creative director ,Olivier Rousteing. The theme was "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," hence the cross on J Lo's chest.

Her dress took over a month to make ... the jewels on the feathers were sewn on by hand, which explains the $5k starting bid. A-Rod's tux starts at $1,500.

The auction is a cool concept ... if you can rationalize spending that much on clothes, and also considering there's zero chance they would re-wear this stuff. Rousteing's other designs from the night for 'Daily Show' host Trevor Noah, Juliette Binoche and more are also up for auction.

Lana Del Rey can change her mind at the drop of a hat, as one unlucky sap quickly learned trying to press his luck with a camera.

TMZ obtained video of Lana shutting down a fan's selfie Monday night in NYC right as she was about to snap -- all 'cause the dude tried switching things up last minute.

Eyewitnesses tell us the guy caught Lana heading back to her hotel after the Met Gala, and got a standard photo with her. Then he wanted a selfie, giving her the camera at first ... but then deciding he wanted to hold it himself. She wasn't down for that ... any of it, ultimately.

Kim Kardashian's cleavage is on a freakin' roll, because she framed the girls in brilliant, eye-catching yellow to follow up her Met Gala gown.

Kim came out of a Chinatown restaurant Tuesday night wearing vintage Versace, the same designer she wore Monday night at the Met. Her pal La La Anthony, sisters Kendall and Kylie, and mom Kris were there too.

The crew attended the Business of Fashion's new issue launch, and we gotta say -- the whole fam's biz was looking real good.

Kendall's the only one who actually opted for business attire at the event -- although she went totally bare underneath her suit. We applaud the move.

As we told you ... Taylor Swift took a dig at Kim while kicking off her tour Tuesday night in Glendale, Arizona. Taylor might be holding on to old stuff, but pretty obvious the Kardashians are taking the high fashion road.