It’s no secret that Rihanna is one of the hardest working celebrities on the scene today; heading up her lucrative Fenty business empire, dropping award-winning albums and occasionally dipping her foot into Hollywood. Just a day after her incredible Savage x Fenty NYFW show which saw models (including RiRi) dancing in her new line, Rihanna threw one of the biggest parties of the year: her annual Diamond Ball for the Clara Lionel Foundation.
The star-studded gala saw celebs step out in their best finery (and naturally a ton of diamond accessories) for the event last night, including Cardi B, Karlie Kloss, Pharrell and Megan Thee Stallion. The annual fundraiser was held yet again at Cipriani Wall Street to raise funds for her charity the Clara Lionel Foundation, which supports global education programmes and emergency response initiatives.
The belle of the ball was naturally Rihanna herself, who according to Billboard was the very last person to arrive at the event to make a dramatic entrance. Dressed in a black velvet Givenchy gown, it featured an unusual mermaid tail detail with a contrasting sheer hem.
Rihanna previously talked about how excited she was for the event, sharing a video of a girl dancing on Instagram as she teased performances on the night of the ball by Pharrell and DJ Khaled. She captioned the post, “me and @jennnrosales tonight when @pharrell hits the stage... and @djkhaled gon turn the function up sumn serious....@claralionelfdn #DIAMONDBALL”
Cardi B as usual made an immense fashion statement, arriving in a pastel pink ruffle dress that nearly eclipsed her partner Offset. The photogenic pair looked magazine cover ready as they posed, with Offset wearing a sparkly blue blazer and silk trouser combo.
Cardi B and Rihanna also shared a sweet moment as the Umbrella singer came over to say hi to her during dinner.
Karlie Kloss arriving with diamond accessories suited to the theme of the night and a plunging black dress.
Pharrell, who performed later on that evening with Rihanna onstage, was completely onbrand with yet another one of his short suits and high sock combinations. He was joined by his wife Helen Laischanh.
Another performer on the night, hot girl summer herself Megan Thee Stallion channeled Jessica Rabbit vibes in a black sparkly bustier dress and elbow length gloves.
She and her boyfriend, rapper Moneybagg Yo, were also seen sharing a tender moment as he snuck a quick kiss.
Singer Kehlani was one of the most blinged out women on the night, wearing a sheer dazzling dress with feather details. On the red carpet of the event, Kehlani told Billboard, “It is finding little ways every single day to give back and impact people who can’t do it for themselves. Whether you’re speaking up when you’re in a privileged place, donating or organizing with your community. Whichever way you can do it definitely helps.”
She and Megan Thee Stallion posed for a cheeky picture during the event.
Rapper G-Eazy, who was recently called a “sh*tty dude” by his ex Halsey and dodged a run in with her at the Savage x Fenty after-party the night prior, attended the event with his new beau Yasmin Wijnaldum. In other photos, the pair were seen kissing on the red carpet and at one point the musician bit her lip for the cameras.
Comedian Seth Meyers clearly made a major impression on Rihanna after their hilariously drunk interview on his talk show, as he was invited to host the entire event. Meyers, who has also previously hosted the White House Correspondents Dinner, opted for a navy suit and was accompanied by his wife Alexi Ashe.
Singer Normani was also seen in attendance wearing an ivory gown, again wearing numerous diamonds which included stacked bracelets, dangling earrings and a couple of sparkling rings.
Fenty model Slick Woods, who made headlines for appearing in Rihanna’s 2018 Savage x Fenty show while pregnant, was also there to support the singer in a pastel pink dress and proudly displayed her signature shaved head. Woods revealed last year that she had actually been in labour during the fashion show and was dealing with contractions during it. She gave birth shortly after the presentation.
The model set were also naturally in attendance, with Cindry Bruna, Shanina Shaik and Georgia Fowler serving looks on the carpet.
Other notable attendees included A$AP Rocky (who was recently found guilty of assault during a highly publicised encounter in Stockholm), British-born rapper 21 Savage and DJ Khaled - who ecstatically posed with his pregnant fiancee Nicole Tuck.
To learn more about the Clara Lionel Foundation and make a donation, you can head to their official website here.
