Fashion

Meeting Meghan Markle is apparently more difficult than breaking into Fort Knox ... even for fashion icons and some of the biggest stars in the world.

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance at The Fashion Awards in London Monday night to present Designer of the Year, but all the excitement of her presence turned into disappointment for many ... because they couldn't get close enough to say hello.

Sources tell us Markle's area backstage at The Royal Albert Hall was cordoned off by Royalty Protection officers and security guards the whole night, as a tactic called "Royal Movement" was in place. It means when Meghan's on the move, all hallways and stairs have to be kept clear.

We're told several big stars at the awards show -- like Kendall Jenner, Rita Ora and the Beckhams -- were up in arms about the intense security ... because they were denied an audience with Megs.

There were a couple people who did get some face time, though -- actress Rosamund Pike, who co-presented with Meghan, and Clare Waight Keller ... who won the award Markle presented.

The trio even posed for some photo booth pics ... but that was it.

Other celebs in attendance included Kate Moss, Penelope Cruz, Uma Thurman, Lana Del Rey, Winnie Harlow, Robert Pattinson, Saoirse Ronan, Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber ... who won Model of the Year.

And, even the MoY didn't get a selfie with the Duchess.

James Harden was channeling his inner Migos before takin' on LeBron and the Lakers ... showing up to the game Thursday in a full Versace snakeskin short suit -- and then he BALLED OUT!!

With the majority of his thighs out on display, Harden swagged his way into the Toyota Center in Houston and then dropped a 50 BURGER on the Lake Show.

The Rockets eventually won the game 126 to 111.

So, how much does drip like this cost? Versace tells us the faux python outfit isn't even available to the public until the start of 2019 -- the top will set ya back $7,595 ... and the pants are $3,495!!!

Harden's also in the middle of a $228 MILLION contract extension, so money is no object when it comes to fashion.

Seems the fit could be a tribute to Bron's trend-setting look from the NBA Finals last season ... when the King rocked a short suit before Game 1.

We gotta say, Harden's got the upper hand on LBJ with this one.

Some good news, bad news for Serena Williams ...

The Good News -- The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced massive rule changes allowing athletes like Serena to wear full catsuit outfits during 2019 matches.

The Bad News -- The French Open -- where the whole catsuit drama went down -- could still ban it because the rule change doesn't apply to Grand Slams.

Remember, French Open officials created a huge controversy after they told Serena she couldn't wear her custom-made Nike compression suit ... despite the fact that it was designed to increase blood circulation in the wake of her health issues surrounding blood clots.

The ensuing outcry was LOUD -- with everyone from ex-pro tennis player Anne White to ex-Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad racing to defend Williams.

In an effort to prevent similar drama from happening ... the WTA announced in rule changes this week, "Leggings and mid-thigh-length compression shorts may be worn with or without a skirt, shorts or dress."

Translation ... catsuit's back!!!

The problem -- the rule changes only apply to WTA Tournaments ... NOT Grand Slams.

Jennifer Lopez was front and center for the world premiere of her new movie ... and, eventually, the rest of her dress caught up with her.

J Lo showed out in an extravagant pink tulle high-low gown Wednesday night in NYC for the debut of her flick, "Second Act." As you can tell, the outfit was over-the-top -- with a loooong trail of fabric she had to be mindful of as she posed for pics.

That said, would you expect anything less from Jenny? She's kinda famous for moments like this ... just sayin'. And hey, the fashion choice paid off ... folks were wowed.

As much room as Jen had out on the red carpet of the Regal Union Square Theatre to strut her stuff, she looked a bit cramped in the car with A-Rod on the way over ... where the ruffles from the dress looked like a whole other person occupying the seat next to her.

Nike has put their money behind Colin Kaepernick -- and now the man who founded the company tells TMZ Sports, he believes the QB should still be playing in the NFL.

We saw shoe legend, Phil Knight leaving Michael's restaurant in New York the other day and while he threw his support behind Colin -- he stopped short when we asked if he believed CK is being blackballed by the NFL.

"I don't know," Knight told us ... "I don't know."

80-year-old Knight still serves as Chairman Emeritus for the Swoosh -- the company that recently inked Kaepernick as the face of its "Just Do It" 30th Anniversary Campaign.

After the first Kaepernick ad dropped back in September, the brand reportedly saw a 31% boost in online sales ... so, ya gotta think Phil would be pumped about bringing Kaep back into the fold.

One more thing ... what kind of shoes does the $30 BILLION Nike founder rock out in public?

Phil says they're special "PK 80s" -- a special line of shoes created to honor Phil's 80th birthday. We're having a tough time finding the exact model and value of the shoes ... but we're working on it.

Olivia Culpo's holiday shopping outfit is giving everyone lots of ideas ... for gifts. And, other things.

The former Miss Universe looked catwalk-ready Friday, as she floated out of a Epione dermatology in Bev Hills, rocking a ridiculously hot pair of red thigh high boots.

'Tis the season for red ... and leather, apparently. Mind you, this is just her out-and-about running errands ensemble.

Olivia's holiday shopping list will NOT include a stop at a Rolex store. She's got that covered.

Amal Clooney's got her hands full ... with her bundled-up twins, their teddy bears and even a go bag for her little girl.

George's wife was flying solo Thursday morn with the couple's 1-and-a-half-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, as the trio left the Four Seasons and headed out into the chilly streets of New York City.

It is a pretty rare sighting of their kids, and we gotta say ... even toddler Clooneys look stylish wherever they go.

As we reported ... George and Amal got dressed to the nines Wednesday night to attend the United Nations Gala in New York with his parents. Amal, who is a human rights lawyer, was one of the speakers.

Remember when Drake was the biggest Kentucky Wildcats fan on the planet??

The dude's leanin' more towards Duke, now ... 'cause Drizzy's added a FULL R.J. Barrett Montverde Academy basketball uniform to his insane collection ... and he's proudly showin' it off.

We all know the 6 God has a TON of rare prep jerseys -- from John Wall to Boogie Cousins to Barrett's Duke teammate Zion Williamson.

The newest addition might leave some people scratching their heads considering Drake's a big BBN fanboy ... and Barrett's tearing it up for the Blue Devils this season.

It's especially interesting because Barrett destroyed Kentucky in his college hoops debut earlier this season with 33 points and 6 assists ... but we take it Aubrey's had some time to heal.

The only explanation here -- Drake's pride for the North outweighs his Kentucky fandom ... and considering Barrett's one of the best Canadian hoopers since Steve Nash, he's probably cool with pissing off a few 'Cats diehards.

But, the full jersey AND shorts combo, Drake??

Sheesh.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are just like you -- constantly posing for the 'Gram with their friends ... except their friends are 2 Chainz, Donatella Versace and Hailey Bieber.

The Wests were definitely holding court backstage at Versace's pop-up fashion show in NYC Sunday night, and we got this vid of them rubbing elbows and taking pics with everyone. Kim and Hailey -- who was sans her hubby, Justin Bieber -- caught up, while Ye and 2 Chainz chopped it up.

Kanye was in a great mood, not only mugging for cameras backstage, but having a blast sitting front row during the show. When one of the models dropped what looks like an earring ... Ye was Johnny-on-the-spot.

Hailey actually walked the runway, along with Gigi Hadid, Amber Valetta and Emily Ratajkowski.

Mary J. Blige, Bradley Cooper, Tracee Ellis Ross, Blake Lively and Ciara were just a few of the other celebs who showed up.

Point being ... tons of people striking a pose -- on AND off the runway.

Halsey's making it clear, just because she appeared in the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show ... she's still pissed off about one of its execs disregard for the LGBTQ community.

The singer, who performed in the VS Show, blasted the show as it was airing Sunday night. She called out Ed Razek, the chief marketing officer for VS's parent company.

Last month in Vogue, he was asked about having transgender models in the show and said ... "No, I don't think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy. It's a 42-minute entertainment special. That's what it is."

Halsey's IG post slammed VS for "a lack of inclusivity" ... and added she stands in solidarity with the trans community.

For his part, Razek apologized and walked back his comment, as soon as the backlash began. He said, "To be clear, we absolutely would cast a transgender model for the show."

Razek added, "We've had transgender models come to castings. And like many others, they didn't make it. But it was never about gender. I admire and respect their journey to embrace who they really are."

Halsey seems to want action, not words.

Move over, "Mob Wives" ... there's a new show getting ready to mark its territory on VH1 with ties to drug cartels.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... VH1 is done casting for its non-scripted show that will feature people whose family is closely associated with the drug trade. We're told one person who made the cut is Michael Corleone Blanco -- the son of the notorious gangster, Griselda Blanco -- aka "The Godmother of Cocaine."

If VH1 wanted a member closely associated to the cartels, look no further than Michael Corleone Blanco, whose mom was Pablo Escobar's inspiration.

For the uninitiated, Griselda -- also nicknamed "The Godmother of the Medellin Cartel" -- reigned terror in Miami during the cocaine wars of the 70s and 80s. She reportedly ordered hits on hundreds and served nearly 2 decades behind bars in the U.S. for drug trafficking and 3 murders.

Griselda -- who once allegedly plotted to kidnap JFK Jr. -- was portrayed by Catherine Zeta-Jones in the movie "Cocaine Godmother: The Griselda Blanco Story." She was eventually deported to Colombia and gunned down 6 years ago outside a butcher shop in Medellin.

Boosie's giving barbershop talk a whole new meaning ... saying if Hollywood's gonna jack his hairstyle, they better cough up some dough.

The rapper appeared on Raquel Harper's show "Raq Rants" on BET and said he wanted to talk about an issue important to him -- his "Boosie fade." Boosie tells us he's got his lawyers working on how to trademark the style. No joke.

He's not going after your average Joe who sports the Boosie fade. His beef is with Hollywood studios making money off his back head when their stars sport his same hairstyle. He's adamant it's similar to, say, Hollywood using a Marvin Gaye song. Studio's gotta pay up.

Nicki Minaj doesn't owe her former stylist a dime -- in fact, she paid him too much money and now she wants it back ... according to new legal docs.

Nicki's countersuing Maher Jridi, who was her stylist in 2017 and hit her with a lawsuit in October for allegedly not returning nearly $74k worth of fancy clothes. Minaj denies Jridi's allegations and is firing back some of her own, claiming she overpaid him $12,000 for stylist services and he kept the cash.

According to the docs ... Nicki has an email chain proving Jridi knew about the overpayment and agreed to return it, but never did. She's now countersuing him for the $12k plus legal fees.

Minaj is also asking the court to dismiss Jridi's original suit.

As we reported ... Maher's known for being the man behind Nicki's famous wardrobe during 2017's Paris Fashion Week.

Game recognizes game, which is why Tommy Hilfiger is declaring Ralph Lauren his MVD -- most valuable designer for 2018 -- but he also names his top models.

We got the fashion legend leaving Michael's in NYC, and with December almost here, we asked who's stood out the most in his industry this year. Ever-humble, he tried to say he wasn't the most qualified to answer. To that we say, poppycock!

Tommy relented and dropped RL's name for one particular reason. Then we moved on to who's tops, as far as models go. He gave us 2 names.

We already knew he was high on one of them, and the other ... well, not exactly a big surprise.

It's who he didn't mention that's likely to get the fashion biz buzzing.

Kate Middleton wants everyone to know Meghan Markle isn't the only Royal with impeccable style ... because Kate's doing everything she can to keep up with Meghan's public image.

Our Royal sources say Kate is attending more events than she used to, and she's paying much more attention to her looks ... we're talking wardrobe, hair, jewelry, make-up, the whole nine yards. Basically, we're told Kate wants to be more visible now that Meghan is commanding the spotlight.

As you can see, Kate has totally switched up her look ... combining Princess Diana's favorite tiara with a fancy necklace and a new gown by Alexander McQueen. This ensemble for a recent state banquet is quite different from the looks we'd gotten used to seeing Kate wear.

When she attended Prince Charles' 70th birthday party on Nov. 14, Kate wore her hair up ... showing off bare shoulder under very glitzy earrings. Again, a style we hadn't seen much. For what it's worth, Meghan also wore her hair up at that event.

Kate's been busting out some outfits from way back in the day -- she's no fool and knows that gets more coverage. Check out Kate this year in her 2012 Jenny Packham dress. All she really changed was wearing her hair down, and it still looks stunning.

Usually, she recycles a year-old jacket or two, not a dress she wore 6 years ago -- a clear sign she's trying something new.

It's interesting ... Kate's image focus comes amid reports of tension between her and Meghan, and between William and Harry. We've reached out to Kensington Palace for comment, but so far no word back.

TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie knows 90% of Americans want what he does when it comes to gun reform, but what might surprise you is he says a majority of NRA members also back his plan.

Blake was on TMZ Live Wednesday when he told us he's planning to hit up NRA leaders about his initiative to get Congress to enact universal background checks for all gun purchases. He told us the vast majority of the NRA's rank and file members support it ... so he's hoping the org gets on board with his "End Gun Violence Together" campaign.

Blake has said the Thousand Oaks bar mass shooting sparked his company's interest in taking a stand. He kicked things into high gear last week announcing on 'The Tonight Show' that TOMS will donate $5 million to several organizations working to end gun violence.

He's proudly touting, and rightfully so, the technology on toms.com that makes it simpler than ever to mail a postcard to your elected officials, demanding they back universal background checks.