• It's so anti-climactic when stars admit they are in a relationship years after it's patently obvious to everyone around them. Nelly, we've known about you and Ashanti for quite some time. [People]

• You probably haven't even head the rumor that he was dead, but just in case: Lil Wayne is very much alive. The end. [PH]

• Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton can't catch a break from racist racing fans the world over. [BV]

• D.L. Hughley's CNN show continues to be very bad, even when you throw Al Sharpton, who is not exactly his bff, into the mix. [WAOD]

• Andre Leon Talley, he who is responsible for Jennifer Hudson's critically-panned bolero at the Oscars, says his muse is doing "very, very well." [Us]

Francisco Costa, Tom Ford, and Tory Burch were big winners at last night's CFDA awards, but a post about the event would not be thorough if I didn't mention Naomi Campbell, in pants that look are I Dream of Jeanie meets MC Hammer meets a bedazzler, and Andre Leon Talley, who is wearing…what he's wearing (are those peep-toes?!?). Those scene-stealers!

One of the most glamorous annual events in New York City, the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was held last night. As usual, the stars showed up to the party — this year's theme was "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" — in all of their designer finery, and as usual, some gowns were finer than others. Loads more pics after the jump.

CONTINUED »

Last night I had the distinct pleasure of attending a forum called Out of Fashion, which is the third in a series of events that fashion-industry-great Bethann Hardison has organized to address the lack of models of color on the runways and in the fashion mags. Tyson Beckford was there, Jessica White was there, Damon Dash and (randomly) Jim Jones were there, and, although Andre Leon Talley — pictured here with Hardison at Tracey Reese's Spring '08 show last year — was too busy campaigning for Barack Obama to come, he wrote a rousing email which was read aloud.

The purpose of the forum was to discuss how the people in the industry can get more black models on the runway. Some blamed the modeling agencies and some blamed the designers and stylists. There were no outright solutions, but the hope is that, as Fashion Week approaches, everyone in the industry feels the heat from these ever-growing public discussions. I spoke to Bethann Hardison a few minutes ago, so look out for part deux tomorrow.

Last I heard, Jennifer Hudson was still with her non-famous man of 8 years and Kerry Rhodes was with Melyssa Ford, all of which makes this news really juicy if there is any truth to it.

VOGUE'S Andre Leon Talley once again got his big fashion paws on "American Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson, squeezing her into a tight gold gown at the Fashion Group International's Night of Star's gala Thursday at Cipriani. The Oscar winner walked the red carpet with Talley, but once inside cozied up to her new man, New York Jets free safety Kerri Rhodes. "He followed right behind her in a separate car, but when they were inside they were holding hands all night and taking trips to the bathroom together," said a spy.

[PS, KR]

• Don Cheadle continues his tireless Darfur activism. [MTV]

• Is Andre Leon Talley a member of Donnie McClurkin's backup choir? [C&D]

• Speaking of McClurkin… [CC]

• My words are unnecessary here:

The mayor of San Francisco, California, has changed his mind about honoring rapper Snoop Dogg after local officials imposed tighter rules regarding proclamations. The star - real name Calvin Broadus - was due to be presented with a proclamation by a representative from Mayor Gavin Newsom's Office of Criminal Justice during the rapper's performance at the Exotic Erotic Ball on Friday.

[SP]

Super-designer Tracy Reese (shown here with Veronica Webb, Deborah Cox, and fashion industry maven Bethann Hardison), showed her glamorous, retro, resort-chic collection earlier today at Bryant Park. After the jump, check out her famous guests, some runway shots, and the scene backstage.

CONTINUED »

The annual Costume Institute gala was held in NYC last night, and many of our brightest stars came out, although I'm not sure why some were invited. I've been missing the glamorous, evening gown version of Jennifer Hudson since awards season ended, so I'm thrilled to see her in formal mode.

Kerry Washington was chosen by People magazine as one of their 50 most beautiful people. She deserves it, don't you think? Can you tell I love Kerry Washington and hope that one day she can get a role that doesn't require her to be the lead character's wife even though I know that can't happen until someone starts writing some quality roles for black actresses? Well, if it wasn't obvious how I felt, then it is now.

Here she is arriving at a Tribeca Film Festival party Friday. Check out more pics from the festival and the Radio One Springfest after the jump.

CONTINUED »