Stars shine bright at Rihanna's Diamond Ball - in pictures

Models, musicians, socialites and actors spotted in all their finery at the annual charity event

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  Rihanna's reportedly wore 100 carats of diamonds to the party. AFP

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  Comedienne and actress Tiffany Haddish shows off her new bob actress, in a blue metallic gown and Chopard necklace. AFP

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  Heiress sisters Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton Rothschild. AFP

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  Hostess of the evening, Issa Rae. AFP

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  Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino took to the stage. AFP

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  Jamaican model Keyshia Ka'Oir and American rapper Gucci Mane put a playful spin on their all-black ensembles, AFP

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  Musician and actress Teyana Taylor of 'Gonna Love Me' fame. AFP

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  American rapper Fabolous has collaborated with Rihanna in the past, including for the song 'First Time'. AP

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  South African model and philanthropist Candice Swanepoel. AP

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  Puerto Rican model Joan Smalls accessories her purple gown with the Phenomena Crest diamond necklace from De Beers. AFP

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  German model-turned-photographer Ellen von Unwerth. AFP

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  South African comedian Trevor Noah, who some Ri-Ri fans think is perfect for her. AFP

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  German actress Jasmine Sanders lived up to her self-given moniker: Golden Barbie. AFP

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  American basketball player Skylar Diggins-Smith. AFP

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  American rapper ASAP Rocky and Rihanna used to date. AFP

Days before she's due in Dubai, Rihanna is keeping New York busy, first with her well-received Savage x Fenty show during New York Fashion Week on September 12, and on September 13 with her annual Diamond Ball gala and auction.

The charity event - which is run under the Clara Lionel Foundation, named after the singer's grandparents - raised almost US$6 million, and aims to raise $25m for an emergency respond fund by 2019. The foundation has supported those affected by hurricanes Harvey and Maria, although this is what Rihanna said in an nterviewi:

"I couldn't sleep knowing that I can't help someone with Aids because my charity's about cancer. Everybody needs help, you don't even know what that means, it could be schools supplies, it could be something as light as that. But we would always, always reach out and support, so this going to be an ever-growing charity.

"In the past I've wanted to support so many causes and you go to one foundation for this and one foundation for that. And I don't think it's fair to turn your back on someone else who needs help just because it doesn't fit into the bracket of your mold. And I don't think charities should be molded like that— not for me anyways."

American actor and rapper Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) earned plenty of claps and whoops over the course of his 45-minute performance, while actress Issa Rae hosted the event. Check our our gallery above to see who else attended, and this behind-the-scenes video:

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