Kim Kardashian stepped out in a bold puffer vest as she prepared to make her debut as Saturday Night Live host.
The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star left the swish Ritz-Carlton hotel, where she’s been staying as she attends rehearsals and meetings, on Wednesday morning and was met with a swarm of adoring fans.
Wearing a black Balenciaga puffer vest, Kim looked solemn as she headed for a waiting car, as it whisked her off to Rockefeller Plaza to take part in a read-through of Saturday night’s show.
The mother-of-four rocked a baseball cap and sunglasses as she left the five-star hotel, and wowed onlookers with her all-black leather ensemble.
Kim teamed the unusual oversized puffer vest with a long leather jacket, a leather-look high neck top, and matching trousers, as well as knee-high black leather boots.
Her straight black hair was tucked into the collar of her puffer vest, and she carried a large leather burgundy holdall.
She’s been a big fan of the Balenciaga vest as she embraces a chillier climate in New York City, and Kim was spotted wearing it several times as she headed to and from SNL rehearsals.
In a photo shared to the show’s official Instagram account, Kim could be seen at one of the read-throughs with cast members Alex Moffat and Aidy Bryant, who were all complying with Covid regulations and wearing face masks while indoors.
She was also spotted heading out for dinner with her SNL castmates, wearing a silver shaggy Balenciaga coat as she exited the restaurant.
According to Business Insider, Kim is in for a tough week ahead of her SNL debut, as the writers and cast members - including the celebrity guest host - work on a six-day schedule, which focuses on compiling sketches for the hit US show.
The KKW Beauty mogul will be busy with long rehearsals on Friday and Saturday, and she’ll also host a two-hour version of the show with an audience, which serves as a dress rehearsal, just a few hours before the live show at 11.30pm ET.
It’s been rumoured her estranged husband Kanye West has been helping Kim ahead of her SNL hosting debut, and heshe’s been “asking for feedback” from the rapper, a source told E! News.
“She values his opinion creatively and artistically. They've talked about some different ideas and he has been very supportive,” they added.
Kanye has reportedly given Kim “many suggestions” about her role as host, and she’s taking the gig “very seriously” because she’s desperate for it to go well.
“She's definitely nervous and wants this gig to be a success,” the source added.
Kanye has never hosted SNL, but has appeared on the show as a musical performer, as well as starring in some of the sketches.
Back in 2018, he hit the headlines when he began ranting about his support for former US president Donald Trump, as comedian Chris Rock, as well as the show’s host Adam Driver, looked on in shock.
