Lady Gaga

Out Magazine hosted current fashion obsession Lady Gaga Tuesday night. Diehard fans and those unable to score a ticket to Monday's Marc Jacobs after-party (where she performed for 10 minutes) flocked to neo-cabaret The Box in the hopes of a repeat performance.

Well before the 8 p.m. party start, a line snaked half-way down the block as taxis emptied boys in suits and girls in spangles onto Chrystie Street. Although the invitation said nothing about Lady Gaga or a performance by her, anticipation ran high following the magazine's September Gaga cover story.

The mood was festive from the start; the Veuve Clicquot and 10 Cane rum drinks ran out just before the open bar closed. Dancing on tables broke out to raucous cheers.

But as the night wore on, the mood dropped from exuberant to restless. After a sardine-packed opening hour, the upstairs lounge emptied out around 10 p.m. Arms were crossed. People started speaking in quieter tones.

By 11 p.m., the official end of the party, there was still no sign of the pop singer. A burly bodyguard began making motions a half hour later, keeping an aisle clear. Just before midnight, the pop star, clad in a white patent leather hooded jacket, a lace mask and sunglasses, headed to reserved booths overlooking the stage.

She refused any press and even Out magazine's photographers were unable to get past security. At just a quarter past midnight, Lady Gaga's entourage again cleared the way for her exit.