After two decades away, the Motown legend graced fashion’s biggest night with an 18-foot heirloom shawl bearing her family’s names.
The Met Gala 2025 marked several historic achievements — it represented the inaugural exhibition dedicated solely to Black fashion creators, and set a new fundraising record exceeding $30 million. Yet amid these groundbreaking accomplishments at this year’s Met Gala, one notable comeback stood out. Following an absence spanning over twenty years, Motown singer and former member of The Supremes, Diana Ross, returned to the Metropolitan Museum’s iconic steps for fashion’s biggest night.
A Spectacular Return After Two Decades
Diana Ross, whose previous Met Gala appearance dated back to 2003, made her entrance wearing a glamorous look featuring an extravagant 18-foot feathered shawl. The star’s hand-embroidered ivory white accessory required five attendants to manage its length, completely covering the red-carpeted Met Gala steps when extended. Yet concealed within its extensive fabric lay a meaningful detail that escaped many observers. “The names of all my children and grandchildren are embroidered into it,” Ross revealed to Vogue during her red carpet interview, describing it as “an eternal family heirloom” and showcasing the importance of Diana Ross family in her life.
A Family Collaboration Brings Fashion Magic
Accompanying her was son Evan Ross, one of Diana Ross’s children, who collaborated on creating the ensemble. “She embodies perfection. She represents the Met Ball,” he shared with Vogue. Evan partnered with Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie, founder of Eleven Sixteen label, to craft his mother’s spectacular outfit. “Family. Heritage. Legacy,” Mozie shared online. “Deeply honored to contribute to this momentous occasion. To have jointly designed this masterpiece for a living legend.”
Diana Ross performing at Caesars Windsor, 2023-09-08
Photo credit: Crisco 1492, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Iconic Style Elements Define Her Look
The legendary performer’s base attire consisted of a crystal-embellished gown with delicate straps, complementing her Diana Ross iconic looks from the past. Her glamorous gown was crowned with a custom wide-brimmed feathered hat by Sarah Sokol milliner, the Los Angeles-based designer. This tailored design perfectly captured the essence of Diana Ross fashion, blending elegance with her signature bold style.
A Last-Minute Decision Creates Memorable Moment
Though her outfit ranked among the evening’s most striking Met Gala pictures, Ross disclosed its impromptu nature, making it a last-minute appearance. “No advance arrangements were made,” she admitted. “My son convinced me to attend, despite my ongoing tour schedule. He insisted, ‘Mom, you must participate.'”
Fortuitously, she possessed the perfect attire for the occasion, adding another chapter to her collection of glamorous gowns and cementing her status as a fashion icon. This fifth Met Gala appearance by Diana Ross not only showcased her enduring style but also highlighted the importance of family legacy in her life, with the embroidered names of her children and grandchildren serving as a touching tribute to her loved ones.
Source:
Leah Dolan (May 6, 2025). Look of the Week: Diana Ross returns to the Met Gala for the first time in 22 years. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/06/style/diana-ross-met-gala. Accessed May 9, 2025
Header Photo: Diana Ross performing at Caesars Windsor, 2023-09-08
Photo credit: Crisco 1492, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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