STYLE EVOLUTION

Diana Ross’s Fiercest Diva Looks Through the Years

by Katherine Cusumano
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Diana Ross during 1978 Motion Picture Pioneer of the Year Awards
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Diana Ross isn’t a star. She’s an icon. An inspiration for everyone from Beyoncé (who brought Ross onstage during her Renaissance tour) to RuPaul, she’s won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a Kennedy Center Honor.

The icon’s always-impeccable style—which has been just as glamorous and fur, feather, and sequin-filled as many of her stage looks—has cemented her as one of the most important entertainers of all time. From her memorable years as part of the Supremes to a Glamazon era as a solo artist that continues to this day, look back at Diana Ross’ best style moments.

2023: Renaissance World Tour

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The singer staged a surprise appearance during the California stop of Beyoncé’s Renaissance world tour in a fully-sequined gown and chandelier earrings.

2019: Dior Show

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During Dior’s cruise show in Marrakech, Morrocco, Ross went for an all black look that featured a dramatic tulle gown and bold sunglasses.

2019: Vanity Fair Oscar Party

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At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, she coordinated with daughter Tracee Ellis Ross.

2019: Grammy Awards

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Ross wore a full-skirted red dress when she performed at the 2019 Grammy Awards.

2018: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

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Ross sported a beaded white gown and fur coat while performing at the 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

2017: American Music Awards

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Wearing a strapless Vivienne Westwood dress, Ross attended the 2017 American Music Awards.

2014: American Music Awards

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Diana Ross wore a recreation of her 1981 Met Gala dress to the American Music Awards in 2014.

2014: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 Premiere

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Ross supported her son Evan at the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 in a laidback, sequined look.

2012: Christmas in Washington

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The musician wore a black and white embellished tulle gown to the Christmas in Washington celebration.

2012: Grammy Awards

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The actress accented a black suit with embellished silver cuffs during the Grammy Awards.

2007: BET Awards

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Ross was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award while wearing a red halter-top dress to the 2007 BET Awards.

2006: Rick Weiss Humanitarian Awards

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Ross went back to her roots in an old Hollywood-style dress paired with a white fur.

2006: Pre-Grammy Party

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Ross wore a black strapless dress with a purple sequined overcoat to the Clive Davis pre-Grammy Awards in 2006.

2004: American Music Awards

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Ross made a statement at the 2004 AMAs in an embellished, sheer mini dress.

2003: Met Gala

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Ross wore a red satin halter dress to the 2003 Met Gala which was themed “Goddess: The Classical Mode.”

2002: Vanity Fair Oscars Party

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For the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in 2002, Ross debuted a long sleeve velvet checker print dress.

2001: CFDA Fashion Awards

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Ross wore an over-the-top strapless purple gown to the 2001 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York.

2000: O: The Oprah Magazine Launch

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Ross slipped into a velvet orange dress to attend the launch party for O: The Oprah Magazine.

2000: VH-1 Divas: A Tribute to Diana Ross

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For the a 2000 event, Diana Ross wore a red sleeveless dress a statement white coat.

2000: NAACP Image Awards

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Ross wore a long sleeve black dress to the NAACP Image Awards in 2000.

1999: MTV Video Music Awards

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Ross joined Mary J. Blige and Lil’ Kim in a black strapless dress during a memorable appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards when Ross infamously played with Kim’s pasty.

1998: Grammy Awards

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During the 1998 Grammy Awards, Ross wore an all black, leather look.

1994: Pro Celebrity Tennis Night

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An all-red moment for a 1994 event.

1990: Thierry Mugler Show

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Ross was a vision in a sheer catsuit during a 1990 Thierry Mugler show.

1988: Grammy Awards

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Ross wore a sleeveless black lace dress to the Grammy Awards in 1988.

1984: American Music Awards

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For the 1984 American Music Awards, Ross wore a gold dress and fur coat.

1982: Gallery Party

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Ross looked angelic in white during a 1982 party in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.

1978: Motion Picture Pioneer of the Year Awards

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The star wore a sheer black v-neck dress to the 1978 Motion Picture Pioneer of the Year awards in New York.

1975: Westwood Village Theater Screening

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Ross looked chic in a draped look during a 1975 movie screening in Los Angeles.

1973: Academy Awards

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Ross suited up in a satin suit and a patterned waistcoat for the 1973 Academy Awards.

1970: Los Angeles

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A disco diva moment in a flared sequined set in Los Angeles.

1968: Supremes Press

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Cindy Birdsong, Mary Wilson, Ross of the Supremes wore fur looks in 1968.

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