STYLE EVOLUTION

Diana Ross’s Fiercest Diva Looks Through the Years

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Diana Ross during 1978 Motion Picture Pioneer of the Year Awards
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Shortly before he departed office, President Barack Obama bestowed a series of Presidential Medals of Freedom upon several contemporary icons, including Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, and, most memorably, Diana Ross. It was the latest in a career of prestigious awards for Ross, who has pursued a musical career spanning decades that has landed her on the biggest stages in the world. An inspiration for everyone from Beyoncé to RuPaul, Ross is returning with a new album, Thank You, and music video, her first in over a decade. In celebration, let’s take look back on Ross’ always-impeccable style, which has been just as glamorous and fur-, feather-, and sequin-filled as many of her stage looks. From her memorable years as part of the Supremes to a glamazon era as a solo artist that continues to this day, it’s clear Ross has been just as much an icon off stage as on it.

2019: 61st Annual Grammy Awards
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Ross wore a full-skirted red dress when she performed at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California in celebration of her 75th

2018: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
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Ross wore a beaded white gown and fur coat while performing at the 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22, 2018 in New York City.

2017: American Music Awards
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Wearing a strapless black Fall 2017 Vivienne Westwood dress, Ross attended the 2017 American Music Awards on November 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California where she accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award.

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 Los Angeles, California, November 2014.

2014: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 Premiere
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Ross supports her son Evan at the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 on November 17, 2014 in Los Angeles, California in a laidback, sequined look.

2012: Christmas in Washington
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Ross wore a black and white embellished tulle gown to TNT Christmas in Washington 2012 on December 9, 2012 in Washington, DC.

2012: 54th Annual Grammy Awards
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Diana Ross wore an embellished black suit to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California where she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

2007: BET Awards
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Ross was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award white wearing a red halter-top dress at the 2007 BET Awards on June 26, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

2006: Rick Weiss Humanitarian Awards
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Diana Ross wore an old Hollywood-style white dress with a white fur to the Rick Weiss Humanitarian Awards on April 8, 2006.

2006: Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Awards Party
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Diana Ross wore a black strapless dress with a purple sequined overcoat to the Clive Davis pre-Grammy Awards party in Beverly Hills, California on February 7, 2006.

2004: American Music Awards
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Diana Ross wore an embellished, sheer mini dress to the 32nd annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California on November 14, 2004.

2002: 9th Annual Dream Halloween Los Angeles Benefit

Diana Ross wore a sequined little black dress to the Dream Halloween Los Angeles Benefit for children suffering from HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles, California on October 26, 2002.

2003: Met Gala
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Diana Ross wore a red satin halter dress to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala for “Goddess: The Classical Mode” in New York, New York on April 28, 2003.

2002: Vanity Fair Oscars Party
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Diana Ross wore a long-sleeved velvet checker print dress to the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in Beverly Hills, California on March 2002.

2001: 20th Annual CFDA Fashion Awards
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Diana Ross wore an over-the-top strapless purple gown to the 20th annual CFDA Fashion Awards in New York, New York on June 14, 2001.

2000: O: The Oprah Magazine Launch
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Diana Ross wore a velvet orange dress to the launch party for O: The Oprah Magazine in New York, New York on April 17, 2000.

2000: VH-1 Divas: A Tribute to Diana Ross
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Diana Ross wore a red sleeveless dress to VH-1 Divas: A Tribute to Diana Ross in New York, New York on April 9, 2000.

2000: 31st Annual NAACP Image Awards
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Diana Ross wore a longsleeved black dress to the 31st annual NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California on February 12, 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 in New York on September 9, 1999 when Ross infamously played with Kim’s pasty.

1998: 40th Annual Grammy Awards
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Diana Ross wore an all black, leather look to the 40th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 25, 1998.

1988: 30th Annual Grammy Awards
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Diana Ross wore a sleeveless black lace dress to the Grammy Awards in New York, New York on March 2, 1988.

1984: 11th Annual American Music Awards
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Diana Ross wore a gold dress and fur coat tothe 11th annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California on January 16, 1984.

1978: Motion Picture Pioneer of the Year Awards
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Diana Ross wore a sheer black v-neck dress to the 1978 Motion Picture Pioneer of the Year awards in New York, New York on September 16, 1978.

1968: Supremes Press

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

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