The 2025 Met Gala received a dazzling dose of legendary star power! After a staggering two-decade absence, the one and only Diana Ross graced the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and her arrival was nothing short of breathtaking. Despite her monumental impact on music and entertainment for generations, the 81-year-old icon's appearances at fashion's biggest night have been a rare treat, her last being way back in 2003. So, when her son, the actor Evan Ross, reportedly "persuaded" her to attend this year's celebration of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," she clearly decided to make it an unforgettable moment. (Adding to the family affair, her equally stylish daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross, also graced the event, arriving shortly after her legendary mother.)
Stepping out alongside her proud son Evan, 36, the "Endless Love" singer didn't just walk the carpet; in the words of Vogue red carpet livestream host La La Anthony, she "shut the whole carpet down." And it's no exaggeration! Diana was the epitome of timeless glamour, shimmering in a floor-length silver gown that caught every flash of light. A wide-brimmed, feathered white hat added a touch of classic Hollywood drama, perfectly complemented by stunning statement earrings that sparkled with every turn of her head.
But the true pièce de résistance, the element that truly stopped onlookers in their tracks, was her magnificent feathery shawl. This wasn't just any shawl; it boasted an astonishing 18-foot train that billowed behind her, enveloping the carpet in a cloud of ethereal elegance. It was so grand, in fact, that it required the assistance of not one, not two, but SIX helpers (plus some loving guidance from her son Evan) to carry its sheer volume! The image of this legendary woman, trailed by a sea of feathers, was the very definition of a Met Gala moment.
When La La Anthony, clearly in awe, asked if Diana had intentionally planned such a grand entrance, the iconic musician revealed a surprising tidbit: she almost didn't attend at all! "Well, there was not a plan. Everything was really, really at last moment. My son persuaded me, 'cause I'm actually on tour," Diana shared, proving that even a global superstar can be swayed by family.
And while Evan was the only family member physically by her side on the carpet, Diana revealed a deeply personal and heartwarming detail: she carried the rest of her beloved family with her in a truly unique and touching way. "If you ever had pictures of the inside of the train, it has the names of all my children, and my eight grandchildren. Everybody's name is embroidered in that," Diana revealed to Anthony, her voice filled with warmth. This secret, intricate tribute, hidden within the folds of her show-stopping shawl, transformed her already stunning ensemble into a deeply meaningful testament to her love for her family. As for her equally fabulous headwear, she quipped with a twinkle in her eye, "I had to be careful with the hat because my head was pretty big."
Evan, clearly bursting with pride, couldn't contain his admiration for his legendary mother. He told Anthony that Diana isn't just the best Met Gala guest; she's "the best thing of all time." With a loving smile, he declared, "She is the met ball," solidifying her status as a true icon of not just music, but of timeless style and undeniable presence.
The 2025 Met Gala's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," was announced last fall by Vogue, with a star-studded lineup of co-chairs including Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and the ever-reigning Anna Wintour, alongside honorary chair LeBron James. The Costume Institute's spring 2025 exhibition, which the gala annually celebrates, is inspired by guest curator Monica L. Miller’s influential 2009 book, "Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity." According to Curator in Charge Andrew Bolton, the exhibit delves into “the Black dandy as both a concept and an identity signifier,” exploring the rich history and enduring impact of Black style and tailoring.
Diana Ross's return to the Met Gala, draped in a gown that shimmered like a thousand stars and a train that whispered the names of her loved ones, was a perfect embodiment of this year's theme. She didn't just wear a stunning outfit; she carried a legacy, a family, and an undeniable aura of Black excellence that captivated everyone in her path. Her presence was a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of Black artists on global culture and style, proving that even after decades in the spotlight, Diana Ross remains a true icon, a walking, talking, and gloriously trailing masterpiece. Her return was more than just an appearance; it was a moment, a memory etched in the glittering history of the Met Gala.
