Actress and fashion icon Tracee Ellis Ross marked her triumphant return to the runway after more than three decades, much to the delight of fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. At the Marni Fall 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week, Ross wowed the audience by showcasing a stunning bright yellow gown adorned with a bold black-and-white lightning bolt motif, accentuated with fur-trimmed cuffs. The vivid color palette and unique design choices demonstrated not only her fashion sense but also the creative vision of Marni’s artistic director, Francesco Risso.
Walking the catwalk at the age of 52, Ross epitomized elegance, proving that ageless glamour and high fashion can walk hand in hand. She paired her striking gown with eye-catching strappy sandals that featured shades of red, mint green, and metallic gold—a combination that perfectly complemented the gown’s vibrant hues. Ross shared her sentiments about the ensemble with Vogue, praising Risso’s design philosophy, saying, “Francesco is full of so much love, creativity, and artistry.” This deep bond between the two suggests a collaboration imbued with passion and mutual respect, making her debut all the more meaningful.
Personal Reflections and Social Media Tributes
In a heartfelt moment captured on her Instagram, Ross reminisced about her earlier days in fashion. Sharing a clip from her runway debut in 1991, she expressed nostalgia and gratitude for the opportunities she has had. “MEMORIES // walking for @muglerofficial in ‘90 with my mama @dianaross, and again, by myself, in ‘91… I don’t think I’ve been on a runway since!” she reflected in her post. This revelation adds emotional depth to her return, illustrating that runway modeling is not merely a profession for her, but a significant aspect of her life and identity.
Friends and fans flooded her comments section with praises, calling her “fierce,” “stunning,” and “fabulous.” Celebrities like Rita Wilson echoed their admiration, emphasizing Ross’s irrefutable allure on the runway. This supportive online atmosphere underscores the cultural shift towards celebrating women of all ages, highlighting the importance of empowering figures like Ross who break stereotypes associated with aging in the fashion industry.
Embracing Her Roots in Fashion
Tracee Ellis Ross’s foray back into the fashion world also serves to honor her legacy and that of her legendary mother, Diana Ross. The tie between the two generations of women in the industry showcases a rich lineage of talent and creativity. The context of Ross’s childhood aspiration to model, coupled with her mother’s iconic lineage, adds layers to her narrative. Growing up under the spotlight of such a profound legacy, it’s no wonder that Ross has such a strong desire to embrace her roots, utilizing her platform to celebrate not only her own achievements but also those of women everywhere.
As she takes center stage in the fashion world again, Tracee Ellis Ross stands as an inspiration—a modern muse whose journey embodies resilience, style, and the belief that it’s never too late to follow your passions. With her recent appearance at Milan Fashion Week, she has not only reclaimed her spot on the runway but also set the stage for others to recognize the limitless possibilities of fashion and personal expression at every age.