Tracee Ellis Ross, the beloved actress best known for her role as Rainbow Johnson on the hit TV show Black-ish, made a grand and glamorous return to the runway after a hiatus of more than 30 years. On Wednesday, during Milan Fashion Week, Ross walked the catwalk for Marni’s fall 2025 show, captivating the audience with her poise, elegance, and undeniable charm. This moment was not just a comeback but a celebration of her timeless beauty and confidence, proving once again that age is merely a number in the world of fashion and beyond.
As Ross sashayed down the runway, she wore a stunning bright yellow gown adorned with a black-and-white lightning bolt design and fur-trimmed cuffs. The long-sleeved dress, designed by Marni’s creative director Francesco Risso, was styled with strappy sandals in vibrant red, mint green, and metallic gold. Ross described the look as “yellow, elegant, fun, and made for me,” and indeed, she exuded a radiant energy, as if she were a “slinky, foxy, burst of sunshine.” Her enthusiasm for the outfit and the opportunity to work with Risso was evident in her words to Vogue, where she praised his creativity and artistry, calling him a close friend. For Ross, walking the runway again felt like a thrilling full-circle moment, blending her love for fashion with her infectious personality.
Following the show, Ross took to Instagram to reflect on the experience, sharing a post that captures her joy and pride. “REPPIN FOR THE GROWN WOMEN at MARNI,” she wrote, celebrating her return to the runway and embracing her role as a trailblazer for women of all ages. Her post quickly garnered heartfelt comments from friends and fans, with Rita Wilson among those praising her, writing, “All so good!” Others celebrated her as “fierce,” “stunning,” and “fabulous,” echoing the admiration that Ross has long inspired both on and off the screen. Her ability to connect with her audience through social media added an intimate touch to her triumphant return, showcasing her authenticity and gratitude.
The night before the Marni show, Ross took a trip down memory lane, sharing a nostalgic Instagram video of her runway debut in 1991. In the post, she reminisced about walking for Thierry Mugler alongside her mother, the legendary singer and actress Diana Ross, in 1990, and then again solo in 1991. She admitted that she hadn’t been on a runway since, making her return all the more special. The throwback video highlighted the enduring influence of her mother, who played a pivotal role in her early modeling aspirations. In another Instagram post from 2020, Ross had shared the story of how her mother had secured her spot in the Mugler show. Diana Ross, herself a fashion icon, had agreed to walk in the brand’s “Butterfly Show” on the condition that her daughter could join her. At the time, Ross was just shy of her 18th birthday and eager to explore the world of modeling. Her mother’s support and encouragement laid the foundation for her confidence, both then and now.
Ross’s runway return has sparked hopes that she and her mother might one day reunite on the catwalk, creating another iconic moment for the books. Until then, her recent appearance for Marni has solidified her status as a fashion icon and a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere. Her ability to balance humor, elegance, and empowerment is a testament to her unique charm and the reason why she remains a beloved figure in both the entertainment and fashion industries.
In conclusion, Tracee Ellis Ross’s return to the runway was a celebration of her spirit, style, and the enduring appeal of a woman who continues to broke barriers. Whether she’s gracing the red carpet, starring in a hit TV show, or strutting down the catwalk, Ross reminds us that beauty, confidence, and passion have no expiration date. As she continues to captivate audiences with her warmth and talent, one thing is clear: Tracee Ellis Ross is here to slay—for the grown women, and for herself, too.
