Diana Ross.. a love supreme

WHEN it comes to dramatic entrances, there is no doubt Diana Ross reigns Supreme.

- BY TOM BRYANT

Sweeping down the navy blue carpet in a floor-grazing white gown, the Queen of Motown lit up New York's Met Gala last month.

With a feather boa-trimmed cape and hat - not to mention several assistants carrying the train - her first appearance at the fashion event for 20 years went with a bang.

Fashion shares centre stage with music in the 81-year-old's passions, but as a mother of five and grandmother of eight, there will always be room for family too.

Ahead of her tour in the UK, which begins next week, she says: "Fashion and music are both forms of self-expression. It's really a part of who I am and how I connect. I want every gown and every song to reflect a spirit of being fun and elegant.

"Music and fashion go hand and hand - dressing up feels wonderful, and I want to inspire everyone coming to the shows - to do the same.

"My family is really my greatest joy and blessing. [Eldest daughter] Rhonda travels with me on tour and will be at the shows.

"My children really take care of their mum."

Diana had Rhonda, 53, with Motown legend Berry Gordy. Her first husband, music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein, gave her two more daughters: Tracee, 52, and Chudney, 49.

They split in 1977, and Diana and Norwegian mountaineer Arne Naess Jr went on to have sons Ross, 37, and Evan, 36.

Diana says she was determined to pay homage to all her kids by sewing all their names into her Met Gala gown. "Fashion, like music, tells a story," she explains.