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African-American Style Icons & Fashion Stars Past and Present

From Diana Ross to Beyonce Knowles, this is our countdown of the top 20 black style icons who have been inspiring how America dresses for decades with their individual take on fashion (21 Photos)

Fiorella Valdesolo on Feb 1, 2013 at 12:23PM

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African-American Style Icons & Fashion Stars Past and Present

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Diana Ross

There was no woman more emblematic of ‘70s, disco-era fashion than Diana Ross. While she could be considered just as influential during her reign as queen of one of the most successful girl groups ever (the Supremes, natch, in their matching ensembles) in the '60s, a decade later her fashion sensibility gained an irresistibly sultry vibe.

Ross's slinky, draped Halston and Bob Mackie gowns, fur stoles, wide-brimmed hats, angel sleeves and sequins galore were in lockstep with the wardrobe of Tracy, the over-the-top stylish fashion designer she played in 1975’s Mahogany. On and off-camera, Ross always looked ready to shake her groove thing.

Filed Under:
- Diana Ross,
- style

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Which African-American fashion icon do you think has the most timeless style? Which of these 20 black style icons is your favorite? Who did we leave out?