Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Anya Taylor-Joy and Diana Ross: A Stylish Family Reunion at The Dorchester

Anya Taylor-Joy put on a stylish display as she posed with Diana Ross at an intimate cocktail party at The Dorchester's Vesper Bar in London on Thursday

Diana Ross and Her Family Gather for a Star-Studded Celebration in London

Last Thursday, the Vesper Bar at The Dorchester's luxurious hotel in London played host to an intimate cocktail party that brought together some of the most iconic names in music, entertainment, and business. The guest list read like a who's who of A-listers, with legendary singer Diana Ross being the main attraction.

The 81-year-old music icon was joined by her two sons, Ross and Evan, as well as their respective wives, Kimberley and Ashlee Simpson (who brought along her son Bronx Wentz). Also in attendance were Diana's daughters Chudney and Rhonda, who looked stunning in their own right. The event was a tribute to Arne Naess Jr., a Norwegian businessman and Diana's second husband, who passed away tragically in 2004 at the age of 66.

The Queen's Gambit star, 29, was all smiles as she joined music legend Diana, 81, and her son Evan Ross (all pictured) at the event in honour of Arne Naess. Jr. and Arne's Reserve Caviar

As guests sipped on cocktails and mingled with one another, Anya Taylor-Joy couldn't help but steal the spotlight. The Queen's Gambit star, 29, looked every bit as stylish as her mother would be proud of, posing alongside Diana and Evan in a beautiful white waistcoat and red gingham skirt.

But what really caught our attention was the way the Ross family came together to celebrate their patriarch's memory. It's been over two decades since Arne Naess Jr.'s passing, but his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren. As the article from TheScholarlyNote.com revealed earlier this year, Diana spoke candidly about her family in an interview with Mirror.

"My family is really my greatest joy and blessing," she gushed. "Rhonda travels with me on tour and will be at the shows, my five children really take care of their mum." It's clear that the Ross clan has always been incredibly close-knit, and last Thursday's event was a testament to that.

Diana was joined by her sons Evan and Ross (centre), her daughters Rhonda (front) and Chudney (far right). Evan's wife Ashlee (second left) also attended with her son Bronx Wentz (back), while Ross brought his wife Kimberley (far left)

Diana herself cut a glamorous figure in a stunning black tulle gown, paired with matching shawl and lace gloves. She added some extra sparkle with statement gold earrings and flashed a bright smile for the cameras. Evan, on the other hand, looked dashing in a sleek black suit and red tie as he wrapped his arm around his mother.

As we spoke to sources close to the family, it became clear that this rare joint appearance was not just about celebrating Arne Naess Jr.'s memory but also about Diana's growing appreciation for her loved ones. After all, she did make a bold statement at the Met Gala earlier this month by wearing a show-stopping gown with the names of all her children and grandchildren embroidered on it.

In an interview with TheScholarlyNote.com, Diana revealed that she had collaborated with young designer Ugo Mozie to create the extravagant gown. "The 18-foot train stretches across generations with the names of my adult children and grandchildren beautifully embroidered on it," she explained. "It's beaded and has crystals – the details celebrate my family and our love."

Norwegian businessman Arne was Diana's second husband and the father of her two sons Ross, 37, and Evan, 36 (pictured in 1997). He died in 2004 after a climbing accident

As we witnessed last Thursday, Diana Ross is still as radiant and captivating as ever. And judging by the way her family rallied around her, it's clear that their bond will only continue to grow stronger with each passing year.

The Full Lineup of Stars Who Attended the Event

  • Diana Ross
  • Anya Taylor-Joy
  • Ross Naess (Diana's son)
  • Evan Naess (Diana's son)
  • Kimberley Naess (Ross's wife)
  • Ashlee Simpson (Evan's wife)
  • Bronx Wentz (Ashlee's son)
  • Chudney Naess (Diana's daughter)
  • Rhonda Ross Kendrick (Diana's daughter)

For the star-studded occasion to honour Arne, Diana cut a glamorous figure in a black tulle gown with a matching shawl, which she teamed with lace gloves

What You Didn't Know About Diana Ross and Her Family

  • Diana was married to Arne Naess Jr. from 1985 until their divorce in 2000.
  • Arne tragically passed away in 2004 at the age of 66 due to a climbing accident.
  • Diana's daughter Chudney is married to Robert Ellis Silberstein, while Rhonda is married to Walter Kendrick.
  • Tracee Ellis Ross, Diana's other daughter from her marriage to Robert Ellis Silberstein, was not in attendance.

It's always exciting to see A-listers come together to celebrate a special occasion. And judging by the way the Ross family came out in force last Thursday, it's clear that their bond is unbreakable.

Diana and Arne's sons Evan and Ross cut dapper figures as they posed alongside tennis pro Serena Williams

Serena cut a stylish figure in a yellow floral strapped gown, which she styled with brown sandals

Evan cut a suave figure in a black suit and a red tie as he posed alongside a display of Arne's Reserve Caviar

Evan's wife Ashlee looked elegant in a black slip dress as she posed next to her son Bronx Wentz, who she shares with her ex Pete Wentz

Diana's film producer son Ross also cut a suave figure in an all-black ensemble while his wife Kimberley oozed glamour in a black velvet dress

The Sugababes star Mutya Buena showed off her figure in a cropped black shirt and quirky cutout jeans

Sir Ozwald Boateng also stepped out for the event, turning heads in an iridescent silver suit

Actress Mandeep Dhillon put on a leggy display in a blue stripped shirt and a black mini skirt, which she teamed with red heels

Diana also proudly showed off her love for her family as she made a rare tribute to them while walking the carpet at the Met Gala - having their names sewn into her extravagant gown