Serving style and influence, M•I•A Magazine’s “Best Dressed” of 2026 executed the Met Gala theme “Fashion is Art,” amplified by the opulent backdrop of Leonardo Miami’s on Miami Beach. Set amongst lush gold decor, medieval-inspired paintings, and grand fixtures, the photoshoot was straight out of a Renaissance dream, exuding Black royalty in each frame. More than a celebration of fashion, “Best Dressed” highlights the visionaries, tastemakers, and community leaders redefining what influence and innovation look like in South Florida.
From head to toe vintage looks, to designer numbers, the nominees artfully layered high to low fashion, showcasing their unique individual style. The featured group photo ensembles blend tailored dandyism with vibrant whimsy, equipped with sharp textures and silhouettes. Evoking a vintage nostalgia of peak Miami glam, the “Best Dressed” crew represented the culture with style, fusing traditional sensibilities with modern flair.
First introduced to M•I•A Magazine last year, “Best Dressed” continues to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers in South Florida, paving their way with authenticity and creativity that make an impact with bold looks and endeavors. This year’s lineup includes leaders making a difference in a diverse and dynamic range of fields, from the political sphere to insurance, real estate, non-profits, and art.
A polished group begins on the left with Dr. Cassandra Arnold, Deputy Chief of Staff of Miami-Dade County. Beaming in a chartreuse and burgundy dual-tone palette in sharp lines, Cassandra’s powerful look reflects her fearless spirit and drive. Second from the left, real estate professional and art enthusiast Armando Payton executes menswear in tan tailored lines with vibrant touches, his ascot adding flair to a classic ensemble. Next in the posh lineup, seated, is Saun Lightbourne, seamlessly blending fashion and business with couture. On the right in red, Erica Jones embodies vintage glam with an edge, combining textures and colors as effortlessly as she tells her story with style on her social media account “Story Behind the Look.”
“Being selected as one of M•I•A’s “Best Dressed” pays homage to my rich Haitian roots, my parents and Black village, whether it was my Sunday’s best at church, community event, or at the #1 public HBCU, FAMU’s homecoming (Shoutout to my settlers). It was all about expressing a feeling, a moment, a vibe! Even if you came from a poor upbringing, dressing up for our people was about pride in one’s self, respect, honor, legacy, culture, and the ability to be BLACK, BOLD, & BEAUTIFUL. That’s what it means to me, and that is why we celebrate Black fashion!” said honoree Cassandra Arnold.
As we celebrate this year’s class of M•I•A’s “Best Dressed”, we recognize that true style extends far beyond fashion-it is a reflection of expression, culture, individuality, and impact. From timeless elegance to bold trendsetters, this year’s class reminds us that style is not simply about what you wear, but how you carry yourself and the legacy you leave behind. As these South Florida style stars inspire with their presence, they define power on their own terms, paving the way for Black excellence in style.
