The Root 100: Best Dressed Black Stars

The flyest party of the year finally happened last night! The Root 100 Gala took over Gotham Hall in New York City, packed with the most influential Black icons in politics, media, food, and culture. Inside the star-studded event, The Root owner, Ashley Allison, took the stage and set the tone for a night of honoring Black excellence! We want to continue the celebration by shining a light on guests who showed up to the red carpet looking fly, fabulous, and ready to party. From April Verrett to Roland Martin to Jolanda Jones, here is a list of the best-dressed Black stars at The Root 100.

Jamal Bryant and Karri Bryant

First up, Pastor Jamal Bryant and his wife, Karri Bryant, immediately captured attention as the flyest couple in attendance. Their coordinated, intentional olive green outfits were a masterful display of rich, sophisticated harmony that beautifully complemented their skin tones. The cohesion of their style made a strong visual statement, radiating unity and shared elegance. They are truly setting the standard for couple style goals.

Joshua Doss

Joshua Doss was the picture of suave in a royal blue three-piece suit. He mastered the perfect business casual aesthetic by forgoing a tie for an open-collared shirt. The entire look was beautifully completed by a striking crimson handkerchief.

Gayle King

Gayle King absolutely killed it on the red carpet  in a perfectly tailored maroon power suit, giving us all the unapologetic boss energy we need. That rich, deep color was everything, and the sharp, sculptural tailoring of the suit made a truly formidable, flawless statement. 

Ashley Allison

Ashley Allison, owner of The Root, arrived with the exquisite composure of a seasoned businesswoman. Her sophisticated look made a silent but powerful fashion statement. She wore a striking crimson dress—the signature shade of her beloved sisterhood, Delta Sigma Theta—a color that speaks of both power and enduring ties. We were captivated by the waves in her famous hair and the fierce elegance of her chosen pointed heels.

Fawn Allison

Standing right by her side was Fawn Allison, Allison’s mother, the other half of a truly fabulous duo. Fawn was a vision in her own right, her gorgeous yellow dress providing a perfect, sunlit complement to the moment and making the pair an unforgettable sight.

Roland Martin

Roland Martin’s entrance at The Root 100 event was nothing short of grand, his commanding presence and impeccable sense of style on full display. Often considered a king in the media landscape, Martin truly embodied the title, gracing the red carpet in a spectacular, custom-tailored suit.

Jolanda Jones

Jolanda Jones did not come to play. Her  fierce and unapologetic style stole the carpet. Her outfit was a masterclass in fashion, featuring striking feather earrings, a vibrant animal print dress, a powerful corset, and a theatrical hat. This boundary-pushing combination cemented her reputation as a style icon.

Don Lemon

Don Lemon is another one who is not playing with y’all. Ever the sartorial standout, he appeared effortlessly fly on the red carpet. His polished look, featuring a luxurious velvet suit and a rich navy blue turtleneck, cemented his sleek status. Clearly, Lemon is having a remarkable run; his career, style, and persona are all radiating undeniable heat—he’s absolutely on fire.

Sherrese Clark

Sherrese Clarke left us stunned last night as she walked the carpet adorned entirely in pink. The ice on her wrist added an extra dazzle to her look, making a cold New York night feel even colder.

Ashleigh Shanti and Ashley Allison

Last night, chef Ashleigh Shanti proved that she not only knows how to cook but also how to serve in this baggy yet classy outfit.

Dyllón Burnside

Actor Dyllón Burnside was a natural for our red carpet cameras as he posed in a grey pinstripe suit, which was tailored to perfection.

Eva McKend

CNN Correspondent Eva McKend twirled in a gorgeous fringe dress, making her look like the life of the party. Underneath the dramatic red dress, her silver sparkling shoes twinkled as she made her way down the carpet and into the party.

Shannon LaNier

News anchor and TikTok influencer Shannon LaNier is giving us life in this bold ensemble. We are absolutely living for the look, which features a vibrant green suit paired with a shimmering black shirt.

Tamron Hall

Tamron Hall achieved a perfectly balanced look with an ensemble that is a triumph of simplicity. We are big fans of her sleek silk dress, which gained extra flair from the addition of a cropped blazer. It’s a stylish choice and perfectly executed.

Jeremiah Abiah

Artist Jeremiah Abiah let his creative side shine in a coat that looks like it came right from his studio. The messy paint splatters on his trench add a layer of excitement to a simple all black outfit underneath.

Quentin James

Don Lemon might have some competition because political strategist Quentin James looked fantastic in his brown suit and turtleneck. With his hands in his pockets, James clearly knows he is smooth.

April Verrett

Union Leader April Verrett had fun mixing textures for her outfit. Mixing leather, sheer, denim, and a fringe bag is not something that everyone can do, yet Verrett pulled it off fabulously.

Makeda ‘Glamazon’ Rabioux

Makeda “Glamazon” Rabioux made an unforgettable, show-stopping entrance on The Root’s red carpet in an epic, luxurious fur coat. This bold, voluminous statement piece was perfectly paired with a quietly elegant designer bag and sharp, modern pointed shoes. Rabioux’s confident, opulent, high-fashion look confirmed her status as a true “Glamazon” and a definite highlight of the evening.

Kareema Bee

It is not easy stunting in all leather, but writer and producer Kareema Bee made it look easy. Turning up in a leather dress and trench coat, Bee definitely made her claim to The Root 100’s best-dressed list.

Vladimir Duthiers

Strolling down the carpet in his black fits, Vladimir Duthiers understood the “New York City” cool assignment. He looked sharp and dapper in this NYC staple…a bomber jacket. This look was sooooo good.

Abby Phillip

News anchor Abby Phillip, who works for CNN, looked absolutely stunning! We are obsessed with her twinkling skirt, perfectly paired with a loose silk blouse. The ensemble was a brilliant combination of sparkle and sophistication. Shine on, Queen!

Kéla Walker

Kéla Walker was glowing in this shimmery golden dress that was a showstopper on the red carpet.

Jonathan McCrory

Heads were turned when Jonathan McCrory stopped on the red carpet with this beautiful, colorful cardigan. The beanie, jewellery and glasses as added accessories really tied everything together.