The 2026 American Black Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday night in Miami Beach with a bevy of high-profile talent. Chloe Bailey and Coco Jones, among others, brought their fashion A-game to the red carpet screening of “Strung” for the festival’s opening night.
Idiosyncratic, individual style was the unofficial dress code, with Jones favoring feminine motifs and Bailey bringing drama in her drop-waist gown. WWD breaks down those looks and more from Regina King and Lynn Whitfield ahead.
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Chloe Bailey
Chloe Bailey favored Avaro Figlio’s radiance jacquard ballgown for her red carpet look. The “How Does It Feel” singer’s strapless dress included a fitted black bodice with a drop waist that transitioned into the textural silver jacquard fabric of the full skirt. A short train trailed Bailey on the red carpet. She accessorized with the Anabela Chan eternity love and tears necklace.
Regina King
Regina King opted for suited styling inspiration with elevated elements. The “If Beale Street Could Talk” Oscar-winning actress wore a cropped, strapless bandeau top with a pair of wide-leg, high-waisted trousers. King sported a tuxedo jacket over one of her shoulders for even more streamlined styling.
Coco Jones
Coco Jones brought femininity to her look in a midi dress by Geyanna Youness. The sleeveless soft blue dress included a tiered bow detail throughout, beginning at the sweetheart neckline of the piece. She added strappy metallic silver heels to her attire.
Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield brought regality to the red carpet in the queen leopard print bustier midi dress by Milly. The sleeveless look was designed with a fitted bodice that cinched at the waist and flowed into a full skirt with hidden pockets. Whitfield added suede pointed toe pumps to her look and a pair of statement hooped earrings.
Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival showcases films and projects from burgeoning talent that celebrate stories by and about people of African descent, per the festival’s official website. The 2026 edition of the festival kicked off on Wednesday and will conclude on Sunday.