Meet FLI’s 2022 Men of Style

From entrepreneurial achievements to sartorial savviness, these four men prove to be Fort Lauderdale’s most stylish

Jason Carter, photographed by Ian Jacob on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Jason Carter, photographed by Ian Jacob on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

Jason Carter, Host with the Most 

If you’re an avid lifestyle and entertainment fan or like to embrace the social scene, then you probably recognize Jason Carter. The host and co-executive producer of Inside South Florida is a friendly face about town, often seen interviewing celebs like Halle Berry, Keanu Reeves, and Mark Wahlberg; hanging with fans at Dolphins tailgates; or simply breaking it down in the studio. After a successful 20-year career in Los Angeles (including starring as part of The Pit Crew in Rupaul’s Drag Race for 13 seasons), Carter made his way to the Sunshine State in 2020 and hasn’t looked back. “I love that I get to connect with thousands of people daily and bring energy, levity, and information that can help shape and improve people’s lives,” he says. Not one to shy away from trends, Carter isn’t  afraid to try anything involving fashion. “My personal style is so many things. I think being a Libra, I always strive for perfection and elegance in my clothes. I like to say something with my clothes. My aesthetic is always very fitted and clean with a pop color and masculinity.” He credits his worldly experiences as his style influences. “We draw inspiration from everywhere and everyone. If you keep your eyes open, you may see someone wearing a piece that will inspire.” 

Label love: Diesel, Levi’s, Dior, and Louis Vuitton Shops locally: Bal Harbour Shops and Sawgrass Mills Priceless piece: I place zero value on material items. My personal relationships are far more valuable. Closet raid: Kanye West. He’s such a visionary when it comes to pushing the envelope. Fashion fail: JNCO Jeans in the ’90s Latest purchase: Jack & Jones tailored pants in Copenhagen, Denmark Owns too many: shoes and watches Cancel culture: Crocs because they are unsightly. Fashion’s next big fashion moment: Authenticity

John Hall Nelson, photographed by Ian Jacob on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
John Hall Nelson, photographed by Ian Jacob on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

John Hall Nelson, Deluxe Designer 

As someone whose job is to keep a detailed eye on design trends and what’s influencing the world, it’s no surprise that John Hall Nelson landed on our best-dressed list. He’s the founder and CEO of J Nelson Inc., a lauxury furnishings, interior design, and architectural planning company, with its flagship atelier gallery at Hollywood’s South Florida Design Park. “The J Nelson brand is synonymous with exclusivity, sophistication, and refined taste,” says Nelson. He’s often been told he has a European sense of style, which he has refined over the years during his travels abroad and explorations in South Florida. “Being an interior designer and the owner of a multi-line showroom gallery, interior style goes hand in hand with fashion. When you feel good and look good, you have a much more confident way of communicating, and this sets the tone and attitude for your entire day.” Aside from interiors, Nelson is heavily involved in philanthropic efforts and is working on a canine charity activation for the tri-county area for 2023, which will revolve around costuming canines in need of “fur-ever” homes. 

Label love: Dolce & Gabbana Shops local: The Webster on Collins Avenue and Kith Style mantra: One can never have too many shoes. Fashion fail: Not following my instincts. Style influence: Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn, aka Future. I admire his sense of style and boldness in what he chooses to wear both on and off stage. Go-to look: Jeans, a blazer, and killer shoes Latest purchase: Christian Louboutin Loubishark sneakers Fashion’s next big moment: A confluence of fashion and music along with a cross-pollination of mediums, which will inspire collaborations across multiple industries.

Aimé Mabika, photographed by Ian Jacob on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Aimé Mabika, photographed by Ian Jacob on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

Aimé Mabika, Fashion-Forward Footballer

Aimé Mabika’s earliest memory of fashion is as a child when he’d watch his mom sell clothing in his native Zambia. “I gained my interest that way [and] it evolved through trends from others and myself,” shares the InterMiami CF soccer player who also plays for the Zambia national team. He’s come a long way since moving to Kentucky at age 8 and later attending the University of Kentucky in 2016 to play college soccer. In January of this year, he went pro, signing on as a defender for David Beckham’s MLS squad. He’s since made a name for himself in the local community through his athletic talent and philanthropic efforts with NFL YET, Lester H. White Boys & Girls Club and the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. He’s also turning heads among his teammates, who, come game day, strut their stuff on a makeshift pink carpet, showing off their stylish looks before changing into uniforms. Mabika describes his personal style as “classic and intellectual” as well as “eye-catching.” 

Label love: YSL and Louis Vuitton Style influences: Rhuigi Villaseñor and Martine Rose because they are always ahead of trends. Shops local: At thrift stores Celebrity closet raid: DJ Tucker because a lot of his pieces [are originals]. Fashion fail: Denim on denim. It was worth the risk because I was trying to bring back the classic look. Fashion don’t: Skinny jeans because they are trending out of style. Prefers: Online shopping but in person is a form of therapy. Fashion’s next big moment: For everyone to transition to a baggier look. 

Dustin Robinson, photographed by Steven Martine on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Dustin Robinson, photographed by Steven Martine on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

Dustin Robinson, Atypical Advocate 

There’s not too much Dustin Robinson doesn’t do daily. As the managing principal of Iter Investments, one of the leading venture capital funds investing in mental health and psychedelic medicine, Robinson has his hands full overseeing all aspects of the business—and that’s just the start. He’s also founding manager of Mr. Cannabis Law, a full-service law firm for the cannabis and psychedelic industries; Mr. Psychedelic Law, a nonprofit advocating for legal reform around psychedelics medicines; and Nucleus, a venture studio that launches media, data, and technology assets related to the psychedelic industry. “All of these roles feed my passion for individual freedoms, mental health, and breaking down false social constructs related to highly regulated substances,” he says. With leading roles like these, Robinson knows he has to dress the part, which he typically does in a sleek suit and a T-shirt. “When I’m out for the evening, you’ll usually find me in jeans with a well-fitted, plain T-shirt. A nice timepiece with classy shoes pulls it all together.”  Robinson says he’s gone through every fashion phase, ranging from “punk-rock dude” to “Abercrombie & Fitch dude,” before feeling confident in his simple yet stylish ensembles. “I’ve always been a big believer in ‘look good, play good. If you’re confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll perform well and exude positive energy, thus attracting positive energy from the world and other individuals.” 

Can never have too many: Black T-shirts because they can be formal or informal and are easy to match. Label love: Aviator Nation, Zanerobe, and Zara Shops local: Miami Design District Future investment: A cowboy hat from Kemo Sabe, my favorite store in Aspen, Colorado Owns too many: Hats Fashion don’t: Ripped jeans because I think it looks too juvenile.

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