Ariana Madix, the host of Love Island Games, welcomed the New Year in the Bahamas, showcasing her fashion flair in an eye-catching silver mini dress. The former star of Vanderpump Rules celebrated the arrival of 2026 with a chic outfit that highlighted her long legs, paired with gold stilettos and striking hoop earrings. Her look was completed with an iridescent clutch featuring a distinctive snake handle that elegantly looped around her wrist.
In a reflective post on social media, Ariana shared a video montage of her New Year’s Eve festivities, captioned, “Stepping in the new year with style.” She enjoyed an exclusive beachfront party where guests gathered to watch a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Alongside a DJ and a live saxophone player, Ariana danced energetically, marking the end of a memorable year.
Rekindling Friendships and Moving Forward
Ariana’s celebration comes shortly after she reconciled with her former co-star Stassi Schroeder. In early December, Stassi shared photos on Instagram showing the two together at a glamorous event, suggesting that their relationship is on the mend. The images featured Ariana in a plunging black-laced gown and Stassi in a short white silk dress, with Stassi posting, “June 24th girlies slay @arianamadix,” referencing their shared birthdays.
This renewed friendship is significant given the history between the two. Stassi and Ariana had previously been at odds, especially following Stassi’s firing from Vanderpump Rules in 2020 due to past racist comments. Tensions escalated over Stassi’s disapproval of Ariana’s relationship with Tom Sandoval. In a February 2017 interview with InTouch, Stassi stated, “I don’t have a problem with Ariana; Ariana has a problem with me,” leading to a public back-and-forth.
Ariana later responded, indicating that Stassi’s behavior had often been condescending, and emphasized that the conflict stemmed from Stassi’s actions toward her. She remarked, “If she would leave me alone, I wouldn’t ever have to come back at her.”
A New Chapter for Ariana
The end of 2023 marks a transformative period for Ariana, who recently made her final appearance on Vanderpump Rules during the Season 11 finale. Following a highly publicized breakup with Tom Sandoval amid allegations of infidelity, Ariana has focused on her personal growth and evolving career.
The reality series has taken a new direction, rebooting with an entirely new cast, except for Lisa Vanderpump. The revamped version premiered in November 2023, indicating a significant shift in the landscape of the show.
As Ariana steps into 2024, her journey reflects resilience and an eagerness to embrace new opportunities. Her stylish celebration in the Bahamas not only highlights her fashion sense but also signals a hopeful outlook for the year ahead.
