On May 9, 2026, Los Angeles once again served as the vibrant epicenter for the 2026 Gold Gala, an annual event that celebrates the profound contributions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander individuals across various industries. The prestigious occasion drew a constellation of stars from film, music, sports, and the arts, transforming the iconic Music Center into a breathtaking panorama of cultural influence and sartorial splendor. This year’s gala, a highly anticipated fixture on the cultural calendar, was particularly notable for its stunning display of fashion on the signature gold carpet. Attendees embraced a diverse range of styles, from the avant-garde and sculptural to the elegantly classic and heritage-inspired, each ensemble a testament to the evolving landscape of AANHPI representation and creativity. The event, organized by Gold House, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders, underscores a growing momentum in celebrating and amplifying AANHPI voices within mainstream American culture.
A Night of Celebrated Achievements and Fashion Forward Statements
The 2026 Gold Gala was more than just a fashion spectacle; it was a powerful affirmation of the increasing visibility and influence of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Hollywood and beyond. Gold House, the driving force behind the event, has consistently worked to create platforms that foster connection, mentorship, and recognition for AANHPI talent. This year’s gala continued that mission, bringing together a diverse group of honorees and attendees who have made significant strides in their respective fields. The gold carpet served as a prelude to an evening dedicated to acknowledging these accomplishments, with each guest’s attire reflecting a personal narrative and a broader cultural statement. The fashion choices ranged from haute couture that pushed creative boundaries to ensembles that thoughtfully incorporated traditional elements, creating a rich tapestry of expression.
Standout Style Moments on the Gold Carpet
EnVi Media, a publication dedicated to celebrating AANHPI culture and talent, highlighted several individuals whose fashion choices captured the spirit of the evening. These selections underscore a trend towards bold individuality, sophisticated craftsmanship, and meaningful connections to heritage.
Supriya Ganesh: A Nod to Indian Craftsmanship and Pop Art
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling performance as Dr. Mohan in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking entrance on the gold carpet. Eschewing her on-screen medical attire, Ganesh donned a breathtaking strapless gown by Naeem Khan. The creation was a masterful fusion of contemporary design and artisanal heritage, featuring layers of ethereal tulle and raffia. The use of raffia was a deliberate homage to traditional Indian craft, lending a unique texture and depth to the voluminous skirt. Further elevating the gown, the design incorporated vibrant poppy flower motifs that seemed to twist and cascade down the fabric, an artistic nod to the iconic works of Andy Warhol. This blend of cultural references and artistic inspiration created a look that was both timelessly glamorous and strikingly modern. Complementing the airy silhouette of the dress, Ganesh accessorized with delicate pieces of Shaneli jewelry and elegant Alevi heels, completing a look that was both sophisticated and artistically resonant.
Anthony Keyvan: Minimalist Chic with a Polished Finish
Actor Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular series XO Kitty, arrived radiating a refined and classic style. Guided by his stylists, Annie Easton and Nora Foley, Keyvan opted for a sophisticated textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored trousers. The ensemble exuded understated elegance, allowing Keyvan’s natural charisma to shine. His grooming was equally polished, with his hair meticulously gelled back and a clean, glassy makeup application that harmonized perfectly with the minimalist aesthetic of his attire. The success of his grooming was attributed to Colleen Dominique, who highlighted the efficacy of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris as instrumental in achieving the desired polished look. This attention to detail showcased a confident and modern approach to red carpet dressing.
Eileen Gu: Princess-Inspired Elegance in Pastel Hues
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu graced the gold carpet in a vision of confectionery pink, a stunning creation by designer Andrew Kwon. The gown featured a soft, feminine color palette and was constructed with multiple layers of delicate tulle, creating a skirt that was both light and voluminous, reminiscent of a classic princess silhouette. A unique design element was the subtly shorter layers at the front of the skirt, which not only added a contemporary edge but also served to elongate Gu’s already impressive figure. The overall effect was one of ethereal beauty and youthful grace, perfectly befitting the esteemed athlete.
Anna Cathcart: Dramatic Silhouette with a Touch of Softness
Anna Cathcart, another standout talent from the XO Kitty ensemble, made a memorable appearance in a striking figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its bold ruffled detailing in a soft blush pink hue, which flared dramatically at her hips, creating a peplum-like effect that added architectural interest and playful volume. Her hair, styled in gentle waves by Terra Rose Puncerelli, exuded a soft romanticism that beautifully contrasted with the gown’s edgier silhouette. The makeup, expertly applied by Kendal Fedail, maintained a youthful and radiant feel, with rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye flick that enhanced Cathcart’s naturally expressive eyes and harmonized with the blush tones of the dress.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Sophistication with a Touch of Heritage
Actor Manny Jacinto exuded timeless dapper charm as he walked the gold carpet. He was impeccably dressed in a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, artfully paired with classic black dress pants, a sophisticated ensemble designed by Nicolas Bijan. Styled by the renowned team of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s look was elevated by a classic black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, which accentuated his sharp features and complemented his dark hair. While the Gold Gala primarily celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander excellence, Jacinto shared in a Vogue interview that the event also holds personal significance as an opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, describing the atmosphere as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun." This sentiment highlights the gala’s dual role as a platform for both professional recognition and personal connection.
Liza Soberano: Architectural Masterpiece Inspired by Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano captivated attendees with a truly unique and architectural gown by Phan Huy, from the designer’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The dress featured a delicate beige organza base, serving as a canvas for the gown’s striking focal points: intricately embroidered bamboo fans. These fan motifs were strategically placed on the bust, waist, and hips, and trailed down the length of the dress’s train. The ribbed structures adorning the skirt, inspired by the delicate ribs of bamboo fans, were expertly crafted using traditional boning techniques, creating a seamless fusion of high fashion and cultural heritage. This thoughtful incorporation of traditional elements into a contemporary design underscored the event’s celebration of AANHPI artistry.
no na: A Symphony of Indonesian Textiles and Modern Design
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na made a bold statement with coordinated yet individualistic ensembles that masterfully integrated wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This approach celebrated a theme of modern heritage, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of their homeland. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a chic gold tube top paired with a creatively tied sogan batik fabric at the waist, accessorized with an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya embraced a more contemporary fashion direction, sporting a shimmering sheer corseted gown adorned with sequins, complemented by a woven tapis Lampung draped elegantly over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena showcased an architectural top, evoking a futuristic breastplate, paired with a songket shawl and her hair styled in a sleek, modern bun. Baila Fauri opted for a dazzling nude gown, elegantly contrasted by a luxurious red Palembang songket, demonstrating a harmonious blend of traditional and modern aesthetics within the group’s overall presentation.
EJAE: A Couture Tribute to Korean Heritage
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made a stunning debut at the Gold Gala in a custom creation by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a sophisticated basque waist that gracefully flowed into a voluminous, floor-length structural skirt. Closer inspection revealed intricate mosaic peony designs, meticulously crafted from over a thousand delicately cut mother-of-pearl pieces. This design was a profound inspiration drawn from traditional Korean lacquerware (na-jeon-chil-gi), a deeply rooted element of Korean artistry. The dress served as a powerful celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage, translated through the language of haute couture. To complement the exquisite craftsmanship of her gown, EJAE accessorized with pearl earrings and styled her hair in a sleek high ponytail, culminating in two long, elegant braids, a look that was both regal and culturally resonant.
Maia Kealoha: Celebrating Polynesian Weaving and Cinematic Success
Actress Maia Kealoha, beloved for her portrayal of Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch film, made her inaugural appearance at the Gold Gala, gracing the carpet in a remarkable piece by Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown beautifully integrated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving technique, to create the intricate top of the dress. Embodying unity and family heritage, as Lauhala often symbolizes, Kealoha remarked that the dress was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." Her hair, styled in a high ponytail by Tanya Alian, perfectly showcased her face and the halter neckline of the gown. Complementing her heritage-inspired ensemble, Kealoha adorned dangling pink orchid earrings, a subtle yet meaningful touch. Her outfit was a poignant celebration of her cultural roots and her significant achievement as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film that surpassed $1 billion in box office revenue, marking a milestone for AANHPI representation in cinema.
H.E.R.: A Bold and Blooming Couture Statement
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a breathtaking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The gown featured a nude tulle base intricately adorned with thousands of individually placed gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These meticulously applied details created a captivating blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the ensemble with a sense of organic movement and texture. This bold and dynamic design mirrored the fearless spirit and artistic depth found in H.E.R.’s music, showcasing a harmonious synergy between her personal brand and her sartorial choices.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Study in Contrasting Elegance
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey arrived as a striking pair, both adorned in designs by Rahul Mishra, a designer renowned for his intricate embroidery and cultural inspirations. Avan Jogia presented a vision of refined masculinity in an exquisitely embroidered black "Himadri" Sherwani jacket, layered with statement necklaces that added a touch of regal flair. His ensemble, predominantly black, leaned into a sleek and formal aesthetic, with the intricate beaded embroidery providing a unique textural dimension. In contrast, Halsey captivated in the archival "Serpent" gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The gown’s plunging neckline and flowing fabrics artfully accentuated Halsey’s natural features, drawing the eye towards her elegantly braided updo. Her ensemble was further enhanced by the verdant tones of a heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. Halsey’s makeup, characterized by a dewy glow and dark-lined lips, was artfully completed with a touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a subtle yet effective detail that tied together the green accents with her overall golden ensemble, demonstrating a thoughtful and artistic approach to red carpet styling.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Power and Symbolic Florals
Eugene Lee Yang, a prominent figure known as a co-founder of the Try Guys, a filmmaker, and a passionate LGBTQIA+ activist, made a powerful statement at the 2026 Gold Gala. Yang opted for a striking black strapless corset by QUEERA, paired with wide-leg pants and a dramatic, floor-length rose-covered coat by The Mayor Official. This black-on-black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created a captivating sense of androgyny, blurring the lines between traditional masculine and feminine silhouettes and prompting a moment of visual intrigue. Further embracing the spirit of the Gold Gala, Yang adorned a magnificent lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower encircled by artistically shaped lotus leaves, a symbolic and visually arresting accessory that underscored themes of beauty, growth, and cultural significance.
Esther Yu: A Dazzling Display of Tang Dynasty Embroidery
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" theme with unparalleled enthusiasm, gracing the red carpet in a breathtaking strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, intricately embroidered with traditional Panjin, a remarkable 3-D embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty. This meticulous process involves laying and couching gold or silver wire to form elaborate traditional patterns and symbols. Trailing behind the dress was a dramatic black tulle and feathered train, evoking the majestic imagery of a phoenix’s tail, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture. Yu’s accessories were equally striking: a golden hairpiece was strategically placed on her left side, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, adding a touch of avant-garde asymmetry. Amidst the glamour, Yu shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny, further highlighting her multifaceted career.
The Significance of the Gold Gala in a Broader Cultural Context
The 2026 Gold Gala, beyond its glitz and glamour, represents a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of Asian and Pacific Islander representation in Western media and culture. As Gold House continues to champion AANHPI talent, events like the Gold Gala serve as crucial platforms for visibility, networking, and advocacy. The presence of established stars alongside emerging talent underscores a generational shift, where heritage is increasingly celebrated as a source of strength and inspiration, rather than something to be assimilated or downplayed. The fashion choices themselves, often deeply rooted in cultural motifs and artisanal traditions, speak volumes about the wearers’ pride in their identity and their desire to share that with a global audience. The success of these individuals, amplified by such high-profile events, not only inspires future generations but also contributes to a more nuanced and inclusive portrayal of AANHPI communities in the broader cultural landscape. The continued growth and impact of the Gold Gala signal a promising future for AANHPI voices in shaping the global cultural conversation.