On May 9, 2026, Los Angeles became the epicenter of Asian and Pacific excellence as the highly anticipated 2026 Gold Gala unfolded, drawing a constellation of actors, musicians, athletes, creators, and industry leaders. This annual event, a cornerstone celebration of AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) talent and influence, transformed the city into a vibrant tapestry of cultural appreciation and sartorial splendor. The signature gold carpet, a visual metaphor for the esteemed status of its attendees, was awash with breathtaking fashion moments, ranging from haute couture creations and sharp, architectural tailoring to ensembles deeply rooted in heritage and bold, avant-garde silhouettes. This year’s guests arrived prepared to command attention, blending timeless glamour with daring fashion statements, underscoring the growing prominence and diverse expressions of AANHPI individuals within the global entertainment and cultural landscape.
The Gold Gala: A Beacon of AANHPI Representation
The Gold Gala, organized by Gold House, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific Islander creatives and leaders, has rapidly ascended to become one of the most significant cultural gatherings on the annual calendar. Established to foster community, celebrate achievements, and advocate for increased representation, the gala serves as a crucial platform for acknowledging the multifaceted contributions of the AANHPI community across various industries. This year’s event, held at the iconic Music Center in Los Angeles, continued this mission with an impressive roster of honorees and attendees, each bringing their unique talents and perspectives to the forefront. The economic impact of the AANHPI community in the entertainment sector alone is substantial, with figures consistently showing growing box office influence, streaming viewership, and critical acclaim, making events like the Gold Gala vital for continued visibility and support.
A Symphony of Style on the Gold Carpet
The fashion on display at the 2026 Gold Gala was a testament to the evolving landscape of style, where tradition and modernity converge. Attendees embraced a spectrum of aesthetics, each choice a deliberate reflection of personal identity and cultural pride.
Supriya Ganesh: From ER to Elegance
Actress Supriya Ganesh, celebrated for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking transition from her medical drama persona to the glamour of the Gold Gala. Her choice of a Naeem Khan strapless gown was a masterclass in sophisticated artistry. The gown, crafted from layers of ethereal tulle and textured raffia, paid a nuanced homage to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. The design was further elevated by vibrant poppy flower motifs that artfully cascaded down the skirt, a clear nod to the pop art sensibilities of Andy Warhol. This fusion of artisanal heritage and contemporary artistic inspiration created a look that was both rooted and revolutionary. Complementing the gown’s airy, voluminous silhouette, Ganesh adorned herself with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and stepped out in elegant Alevi heels, completing a look that was both graceful and impactful.
Anthony Keyvan: Youthful Sophistication
Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular series XO Kitty, made a stylish appearance, reuniting with some of his former castmates. His ensemble, curated by the styling duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, featured a textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored trousers. The minimalist yet classic attire was enhanced by a clean, dewy makeup look and neatly gelled hair, creating a polished and modern aesthetic. Keyvan’s groomer, Colleen Dominique, highlighted the essential role of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris in achieving the flawless finish, underscoring the importance of high-quality grooming in completing a red-carpet look.
Eileen Gu: A Vision in Confectionery Pink
Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu graced the gold carpet in a breathtaking gown by Andrew Kwon, a confection of soft, pastel pink. The dress, a symphony of delicate tulle layers, exuded a regal, princess-like charm with its flowing A-line skirt. The innovative design featured shorter layers at the front, a stylistic choice that not only added a unique visual element but also artfully elongated her silhouette. Gu’s presence at the gala, beyond her athletic achievements, signifies the growing influence of athletes in the fashion and cultural spheres, often serving as style icons and ambassadors for aspirational living.
Anna Cathcart: Modern Romance with a Touch of Drama
Anna Cathcart, another prominent star from XO Kitty, captivated the audience in a figure-hugging, strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its dramatic ruffled peplum in a soft blush pink, flaring out at her hips to create a striking visual contrast. Her hair, styled in gentle curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, expertly applied by Kendal Fedail, emphasized a youthful and romantic aesthetic. Rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye flick served to accentuate Cathcart’s features and harmonize with the gown’s romantic detailing, creating a cohesive and memorable look.
Manny Jacinto: Timeless Dapper Charm
Manny Jacinto exuded classic elegance on the gold carpet, dressed in a sophisticated cream-colored NB44 suit jacket from Nicolas Bijan, paired with sharp black dress pants. Styled by the esteemed team of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, his look was meticulously refined. A classic black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch added touches of understated luxury, accentuating his refined features and dark hair. Jacinto, in a reflective moment during the event, shared insights into his connection with the Gold Gala, noting its importance not only as a celebration of AANHPI excellence but also as a cherished opportunity to reconnect with industry peers. His sentiment, "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," speaks to the gala’s dual role as a professional networking hub and a genuine community gathering.
Liza Soberano: A Fusion of Heritage and Structure
Filipino actress Liza Soberano presented a truly unique and avant-garde ensemble, wearing a custom piece from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown, built on a foundation of beige organza, featured striking embroidered bamboo fans adorning the bust, waist, hips, and cascading down the dress’s train. The ribbed structures integrated into the skirt’s design were inspired by the delicate ribs of bamboo fans, ingeniously brought to life through advanced boning techniques. This creation masterfully blended high fashion with a profound respect for cultural heritage, showcasing a sophisticated interpretation of traditional elements in a modern couture context.
No Na: Modern Heritage in Coordinated Ensembles
The four-member Indonesian girl group No Na made a significant stylistic statement with their coordinated yet distinct outfits, each incorporating wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This deliberate choice underscored a theme of modern heritage, presenting a unified front that celebrated their cultural roots. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine donned a gold tube top paired with a batik fabric tied at the waist, accented by an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya embraced a more contemporary silhouette with a sequined sheer corseted gown, elegantly draped with a woven tapis Lampung over one shoulder. Christy Gardena showcased an architectural top, reminiscent of a futuristic breastplate, complemented by a songket shawl and a sleek, modern bun. Baila Fauri radiated in a sparkling nude gown, luxuriously contrasted with a rich red Palembang songket. Their collective presentation highlighted the vibrant diversity and enduring artistry of Indonesian textiles within a global fashion narrative.
EJAE: A Korean Lacquerware Masterpiece
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her Gold Gala debut in a custom creation by LEJE, a pale blue gown that was both structurally impressive and exquisitely detailed. The dress featured a flattering basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, floor-length skirt. Close examination revealed intricate peony designs, meticulously crafted from over a thousand pieces of iridescent mother-of-pearl. This design was a direct homage to traditional Korean lacquerware (na-jeon-chil-gi), a testament to EJAE’s Korean heritage translated into high couture. The mother-of-pearl motif was echoed in her choice of pearl earrings, and her hair was styled in a sleek high ponytail with two long braids, creating a cohesive and culturally resonant look.
Maia Kealoha: A Celebration of Polynesian Craftsmanship
Actress Maia Kealoha, renowned for her breakout role as Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, attended her inaugural Gold Gala in a stunning creation by designer Kini Zamora. The gown featured a bodice intricately woven with Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving technique. Kealoha articulated the significance of her attire, stating that Lauhala, often symbolizing unity and family heritage, was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail by stylist Tanya Alian to showcase her face and the halter neckline, and she accessorized with dangling pink orchid earrings. Kealoha’s ensemble was a poignant celebration of her heritage and her remarkable achievements as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a billion-dollar film.
H.E.R.: Boldness in Bloom
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a captivating gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The dress, built on a nude tulle base, was adorned with thousands of meticulously placed crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These gilded details were artfully arranged to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the gown with an illusion of movement and organic texture. This bold, textured ensemble served as a powerful visual metaphor for the fearless and dynamic spirit found in H.E.R.’s music, making a profound artistic statement on the gold carpet.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Contrast in Rahul Mishra
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey presented a striking visual pairing, both adorned in creations by designer Rahul Mishra. Jogia opted for a black ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket, richly embroidered and layered with statement necklaces, exuding a sleek and formal aesthetic. The intricate beaded embroidery on his ensemble added a unique textural depth to his primarily black palette. In contrast, Halsey wore an archival ‘Serpent’ gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The gown’s plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated Halsey’s features, drawing attention to her intricate braided updo and the vibrant green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, featuring a glowy finish and dark-lined lips, was completed with green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a subtle yet effective detail that tied together the emerald accents with her overall golden ensemble. This coordinated appearance underscored the designers’ ability to craft distinct yet complementary looks for the duo.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Elegance and Symbolic Florals
Eugene Lee Yang, a multifaceted talent known as a co-founder of The Try Guys, a filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, embraced an androgynous aesthetic. He wore a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants and a dramatic, long, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. The all-black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created an ambiguous silhouette, playfully challenging traditional gendered attire. Further enhancing the theme of the Gold Gala, Yang donned a striking lotus headdress, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, symbolizing beauty, purity, and enlightenment.
Esther Yu: A Golden Dynasty of Embroidery
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" aspect of the Gold Gala with unparalleled enthusiasm, donning a spectacular strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was intricately embroidered using the traditional Panjin technique, a 3-D embroidery method originating from the Tang Dynasty, where gold or silver wire is meticulously laid and couched to form ornate patterns and symbols. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the dress, evoking the majestic tail of a phoenix, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture. Yu’s accessories included a golden hair ornament on her left and a single triangular earring on her right, creating a balanced yet striking effect. She 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 Broader Impact and Future of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the collective strength and growing influence of the AANHPI community. The event provided a crucial platform for networking, collaboration, and the articulation of shared goals for greater representation and equity in all sectors of society. As the AANHPI community continues to expand its presence and impact globally, the Gold Gala stands as a vital annual touchstone, inspiring future generations and solidifying its position as a premier event in the cultural calendar. The continued success and visibility generated by such events contribute to dismantling stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive and diverse media landscape, reflecting the rich tapestry of human experience. The economic and cultural contributions of the AANHPI community are undeniable, and the Gold Gala serves as a powerful testament to this ongoing evolution.