On May 9, the 2026 Gold Gala once again transformed Los Angeles into a vibrant nexus of Asian and Pacific excellence, drawing together a constellation of talent from the realms of acting, music, athletics, content creation, and industry leadership. This highly anticipated cultural event, now a cornerstone of the entertainment calendar, celebrated the rich tapestry of AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) heritage and contemporary influence. As is tradition, the iconic gold carpet served as a runway for breathtaking fashion statements, with attendees showcasing a diverse range of styles, from the understated elegance of haute couture and impeccably tailored ensembles to bold interpretations infused with heritage-inspired motifs and dramatic silhouettes. The evening was a testament to the power of style as a form of self-expression and cultural affirmation, with each guest making a distinct and memorable impact.
The Gold Gala, established by Gold House, a non-profit collective dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific communities, aims to spotlight and celebrate the achievements of AANHPI individuals across various industries. Founded in 2018, Gold House has rapidly grown into a significant force, fostering a sense of community, providing resources, and advocating for greater representation. The annual Gala serves as the organization’s flagship event, bringing together luminaries and rising stars alike to honor their contributions and foster a collective vision for the future. This year’s event, held at the prestigious Music Center in Los Angeles, continued this tradition, underscoring the growing influence and visibility of the AANHPI community in global culture.
A Spectacle of Style: Best Dressed Honorees
EnVi Magazine’s curated list of the night’s best-dressed stars highlights the sartorial triumphs that graced the gold carpet, each ensemble a narrative of personal style and cultural pride.
Supriya Ganesh: A Fusion of Tradition and Pop Art
Actress Supriya Ganesh, celebrated for her compelling performance as Dr. Mohan in the acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking entrance, transitioning seamlessly from her medical role on screen to a vision of glamour on the gold carpet. Ganesh was resplendent in a creation by Naeem Khan, a strapless gown that artfully blended traditional Indian craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. The dress featured ethereal layers of tulle and raffia, a direct homage to the rich heritage of Indian raffia artistry. Twisting poppy flower motifs, reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s iconic pop art, adorned the skirt, injecting a playful yet sophisticated dynamism into the design. Complementing the gown’s airy, voluminous silhouette were delicate pieces of Shaneli jewelry and elegant Alevi heels, culminating in a look that was both regal and vibrantly modern.
Anthony Keyvan: Minimalist Chic with a Classic Edge
Actor Anthony Keyvan, known for his role in the popular series XO Kitty, reunited with former castmates on the gold carpet, exuding a refined sense of style. Guided by the skilled styling duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, Keyvan opted for a textured wrap blazer and matching pants. His grooming was impeccably executed, with gelled-back hair and a clean, dewy makeup application that perfectly complemented the minimalist yet classic attire. Keyvan’s groomer, Colleen Dominique, attributed the flawless finish to the efficacy of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive approach to red carpet presentation. The understated elegance of his ensemble allowed his natural charisma to shine, embodying a timeless appeal.
Eileen Gu: A Princess-Like Vision in Confectionery Pink
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu captivated onlookers as she arrived in a breathtaking gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The dress, rendered in a soft, confectionery pink, evoked the enchanting allure of a fairytale princess. Multiple layers of tulle contributed to a light and feminine skirt, creating a graceful A-line silhouette. Notably, the shorter layers at the front of the skirt served to artfully elongate Gu’s already statuesque figure, adding a unique visual dimension to the design. The overall effect was one of delicate beauty and understated confidence, a fitting ensemble for a champion athlete.
Anna Cathcart: Bold Contrast with a Romantic Flourish
XO Kitty star Anna Cathcart made a memorable appearance in a figure-hugging, strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress presented a striking contrast with its ruffled blush pink fabric, which flared dramatically at her hips, reminiscent of a chic peplum skirt. Her hair, styled in soft curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, meticulously applied by Kendal Fedail, enhanced the gown’s romantic appeal. A youthful glow, rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a soft cat-eye liner accentuated Cathcart’s features, harmonizing beautifully with the gown’s playful detailing and her own radiant presence.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Sophistication with a Personal Touch
Actor Manny Jacinto exuded refined sophistication on the gold carpet, dressed in a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket by Nicolas Bijan, paired with classic black dress pants. Styled by the accomplished team of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was elevated by a sleek black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, which accentuated his sharp features and dark hair. In a candid moment, Jacinto shared his perspective on the Gold Gala’s significance, noting in an interview that beyond celebrating AANHPI excellence, the event provides a valuable opportunity for professional reconnection. "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," he remarked, highlighting the gala’s dual role as a celebration and a networking platform.
Liza Soberano: A Structural Masterpiece of Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano presented a truly unique and artistic vision in a structural fan dress from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown, built upon a foundation of delicate beige organza, featured meticulously embroidered bamboo fans as its central focal points. These fans were strategically placed on the bust, waist, hips, and cascading down the dress’s train, creating an avant-garde silhouette. The ribbed structures that ran the length of the skirt were inspired by the ribs of a bamboo fan, ingeniously executed using traditional boning techniques. This masterful fusion of fashion and heritage celebrated Soberano’s Filipino roots in a deeply personal and artistic manner, showcasing a profound respect for cultural artistry.
No Na: Modern Heritage in Coordinated Ensembles
The four-member Indonesian girl group No Na made a powerful statement with their coordinated yet distinct ensembles, each thoughtfully incorporating wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This approach powerfully reflected a theme of modern heritage, blending ancestral artistry with contemporary fashion sensibilities. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine donned a gold tube top paired with a sogan batik fabric tied at the waist, accessorized with an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya embraced a more modern aesthetic with a sheer, sequined corseted gown, elegantly draped with a woven tapis Lampung over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena sported an architectural top, evoking a futuristic breastplate, complemented by a songket shawl and her hair styled in a chic, modern bun. Baila Fauri radiated in a sparkling nude gown, beautifully contrasted by a luxurious red Palembang songket. The group’s collective presentation was a vibrant testament to Indonesian cultural pride and contemporary style.
EJAE: A Couture Tribute to Korean Heritage
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her highly anticipated Gold Gala debut in a custom design by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a striking basque waist that flowed into a floor-length, structural, and voluminous skirt. Upon closer inspection, the dress revealed intricate mosaic peony designs, meticulously crafted from approximately 1,000 delicately cut pieces of mother-of-pearl. Inspired by traditional Korean lacquerware (najeonchilgi), the gown served as a couture celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage. Echoing the mother-of-pearl centerpiece on her gown, EJAE accessorized with pearl earrings and a sleek high ponytail, finished with two long braids, creating a cohesive and elegant look.
Maia Kealoha: A Celebration of Polynesian Craftsmanship
Actress Maia Kealoha, recognized for her breakout role as Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch film, attended her inaugural Gold Gala in a stunning creation by designer Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown masterfully incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, into the construction of the dress’s bodice. Lauhala, often symbolizing unity and family heritage, resonated deeply with Kealoha, who stated the dress was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." She wore her hair in a high ponytail to showcase her face and the elegant halter neckline, expertly styled by Tanya Alian. Dangling pink orchid earrings completed her ensemble, a perfect tribute to her heritage and her achievements as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film grossing over $1 billion.
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 petal-textured gown, designed with a nude tulle base, was adorned with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These meticulously placed elements created a blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the ensemble with an illusion of movement and organic texture. The boldness of the gown’s design mirrored the powerful and evocative nature of H.E.R.’s music, presenting a captivating fusion of artistry and personal expression.
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. Jogia presented a picture of sleek formality in an intricately embroidered ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket in black, accessorized with statement necklaces. While his color palette leaned towards classic black, the detailed beaded embroidery added a unique textural depth to his ensemble. Halsey, in contrast, captivated in the archival ‘Serpent’ gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated Halsey’s features, drawing attention to her braided updo and the rich green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Her makeup, characterized by a dewy glow and dark-lined lips, was artfully completed with green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a subtle yet effective touch that tied together the ensemble’s green accents and overall golden theme.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Glamour and Symbolic Florals
Eugene Lee Yang, a prominent figure as co-founder of The Try Guys, filmmaker, and dedicated LGBTQIA+ activist, graced the 2026 Gold Gala in a daring ensemble. He wore a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants and a dramatic, long, rose-covered coat by The Mayor Official. The all-black look, with its flowing materials, created a captivating sense of androgyny, blurring the lines between pants and skirt and challenging traditional sartorial norms. Continuing the gala’s theme of cultural celebration, Yang accessorized with a striking lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, symbolizing beauty and enlightenment.
Esther Yu: A Golden Tribute to Tang Dynasty Embroidery
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" theme with unparalleled extravagance, wearing a strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was a masterpiece of traditional Panjin embroidery, a 3-D technique originating from the Tang Dynasty that utilizes gold or silver wire laid and couched to form intricate patterns. Trailing behind the dress was a dramatic black tulle and feathered train, evoking the majestic imagery of a phoenix’s tail. Yu accessorized with a golden hairpiece on her left, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, creating a visually arresting asymmetry. She shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny.
The Significance of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala, beyond its visual splendor, represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of AANHPI representation and influence. The event serves as a powerful platform for fostering community, celebrating achievements, and inspiring future generations. By bringing together such a diverse and influential group of individuals, the gala underscores the significant contributions of the AANHPI community to arts, culture, sports, and business. The discussions and connections forged at such events contribute to a more inclusive and equitable landscape, where diverse voices are not only heard but amplified. The success of the 2026 Gold Gala signals a continued momentum for the Gold House initiative and reaffirms the growing cultural and economic power of the AANHPI community in the global arena. The fashion showcased on the gold carpet is more than just a display of personal style; it is a visual declaration of identity, heritage, and the collective strength of a community making its indelible mark on the world stage.