Los Angeles, CA – May 9, 2026 – The city of Los Angeles was once again illuminated by the brilliance of Asian and Pacific excellence as the 2026 Gold Gala convened on May 9th. This highly anticipated annual event drew together a constellation of stars from the realms of acting, music, athletics, content creation, and industry leadership, solidifying its position as a premier cultural gathering of the year. The iconic gold carpet served as a dazzling runway, showcasing an array of sartorial statements that ranged from the elegantly understated to the audaciously avant-garde. Attendees embraced a spectrum of styles, including sophisticated couture, artfully tailored ensembles, designs rich with heritage-inspired motifs, and dramatic silhouettes that commanded attention. This year’s guests arrived ready to make a definitive statement, blending timeless glamour with daring fashion choices.
A Celebration of Culture and Achievement
The Gold Gala, organized by Gold House, a leading non-profit collective dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in culture and technology, has become a cornerstone event for celebrating AAPI achievements and fostering community. Since its inception, the gala has aimed to provide a platform for AAPI talent, acknowledging their significant contributions across various industries and advocating for greater representation and inclusion. The event consistently attracts a diverse group of individuals who are not only celebrated for their professional accomplishments but also for their commitment to cultural advancement and social impact. The gold carpet, a deliberate choice to signify prosperity and prestige, has become synonymous with the gala, mirroring the aspirations and successes of the community it champions.
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EnVi’s Picks for Best Dressed Stars of the Night
EnVi Media, a prominent publication focusing on Asian culture and style, meticulously curated its list of the evening’s best-dressed attendees, highlighting the sartorial prowess and individual expression displayed on the gold carpet. Each selection represents a unique fusion of personal style, designer craftsmanship, and cultural resonance.
Supriya Ganesh: A Fusion of Tradition and Pop Art
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking entrance onto the gold carpet. Stepping away from her professional persona, Ganesh graced the event in a breathtaking creation by Naeem Khan. The strapless gown, crafted from layers of ethereal tulle and raffia, offered a sophisticated nod to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. Its design was further elevated by bold poppy flower motifs that artfully cascaded down the skirt, a clear homage to the vibrant and iconic works of Andy Warhol. To complement the airy, voluminous silhouette of the dress, Ganesh adorned herself with delicate pieces of Shaneli jewelry and opted for elegant Alevi heels, completing a look that was both regal and playfully artistic.
Anthony Keyvan: Modern Minimalism with a Classic Touch
Actor Anthony Keyvan, known for his role in the popular series XO Kitty, reunited with several of his castmates on the gold carpet. His ensemble, meticulously styled by the dynamic duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, featured a textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored trousers. Keyvan’s grooming was equally refined, with his hair gelled back and his makeup maintained with a clean, glassy finish, perfectly harmonizing with the minimalist yet classic attire. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, attributed the flawless execution to key products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris, highlighting the importance of quality skincare and haircare in achieving a polished red carpet look. The overall effect was one of understated sophistication, demonstrating that true style often lies in refined simplicity.
Eileen Gu: A Princess-Inspired Vision in Pink
Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu captivated onlookers with her ethereal presence, arriving in a confectionery pink gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The soft, delicate hue of the dress, combined with multiple layers of flowing tulle, created a skirt that was both light and feminine, evoking the charm of a classic princess ballgown. A unique design element, featuring shorter layers in the front, not only added an intriguing visual dynamic but also served to artfully elongate her already statuesque figure. Gu’s choice of attire underscored a blend of athletic prowess and red carpet elegance, proving that grace and power can coexist beautifully.
Anna Cathcart: Dramatic Contrast with a Touch of Whimsy
Anna Cathcart, another star from the XO Kitty franchise, made a memorable appearance in a striking figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its dramatic ruffled blush pink fabric that artfully flared at her hips, reminiscent of a sophisticated peplum. Her hair, styled in soft, romantic curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, by Kendal Fedail, enhanced the youthful and radiant aura of her look. Fedail’s application of rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye liner served to accentuate Cathcart’s features and beautifully complement the gown’s design. The juxtaposition of the bold black with the soft blush pink created a look that was both daring and delightful.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Elegance with a Personal Touch
Actor Manny Jacinto exuded refined charm as he navigated the gold carpet in a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, elegantly paired with classic black dress pants, a creation by Nicolas Bijan. Styled by the talented Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was completed with a sharp black bow tie and a sophisticated Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. These carefully selected accessories not only complemented his defined features and dark hair but also contributed to an overall dapper and polished appearance. Jacinto shared his perspective on the Gold Gala, noting in a Vogue interview that beyond celebrating AAPI excellence, the event offers a valuable opportunity for reconnection with industry colleagues. He described the atmosphere as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," underscoring the event’s dual role as a celebration of achievement and a networking hub.
Liza Soberano: Architectural Elegance Inspired by Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano presented a truly unique and artistic vision at the Gold Gala, gracing the event in a distinctive structural fan dress from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown, built on a foundation of delicate beige organza, featured intricately embroidered bamboo fans as its central motif. These fans were strategically placed on the bust, waist, and hips, and extended down the dress’s train, creating a breathtaking visual narrative. The ribbed structures that adorned the skirt were inspired by the delicate ribs of bamboo fans, expertly executed through traditional boning techniques, thus seamlessly merging high fashion with profound cultural heritage. Soberano’s choice underscored a commitment to celebrating her roots through a contemporary and artistic lens.
no na: A Symphony of Indonesian Textiles
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na made a powerful statement with their coordinated yet individually distinct ensembles. Their outfits showcased a deliberate and beautiful utilization of wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles, presenting a theme of modern heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a chic gold tube top paired with a sogan batik fabric tied at the waist, accessorized with an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya’s style leaned towards contemporary fashion, featuring a sheer corseted gown adorned with sequins, complemented by a woven tapis lampung draped elegantly over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena exuded an architectural aesthetic with a top reminiscent of a futuristic breastplate, paired with a songket shawl and her hair styled in a modern bun. Baila Fauri chose a sparkling nude gown, luxuriously contrasted with a vibrant red Palembang songket. The group’s collective presentation was a testament to the rich tapestry of Indonesian culture and its adaptation into modern high fashion.
EJAE: Korean Lacquer Ware Inspires Couture
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her highly anticipated Gold Gala debut in a custom design by LEJE. The exquisite pale blue dress featured a striking basque waist that flowed into a floor-length skirt, characterized by its structural volume and dramatic flair. Upon closer inspection, the gown revealed intricate mosaic peony designs meticulously crafted from over 1,000 delicately cut pieces of mother-of-pearl. Inspired by traditional Korean lacquer ware (najeonchilgi), the dress served as a couture celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage. Complementing the iridescent mother-of-pearl centerpiece on her gown, EJAE accessorized with elegant pearl earrings and styled her hair in a sleek high ponytail that culminated in two long braids, creating a cohesive and culturally resonant look.
Maia Kealoha: Weaving Polynesian Unity into Fashion
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her role as Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie released in 2025, attended her inaugural Gold Gala adorned in a remarkable creation by Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown masterfully incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, to form the intricate top of the dress. Embodying unity and family heritage, Kealoha eloquently stated 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 dresser and makeup artist Tanya Alian, showcased her face and the elegant halter neckline. Dangling pink orchid earrings completed her ensemble, a perfect celebration of her heritage and her remarkable achievement as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film grossing over $1 billion.
H.E.R.: Bold Florals and Musical Resonance
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention on the gold carpet in a show-stopping gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The gown, featuring a nude tulle base, was adorned with thousands of meticulously placed gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These individual pieces were artfully arranged to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the ensemble with an illusion of movement and organic texture. This bold and dynamic design served as a powerful visual metaphor, mirroring the fearless and resonant spirit found in H.E.R.’s music. The gown was a testament to innovative design and its ability to translate artistic expression into tangible fashion.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Blend of Indian Craftsmanship
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey presented a striking and harmonious pairing on the gold carpet, both dressed in exquisite creations by Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded sophisticated charm in an intricately embroidered ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket in black, layered with statement necklaces. While his color palette remained predominantly black, leaning into a sleek and formal aesthetic, the detailed beaded embroidery added a unique textural depth to his look. Halsey, in contrast, opted for the archival ‘Serpent’ gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated Halsey’s natural features, while also drawing attention to her braided updo and the vibrant green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, featuring a dewy finish and dark-lined lips, was further enhanced by a striking green eyeliner on her lower waterline, artfully tying together the green accents and her overall golden ensemble. Their coordinated yet distinct looks highlighted the versatility and artistry of Mishra’s designs.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Chic and Symbolic Adornment
Eugene Lee Yang, co-founder of The Try Guys, filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, made a powerful sartorial statement at the 2026 Gold Gala. Yang donned a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants, overlaid with a dramatic, rose-covered coat by The Mayor Official. This black-on-black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created a sense of captivating androgyny, blurring the lines between traditional masculine and feminine silhouettes. To further embrace the spirit of the Gold Gala, Yang accessorized with a striking lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, a symbolic nod to cultural richness and personal expression.
Esther Yu: A Glimpse into Tang Dynasty Opulence
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" theme with unparalleled extravagance. Yu wore a magnificent strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was richly 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 intricate 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. Yu further accessorized with a golden hair ornament placed on her left, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, a thoughtful touch during interviews. Yu shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny, hinting at the depth and complexity she brings to her roles.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The 2026 Gold Gala not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the growing influence and visibility of the AAPI community in mainstream culture. Events like the Gold Gala serve as crucial platforms for amplifying AAPI voices, fostering a sense of solidarity, and inspiring future generations. The increasing presence of AAPI talent in Hollywood and beyond, coupled with their innovative approaches to fashion that blend heritage with contemporary design, signals a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. As the gala continues to grow in prominence, it reinforces the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse contributions of the AAPI community, paving the way for even greater inclusivity and representation in the years to come. The sartorial choices on display are more than just fashion; they are declarations of identity, heritage, and ambition, resonating far beyond the confines of the red carpet.
