On May 9, 2026, Los Angeles once again became the epicenter of cultural celebration as the 2026 Gold Gala convened, honoring the remarkable achievements and influence of Asian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) talent across various industries. The prestigious event, a cornerstone in the calendar for recognizing and elevating AANHPI excellence, drew a constellation of actors, musicians, athletes, creators, and industry titans. The much-anticipated gold carpet served as a runway for an array of breathtaking fashion statements, where attendees showcased a spectrum of styles ranging from haute couture and avant-garde tailoring to elegant nods to heritage and bold, dramatic silhouettes. This year’s guests arrived ready to command attention, blending timeless glamour with daring sartorial choices, underscoring the evolving landscape of AANHPI representation in mainstream culture.
A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The Gold Gala, established by Gold House, a non-profit organization dedicated to unifying and empowering the AANHPI community, has rapidly become a pivotal event for celebrating the diaspora’s contributions. Its mission extends beyond mere recognition; it aims to foster a stronger, more interconnected community and to provide a platform for AANHPI voices and achievements to be amplified. The gala’s inception was a response to the historical underrepresentation and marginalization of AANHPI individuals in Hollywood and broader cultural spheres. By creating a dedicated space for celebration, the Gold Gala actively works to shift narratives and provide aspirational figures for future generations. The event’s growing prominence reflects a broader societal shift towards greater inclusivity and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of AANHPI cultures.
Style on the Gold Carpet: A Curated Selection
EnVi magazine, a publication committed to highlighting AANHPI culture and creativity, has meticulously selected its top sartorial moments from the evening. Each selection not only demonstrates impeccable taste but also tells a story of heritage, innovation, and personal expression.
Supriya Ganesh: From the ER to Elegance
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking transition from the intensity of her medical drama role to the glamour of the gold carpet. Dressed in a magnificent creation by Naeem Khan, Ganesh captivated onlookers in a strapless gown that masterfully blended modern design with artisanal heritage. The dress featured layers of ethereal tulle and textured raffia, a deliberate and beautiful homage to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. The skirt of the gown was adorned with vibrant poppy flower motifs, a playful nod to the iconic style of Andy Warhol, adding an artistic and unexpected flair. Complementing the gown’s airy, voluminous silhouette, Ganesh accessorized with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and sophisticated Alevi heels, completing a look that was both regal and artistically resonant.
Anthony Keyvan: Classic Cool with a Modern Edge
Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular Netflix series XO Kitty, graced the gold carpet, reconnecting with former castmates. His ensemble, meticulously styled by the duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, presented a study in understated sophistication. Keyvan opted for a textured wrap blazer paired with coordinating trousers, a choice that exuded refined modernity. His grooming was equally polished, with hair slicked back and makeup kept clean and luminous, perfectly harmonizing with the minimalist yet classic attire. Colleen Dominique, his groomer, credited Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris for providing the essential skincare and hair products that contributed to his radiant appearance, highlighting the importance of meticulous preparation for such high-profile events.
Eileen Gu: A Confection of Pink
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu arrived in a dreamlike confectionery pink gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The dress’s soft, feminine hue and voluminous layers of tulle created a whimsical, princess-like aesthetic. The skirt, artfully constructed with shorter layers in the front, not only added a unique visual element but also served to elongate Gu’s already impressive stature. The design exemplified a contemporary take on classic ballgown silhouettes, showcasing Gu’s grace and athletic poise in equal measure.
Anna Cathcart: Edgy Romance in Black and Blush
Anna Cathcart, another star from the XO Kitty franchise, made a memorable appearance in a figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress featured a dramatic flourish of ruffled blush pink fabric that cascaded from her hips like a peplum skirt, adding a playful yet sophisticated contrast to the sleek black silhouette. Her hair, styled in soft curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, a delicate collaboration by Kendal Fedail, emphasized a youthful glow. Rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye liner enhanced Cathcart’s features, beautifully complementing the gown’s romantic details and her naturally radiant charm.
Manny Jacinto: Timeless Dapper with a Personal Touch
Manny Jacinto exuded classic charm on the gold carpet, opting for a distinguished cream-colored NB44 suit jacket paired with sharp black dress pants, both from Nicolas Bijan. Styled by a dedicated team including Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was elevated by a sleek black bow tie and a sophisticated Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. These carefully chosen accessories highlighted his refined features and dark hair, contributing to an overall dapper aesthetic. In an interview with Vogue, Jacinto shared that the Gold Gala serves as more than just a platform for celebrating AANHPI excellence; it’s also a cherished opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and collaborators from his past projects. He described the event as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," underscoring its importance as a community-building and networking occasion.
Liza Soberano: A Sculptural Masterpiece of Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano made a powerful statement at the Gold Gala in a uniquely structural fan dress from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown, crafted from beige organza, featured intricately embroidered bamboo fans as its central design elements, strategically placed on the bust, waist, hips, and along the sweeping train. The ribbed structures that adorned the skirt were inspired by the delicate ribs of traditional bamboo fans, executed with advanced fashion techniques that merged heritage with couture. This design choice not only highlighted Soberano’s striking presence but also served as a profound celebration of her cultural roots, demonstrating a seamless fusion of fashion and tradition.
no na: A Tapestry of Indonesian Heritage
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na captivated with their coordinated yet distinct ensembles, each intricately incorporating wastra nusantara—traditional Indonesian textiles. This approach powerfully conveyed a theme of modern heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a striking gold tube top paired with a batik fabric tied at the waist, accented by an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya showcased a modern aesthetic with a sequined sheer corseted gown, complemented by a woven tapis Lampung draped elegantly over her shoulder. Christy Gardena sported an architectural top, reminiscent of futuristic armor, paired with a songket shawl and a chic modern bun. Baila Fauri graced the carpet in a sparkling nude gown adorned with a luxurious red Palembang songket, completing the group’s unified yet individualistic celebration of Indonesian artistry.
EJAE: Korean Lacquer Ware Reimagined in Couture
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her Gold Gala debut in a breathtaking custom design by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a flattering basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, structural floor-length skirt. Up close, the dress revealed an exquisite detail: mosaic peony designs meticulously crafted from over 1,000 pieces of delicately cut mother-of-pearl. Inspired by the intricate beauty of traditional Korean lacquer ware (Najeonchilgi), the gown was a sophisticated tribute to EJAE’s Korean heritage, seamlessly translating cultural artistry into high fashion. She complemented the dress with pearl earrings and a sleek high ponytail that cascaded into two long braids, echoing the pearlescent accents of her couture creation.
Maia Kealoha: Weaving Polynesian Unity
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, attended her inaugural Gold Gala in a stunning creation by Kini Zamora. The gown masterfully incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving technique, to form the bodice. Kealoha explained that Lauhala, symbolizing unity and family heritage, was a fitting choice for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to strengthen their community. She wore her hair in a high ponytail to highlight her face and the halter neckline, a choice made in collaboration with her hairstylist and makeup artist, Tanya Alian. Adorned with dangling pink orchid earrings, Kealoha’s ensemble was a perfect embodiment of her heritage and her remarkable achievements as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film grossing over $1 billion.
H.E.R.: A Blooming Vision of Boldness
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a show-stopping gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The dress featured a nude tulle base intricately embellished with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf motifs, meticulously arranged to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips. This artistic rendering of texture and movement not only enhanced the gown’s visual impact but also mirrored the bold and dynamic spirit inherent in H.E.R.’s music, creating a powerful synergy between fashion and artistry.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Blend of Styles
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey presented a striking sartorial pairing in ensembles by Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded an air of refined elegance in an intricately embroidered black ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket, accessorized with layered necklaces that served as statement pieces. While his palette was primarily black, the detailed beaded embroidery lent a unique texture and depth to his formal look. Halsey, in contrast, wore the 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 sophisticated braided updo and the rich green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, characterized by a dewy finish and dark-lined lips, was artfully completed with a touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, subtly tying together the verdant accents with her overall golden ensemble.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Elegance and Symbolism
Eugene Lee Yang, co-founder of the Try Guys, filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, made a powerful statement in a black strapless corset by QUEERA and a wide-leg pant set. This was dramatically complemented by a long, flowing rose-covered coat from The Mayor Official. The all-black ensemble, with its fluid materials, created an androgynous silhouette, blurring the lines between pants and skirt and inviting a closer look. Continuing the theme of the Gold Gala, Yang donned a striking lotus headdress, a golden lotus flower encircled by artistically shaped lotus leaves, symbolizing beauty, purity, and enlightenment.
Esther Yu: A Golden Tribute to Tang Dynasty Craftsmanship
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" theme with opulent grandeur, wearing a strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was lavishly embroidered using traditional Panjin, a three-dimensional embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty. This meticulous craft involves laying and couching gold or silver wire to form intricate traditional patterns and symbols. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the dress, evoking the majestic imagery of a phoenix’s tail. Yu accessorized with a golden hair ornament on her left side, 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, further highlighting her multi-faceted career.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The 2026 Gold Gala, through its celebration of AANHPI talent and its emphasis on cultural heritage, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of representation. Events like these not only provide a platform for established stars but also shine a spotlight on emerging artists and creators, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The increasing visibility of AANHPI individuals in mainstream media and culture, as exemplified by the diverse array of attendees and their fashion choices, signifies a positive trajectory towards a more inclusive and representative entertainment landscape. The gala’s success underscores the growing influence and appreciation of AANHPI contributions, paving the way for continued dialogue, collaboration, and a richer, more diverse cultural narrative. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and the enduring impact of celebrating diverse voices and achievements.
