On May 9, 2026, Los Angeles once again became the epicenter of Asian and Pacific excellence as the 2026 Gold Gala illuminated the city. This highly anticipated cultural event brought together a constellation of talent, including esteemed actors, groundbreaking musicians, decorated athletes, innovative creators, and influential industry leaders. The hallmark of the evening, the dazzling gold carpet, proved to be a runway of unparalleled fashion statements. Attendees embraced a spectrum of styles, from the understated elegance of couture and meticulously tailored ensembles to bold expressions of heritage-inspired designs and dramatic silhouettes. The guests at this year’s gala demonstrated a clear intent to make a memorable impact, whether through timeless glamour or daring sartorial choices. EnVi presents its curated selection of the night’s best-dressed luminaries.
A Night Dedicated to AANHPI Achievement
The Gold Gala, an initiative spearheaded by Gold House, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) in culture and technology, has rapidly become a cornerstone event in celebrating and uplifting AANHPI voices. Established with the mission to foster a more equitable and representative landscape for AANHPI communities, the gala serves as both a fundraiser and a platform to honor individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. The 2026 iteration continued this tradition, highlighting the growing influence and diverse talents within the AANHPI diaspora. The event’s timing, coinciding with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, further amplifies its cultural significance, providing a dedicated moment to recognize achievements that often go overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Fashion as a Statement: EnVi’s Top Picks
Supriya Ganesh: From the Operating Room to the Gold Carpet
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, transitioned seamlessly from her medical drama role to the glamour of the Gold Gala. Ganesh graced the gold carpet in a breathtaking Naeem Khan creation. The strapless gown, a symphony of gold tulle and raffia, paid a poignant homage to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. Its design was artfully influenced by the iconic works of Andy Warhol, featuring vibrant poppy flower motifs that elegantly cascaded down the skirt. To complement the ethereal and voluminous silhouette of the dress, Ganesh adorned herself with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and stepped out in sophisticated Alevi heels, completing a look that was both culturally resonant and artistically inspired.
Anthony Keyvan: A Refined Approach to Modern Style
Actor Anthony Keyvan, known for his role in the popular series XO Kitty, made a notable appearance on the gold carpet, reuniting with some of his former castmates. His ensemble, meticulously styled by the duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, featured a textured wrap blazer paired with matching trousers. Keyvan’s grooming was equally refined, with his hair gelled back and his makeup achieving a clean, glassy finish that perfectly complemented the minimalist yet classic attire. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, credited the efficacy of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris for achieving the night’s sought-after look. Keyvan’s presence underscored the growing recognition of young AANHPI talent in Hollywood.
Eileen Gu: A Confection of Pink Elegance
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu exuded an air of regal charm as she arrived in a stunning confectionary pink gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The soft, delicate color palette, combined with multiple layers of flowing tulle, created a skirt that was both light and feminine, evoking the classic allure of a princess A-line silhouette. The strategic layering, with shorter tiers at the front, not only added a unique design element but also served to artfully elongate her already statuesque figure. Gu’s appearance signifies the expanding influence of AANHPI athletes beyond their respective sports, into the broader cultural landscape.
Anna Cathcart: A Playful Sophistication
XO Kitty star Anna Cathcart made a memorable entrance on the gold carpet, opting for a striking figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its ruffled blush pink fabric that artfully flared at her hips, creating a dramatic peplum effect. Her hair, styled in soft curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, by Kendal Fedail, were kept soft and youthful. Rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye emphasized Cathcart’s features and harmonized beautifully with the gown’s design. Cathcart’s fashion choice highlighted a blend of contemporary trends with classic feminine appeal.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Charm and Reflective Insights
Manny Jacinto exuded refined elegance as he walked the gold carpet in a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, paired with classic black dress pants, both by Nicolas Bijan. His ensemble, expertly curated by stylists Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, was completed with a black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, which accentuated his sharp features and dark hair. Jacinto shared a poignant reflection on the significance of the Gold Gala, noting in a Vogue interview that beyond celebrating AANHPI excellence, the event offers a valuable opportunity to reconnect with industry peers. He described the gala as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," underscoring the community-building aspect of the event.
Liza Soberano: A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
Filipino actress Liza Soberano presented a truly unique and artistic statement on the gold carpet, wearing a captivating structural fan dress from Phan Huy’s Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown featured a delicate beige organza base, with the primary focal points being intricately embroidered bamboo fans strategically placed on the bust, waist, hips, and extending down the dress’s train. The ribbed structures that adorned the skirt were inspired by the ribs of bamboo fans and were ingeniously executed using traditional boning techniques, creating a masterful fusion of fashion and heritage. Soberano’s ensemble served as a powerful visual testament to the integration of cultural motifs into high fashion.
no na: Indonesian Textiles Take Center Stage
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na made a powerful statement with their coordinated yet individually distinct ensembles. Their looks prominently featured wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles, symbolizing a modern interpretation of heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore 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 contemporary aesthetic with a sheer corseted gown adorned with sequins, complemented by a woven tapis Lampung draped over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena sported an architectural top, reminiscent of a futuristic breastplate, paired with a songket shawl and her hair styled in a modern bun. Baila Fauri opted for a sparkling nude gown enhanced by a luxurious red Palembang songket. The group’s collective presentation was a vibrant celebration of Indonesian cultural artistry and its place in global fashion.
EJAE: Korean Lacquerware Inspires Couture
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her 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. A closer inspection revealed intricate mosaic peony designs meticulously crafted from approximately 1,000 delicately cut mother-of-pearl pieces. Inspired by traditional Korean lacquerware (najeonchilgi), the dress was a sophisticated tribute to EJAE’s Korean heritage, translated through the language of couture. Complementing the mother-of-pearl centerpiece of her gown, EJAE accessorized with pearl earrings and wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail that ended in two long braids, a look that was both elegant and culturally grounded.
Maia Kealoha: Honoring Polynesian Weaving
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch film, attended her inaugural Gold Gala in a remarkable piece by Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown ingeniously incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, to craft the bodice of the dress. Embodying unity and family heritage, as Lauhala often symbolizes, Kealoha articulated that the dress was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." Her hair was styled in a high ponytail by dresser and makeup artist Tanya Alian to showcase her face and the halter neckline. Dangling pink orchid earrings completed her look, which beautifully celebrated her heritage and her significant achievement as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film grossing over $1 billion.
H.E.R.: A Bold Bloom of Crimson
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention on the gold carpet in a captivating gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The gown, a symphony of texture and color, featured a nude tulle base adorned with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These meticulously placed appliqués created a blooming effect around the bust and hips, lending the ensemble an illusion of movement and a sense of bold dynamism that mirrored the powerful essence of H.E.R.’s music. The intricate craftsmanship and dramatic presentation underscored her status as a leading figure in contemporary music.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Contrast in Rahul Mishra
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey arrived as a stylish duo, both dressed in exquisite creations by Rahul Mishra. Jogia presented a sophisticated look with an embroidered ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket in black, complemented by a selection of statement necklaces. While his color palette remained primarily black, leaning into sleek and formal aesthetics, the intricate beaded embroidery of the Sherwani added a unique textural dimension to his ensemble. Halsey, in striking contrast, wore 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 verdant tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, characterized by a luminous finish and dark-lined lips, included a subtle touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, artfully tying together the green accents with her overall ensemble. Their coordinated yet distinct styles showcased 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 style statement at the 2026 Gold Gala. Yang wore a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants, all dramatically topped with a long, flowing, rose-covered coat by The Mayor Official. The all-black ensemble, with its fluid materials, created an androgynous aesthetic, leaving observers to contemplate the boundary between pants and skirt. Continuing the gala’s theme of cultural celebration, Yang also donned a striking lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, a symbolic nod to beauty and spiritual awakening.
Esther Yu: Golden Traditions and Phoenix Feathers
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" in Gold Gala with a dazzling strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was exquisitely embroidered using traditional Panjin, a 3-D embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty. This meticulous method involves laying and couching gold or silver wire 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 accessorized with a golden hairpiece on her left side, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, a choice that added a unique asymmetry to her interview look. She also expressed her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The 2026 Gold Gala not only showcased sartorial brilliance but also underscored the growing influence and collective power of the AANHPI community. By bringing together such a diverse group of accomplished individuals, the event fostered a sense of solidarity and provided a crucial platform for visibility. The fashion choices themselves often served as a deliberate form of cultural expression, with many attendees weaving elements of their heritage into their high-fashion ensembles. This trend signifies a broader cultural movement where identity is proudly displayed and celebrated, challenging traditional notions of mainstream fashion. As the Gold Gala continues to evolve, its impact extends beyond a single night, contributing to a sustained dialogue about representation, equity, and the multifaceted contributions of AANHPIs in shaping global culture and industry. The event’s success promises to inspire future generations and further solidify its position as a vital celebration of AANHPI excellence.