The 2026 Gold Gala Illuminates Los Angeles with a Dazzling Display of Asian and Pacific Excellence
On May 9, the iconic Music Center in Los Angeles became the epicenter of cultural celebration as the 2026 Gold Gala unfolded, once again uniting a constellation of actors, musicians, athletes, creators, and industry titans. This highly anticipated annual event, dedicated to honoring Asian and Pacific Islander excellence, proved to be a vibrant showcase of talent and style. The famed gold carpet, a precursor to the evening’s festivities, was a runway of sartorial innovation, with attendees embracing a spectrum of fashion statements ranging from the understated elegance of couture to bold, avant-garde silhouettes. This year’s guests demonstrated a clear intention to make a lasting impression, blending timeless glamour with daring design choices.
The Gold Gala, a flagship event organized by Gold House, a pioneering non-profit collective dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in culture and technology, has rapidly ascended to become one of the most significant cultural gatherings in the entertainment industry. Established to foster community, amplify voices, and provide tangible support for AAPI individuals, the gala serves not only as a celebration but also as a crucial platform for networking and industry advancement. Its annual recurrence signifies a growing momentum in the recognition and celebration of AAPI contributions across all sectors, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent art, and from athletic achievements to entrepreneurial ventures. The event’s commitment to showcasing diverse AAPI narratives and promoting leadership within the community has cemented its status as a cornerstone of cultural influence.
A Symphony of Style on the Gold Carpet
The evening’s fashion narrative was a testament to the diversity and creativity within the AAPI community. Attendees presented a captivating array of looks, each telling a unique story through fabric, design, and personal expression.
Supriya Ganesh: A Fusion of Tradition and Pop Art
Actress Supriya Ganesh, celebrated for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking entrance in a Naeem Khan gown. Eschewing her typical medical attire, Ganesh graced the gold carpet in a strapless creation that artfully blended traditional Indian raffia craft with contemporary design. The gown featured layers of ethereal tulle and textured raffia, creating a voluminous skirt adorned with whimsical poppy flower motifs, a clear homage to Andy Warhol’s iconic pop art. The airy silhouette was perfectly complemented by delicate Shaneli jewelry and elegant Alevi heels, crafting a look that was both sophisticated and playful.
Anthony Keyvan: Minimalist Chic with a Polished Finish
Actor Anthony Keyvan, reuniting with former XO Kitty castmates, exuded effortless style. Guided by stylists Annie Easton and Nora Foley, Keyvan opted for a sophisticated ensemble featuring a textured wrap blazer and impeccably tailored pants. His grooming mirrored the minimalist aesthetic, with slicked-back hair and a luminous, clean makeup finish. Groomer Colleen Dominique credited a curated selection of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris for achieving the perfect canvas and polished look, underscoring the importance of meticulous detail in achieving a classic yet impactful presentation.
Eileen Gu: Ethereal Grace in Confectionary Pink
Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu captivated onlookers in a breathtaking confectionary pink gown by Andrew Kwon. The design featured multiple layers of soft tulle, creating a light and feminine princess-inspired A-line silhouette. The innovative shorter layers at the front of the skirt served not only to add a unique visual element but also to artfully elongate her already statuesque frame, showcasing a masterful blend of design and proportion.
Anna Cathcart: A Dramatic Contrast of Black and Blush
XO Kitty star Anna Cathcart embraced a figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai, a design that masterfully incorporated ruffled blush pink fabric. The dramatic peplum-like flare at her hips added a touch of architectural flair, creating a striking contrast with the sleekness of the black bodice. Her hair, styled in soft curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her youthful makeup, executed by Kendal Fedail—featuring rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye—harmonized perfectly with the gown, accentuating her features and complementing the romantic detailing of the dress.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Elegance in Cream and Black
Manny Jacinto cut a dapper figure on the gold carpet, dressed in a refined cream-colored NB44 suit jacket paired with classic black dress pants, designed by Nicolas Bijan. Under the expert styling of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s look was elevated by a sharp black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, which perfectly accentuated his defined features and dark hair. In a candid moment, Jacinto shared that the Gold Gala offers him a valuable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, describing the event as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," highlighting its dual role as a celebration and a networking hub.
Liza Soberano: A Structural Masterpiece Inspired by Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano presented a truly unique vision in a 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 focal point, adorning the bust, waist, hips, and cascading down the train. The ribbed structures mimicking bamboo fan ribs were a remarkable fusion of traditional techniques and modern couture, a poignant celebration of heritage through fashion.
No Na: Modern Heritage in Indonesian Textiles
The four-member Indonesian girl group No Na made a significant statement with their coordinated ensembles, each uniquely incorporating wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This thoughtful approach underscored a theme of modern heritage, showcasing the group’s cultural roots within a contemporary fashion context. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a gold tube top paired with a batik fabric tied at the waist, accessorized with an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya embraced modern fashion with a sequined sheer corseted gown, complemented by a woven tapis lampung draped over her shoulder. Christy Gardena sported an architectural top, reminiscent of a futuristic breastplate, paired with a songket shawl and a sleek modern bun. Baila Fauri donned a sparkling nude gown enhanced by a luxurious red Palembang songket.
EJAE: A Celebration of Korean Heritage in Couture
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her Gold Gala debut in a custom creation by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a refined basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, structural floor-length skirt. Close inspection revealed intricate mosaic peony designs meticulously crafted from approximately 1,000 pieces of mother-of-pearl. Inspired by traditional Korean najeonchilgi (lacquerware), the dress was a profound celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage expressed through haute couture. Complementing the gown’s centerpiece, EJAE accessorized with pearl earrings and wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail that transitioned into two long braids, a cohesive and elegant ensemble.
Maia Kealoha: Honoring Polynesian Roots with Lauhala
Actress Maia Kealoha, known for her breakout role as Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch, made a poignant first appearance at the Gold Gala in a gown by Kini Zamora. The design masterfully integrated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving technique, into the bodice of the dress. Kealoha eloquently described the dress as "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community," highlighting its symbolic representation of unity and family heritage. Her hair, styled in a high ponytail by Tanya Alian, accentuated her face and the halter neckline, while dangling pink orchid earrings added a delicate touch. Kealoha’s ensemble was a powerful tribute to her heritage and her remarkable achievement as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film surpassing $1 billion at the box office.
H.E.R.: Boldness Embodied in Petal-Textured Couture
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a breathtaking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The dress featured a nude tulle base adorned with thousands of individually placed, gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These meticulously arranged elements created a stunning blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the ensemble with an illusion of movement and texture that powerfully mirrored the boldness and artistic depth found in H.E.R.’s music.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Blend of Indian Influence and Modern Glamour
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey presented a striking and complementary pairing in designs by Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded sophisticated charm in an intricately embroidered black ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket, layered with multiple statement necklaces. His look, primarily in a sleek black palette, was elevated by the unique texture and detail of the beaded embroidery. Halsey, in contrast, chose the archival ‘Serpent’ gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated her features, drawing the eye to her elegant braided updo and the rich green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Her makeup, characterized by a luminous glow and dark-lined lips, was completed with a touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, artfully tying together the green accents and her overall golden ensemble.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Power and Floral Grandeur
Eugene Lee Yang, co-founder of the Try Guys, filmmaker, and prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, presented a powerfully androgynous look. He wore a black strapless corset by QUEERA and a wide-leg pant set, completed by a dramatic, rose-covered draping coat from The Mayor Official. The all-black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created an intriguing ambiguity between pant and skirt, challenging conventional gender norms in fashion. Continuing the theme of the Gold Gala, Yang also donned a striking lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, symbolizing elegance and cultural depth.
Esther Yu: A Golden Ode to Tang Dynasty Embroidery
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the spirit of the gold carpet with a resplendent strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The dress was exquisitely embroidered with traditional Panjin, a three-dimensional embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty, where gold or silver wire is meticulously laid and couched to form intricate traditional patterns. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the gown, 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, a subtle yet impactful choice. She also shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny.
Beyond the Glamour: The Significance of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala was more than just a display of fashion and celebrity; it represented a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to elevate and celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander contributions to global culture. As Gold House continues to expand its initiatives, including mentorship programs, grant distributions, and advocacy efforts, events like the Gold Gala serve as vital touchpoints for community building and industry impact. The continued success and growing influence of the Gold Gala signal a powerful shift in the landscape of representation, ensuring that AAPI voices and achievements are not only recognized but also actively championed for future generations. The gala’s commitment to showcasing a diverse array of talent and fostering a supportive ecosystem within the entertainment industry positions it as a pivotal force in shaping a more inclusive cultural future. The presence of established figures alongside emerging talents underscores the intergenerational dialogue and mentorship that the Gold Gala actively promotes.
