The 2026 Gold Gala Illuminates Los Angeles with a Dazzling Display of Asian and Pacific Excellence
On May 9, the 2026 Gold Gala once again transformed Los Angeles into a vibrant epicenter of Asian and Pacific excellence, drawing a constellation of actors, musicians, athletes, creators, and industry leaders for one of the year’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. The event, a cornerstone in recognizing and elevating Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) talent and contributions across various sectors, saw its iconic gold carpet unfurl at the Music Center, serving as a runway for a breathtaking array of fashion statements. Attendees embraced a spectrum of styles, from the refined elegance of haute couture and sharp, sculptural tailoring to the rich tapestry of heritage-inspired details and bold, dramatic silhouettes. This year’s guests, whether opting for timeless glamour or daring fashion risks, arrived poised to make a significant sartorial statement, underscoring the growing influence and visibility of the AAPI community in the global entertainment and cultural landscape.
A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The Gold Gala, an initiative by Gold House, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders, has rapidly established itself as a premier event. Its mission extends beyond a single evening of glamour; it aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for the AAPI community by celebrating achievements, building community, and advocating for greater representation. The 2026 iteration, held against the backdrop of Los Angeles’s iconic cultural hub, continued this tradition, bringing together a diverse group of individuals who are shaping narratives, breaking barriers, and achieving remarkable success. The gathering served not only as a platform for recognizing individual achievements but also as a powerful testament to the collective strength and cultural richness of the AAPI diaspora.
Standout Fashion Moments on the Gold Carpet
The gold carpet, a signature element of the Gold Gala, was a scene of unparalleled fashion artistry. Designers and celebrities alike showcased a commitment to creativity, cultural reverence, and individual expression.
Supriya Ganesh: A Symphony of Craftsmanship and Pop Art
Actress Supriya Ganesh, renowned for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking appearance that artfully blended traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Ganesh graced the gold carpet in a mesmerizing strapless gown by Naeem Khan, a designer celebrated for his intricate embellishments and luxurious designs. The gown featured layers of ethereal tulle and raffia, a deliberate and elegant nod to traditional Indian raffia craft. The design was further elevated by poppy flower motifs that artfully twisted down the skirt, a subtle yet impactful homage to the iconic works of Andy Warhol. This fusion of cultural heritage and pop art sensibility created a look that was both sophisticated and playfully vibrant. Complementing the airy, billowy silhouette of the dress, Ganesh accessorized with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and elegant Alevi heels, completing a look that was both grounded in heritage and soaring in contemporary style.
Anthony Keyvan: Modern Minimalism with a Classic Edge
Actor Anthony Keyvan, known for his role in the popular series XO Kitty, presented a masterclass in modern, understated elegance. Styled by the talented duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, Keyvan opted for a textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored trousers. The ensemble exuded a quiet confidence, emphasizing clean lines and sophisticated fabric choices. His grooming was equally refined; his hair was gelled back to perfection, and his makeup was kept minimal and glassy, creating a luminous, natural look that perfectly complemented the classic attire. Credit for his polished appearance was given to groomer Colleen Dominique, who highlighted the essential role of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris in achieving the night’s standout grooming. This approach underscored a growing trend of subtle yet impactful styling, proving that classic silhouettes can still command attention.
Eileen Gu: A Vision in Confectionery Pink
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu arrived radiating an aura of grace and youthful elegance in a breathtaking confectionery pink gown by Andrew Kwon. The choice of a soft, delicate color palette, combined with the gown’s multiple layers of flowing tulle, created a skirt that was both light and feminine, evoking the romanticism of a princess-inspired A-line silhouette. The unique design featured shorter layers at the front, a detail that not only added a distinctive visual interest but also served to artfully elongate Gu’s already statuesque figure. Kwon’s design demonstrated a keen understanding of form and proportion, resulting in a gown that was both visually stunning and flattering.
Anna Cathcart: A Playful Contrast in Black and Blush
XO Kitty star Anna Cathcart made a memorable entrance in a figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its striking ruffled blush pink fabric that dramatically flared at her hips, creating a peplum-like effect that added a touch of playful drama to the classic silhouette. Her hair, styled in soft, romantic curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, a soft and youthful look by Kendal Fedail featuring rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye, beautifully accentuated Cathcart’s features and harmonized with the gown’s design. The combination was a sophisticated yet whimsical statement, perfectly capturing a youthful exuberance.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Sophistication with a Touch of Panache
Manny Jacinto exuded refined charm as he walked the gold carpet in a sophisticated cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, expertly paired with classic black dress pants, both by Nicolas Bijan. Styled by the accomplished team of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was elevated by a sharp black bow tie and a distinguished timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre. These accessories not only complemented his defined features and dark hair but also added a final touch of dapper sophistication. Jacinto shared insights into his participation, noting that while the Gold Gala is a celebration of AAPI excellence, it also serves as a valuable opportunity for him to reconnect with colleagues and collaborators from his past projects. He described the event as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," highlighting its dual role as a celebratory and networking platform.
Liza Soberano: A Structural Masterpiece Inspired by 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, crafted from a delicate beige organza base, featured intricately embroidered bamboo fans as its focal point, strategically placed on the bust, waist, hips, and cascading down the dress’s train. The ribbed structures that ran the length of the skirt were a masterful interpretation of bamboo fan ribs, achieved through a sophisticated combination of traditional boning techniques. This remarkable design seamlessly merged high fashion with a profound respect for heritage, celebrating the artistry of Filipino culture through a contemporary couture lens.
No Na: A Modern Interpretation of Indonesian Textiles
The four-member Indonesian girl group No Na made a powerful statement with coordinated yet distinct ensembles that prominently featured wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This deliberate choice underscored a theme of modern heritage, showcasing the enduring beauty and relevance of cultural fabrics in contemporary fashion. 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 embraced modern fashion with a sheer corseted gown adorned with sequins, elegantly draped with a woven tapis lampung over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena sported an architectural top, reminiscent of a futuristic breastplate, complemented by a songket shawl and her hair pulled back in a sleek, modern bun. Baila Fauri chose a sparkling nude gown, beautifully contrasted with a luxurious red Palembang songket. Together, the group presented a cohesive and culturally rich aesthetic, demonstrating the versatility and global appeal of Indonesian textiles.
EJAE: A Tribute to Korean Lacquer Artistry
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her Gold Gala debut in a custom design by LEJE that was a breathtaking tribute to her Korean heritage. The pale blue dress featured a sophisticated basque waist that flowed into a floor-length, structural, and voluminous skirt. 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 lacquerware (najeonchilgi), the dress was a masterful fusion of couture and cultural homage. EJAE complemented the gown’s mother-of-pearl centerpiece with elegant pearl earrings and a sleek high ponytail that culminated in two long braids, creating a look of refined elegance that celebrated her ancestry.
Maia Kealoha: Weaving Heritage into a Star-Making Moment
Actress Maia Kealoha, who garnered significant acclaim for her role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch film, attended her first Gold Gala in a stunning creation by Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown uniquely incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, to craft the intricate top of the dress. She articulated the significance of her choice, stating that Lauhala, often symbolizing unity and family heritage, was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." Kealoha wore her hair in a high ponytail, expertly styled by Tanya Alian, to showcase her face and the halter neckline of the gown. Dangling pink orchid earrings completed her look, perfectly celebrating 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 Bold Bloom of Crimson Petals
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. captivated the cameras in a striking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The ensemble featured a nude tulle base generously adorned with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These meticulously placed appliqués created a blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the gown with an illusion of movement and texture. This dynamic aesthetic mirrored the boldness and artistic depth found in H.E.R.’s own music, making for a powerful and resonant fashion statement.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Study in Contrasting Elegance by Rahul Mishra
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey arrived as a stylish duo, both adorned in creations by the renowned designer Rahul Mishra. Jogia presented a sophisticated and formal aesthetic in an intricately embroidered "Himadri" Sherwani jacket in black, layered with several statement necklaces. While his color palette remained predominantly black, the detailed beaded embroidery added a unique textural dimension to his look. In contrast, Halsey 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 natural features and drew attention to her braided updo. Her ensemble was further enhanced by the green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, featuring a dewy complexion and dark-lined lips, was thoughtfully completed with green eyeliner on her lower waterline, creating a harmonious connection between her accessories and her overall golden ensemble.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Glamour and Symbolic Flora
Eugene Lee Yang, co-founder of the Try Guys, filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, made a powerful statement in an androgynous ensemble. He wore a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants, topped with a dramatic, long, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. The black-on-black palette and the flowy materials created an intriguing ambiguity, blurring the lines between traditional gendered silhouettes. Continuing the celebratory theme of the Gold Gala, Yang also donned an elaborate lotus headdress, a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, symbolizing beauty and enlightenment.
Esther Yu: A Golden Ode to Tang Dynasty Embroidery
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" in Gold Gala with an opulent strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was lavishly embroidered with traditional Panjin, a three-dimensional embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty, where gold or silver wire is carefully laid and couched to form intricate traditional patterns and symbols. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the dress, evoking the majestic tail of a phoenix. Yu accessorized with a golden hairpiece on her left, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, adding a touch of asymmetrical glamour. She shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny.
The Broader Impact and Future of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala not only showcased individual style and professional achievements but also reinforced the growing influence and cultural significance of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Hollywood and beyond. Events like the Gold Gala play a crucial role in providing a visible platform for these communities, fostering a sense of solidarity, and inspiring future generations. As the event continues to grow in stature, its impact extends to shaping industry conversations around diversity, inclusion, and authentic representation, promising a more equitable and vibrant future for all. The success of the 2026 Gold Gala serves as a powerful indicator of the increasing visibility and celebrated contributions of AAPI individuals across the global cultural landscape.
