Los Angeles, CA – May 9, 2026 – The City of Angels once again shimmered under the glow of Asian and Pacific Islander excellence as the 2026 Gold Gala convened on May 9th. This highly anticipated annual event, a cornerstone in celebrating the rich tapestry of talent and influence within the Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, drew a constellation of stars from the realms of acting, music, sports, and creative industries. The iconic gold carpet served as a vibrant runway, where attendees presented a breathtaking array of fashion, ranging from avant-garde couture and meticulously tailored ensembles to deeply personal expressions of heritage and bold, statement-making silhouettes. This year’s gala underscored a palpable commitment to sartorial innovation and cultural pride, with each guest arriving poised to leave an indelible mark on the evening’s proceedings.
Established as a premier platform for recognizing and amplifying AAPI achievements, the Gold Gala has, over its years of existence, become synonymous with both cultural significance and high-profile glamour. This year’s event, held at the prestigious Music Center in Los Angeles, continued this tradition, drawing a crowd that represented a cross-section of influential figures shaping contemporary culture. The gala’s mission extends beyond mere celebration; it aims to foster a stronger, more interconnected AAPI community by providing a space for collaboration, mentorship, and the sharing of success stories. The selection of attendees, spanning established luminaries and emerging talents, reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of AAPI representation in global media and beyond.
A Spectrum of Style: EnVi’s Best Dressed
As the cameras flashed and the evening unfolded, certain sartorial choices stood out, capturing the essence of the gala’s spirit. EnVi magazine, a publication dedicated to highlighting AAPI culture and fashion, has curated a list of the night’s most impactful looks, each telling a unique story of style, heritage, and personal expression.
Supriya Ganesh: A Fusion of Tradition and Pop Art
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling performance as Dr. Mohan in the acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking entrance onto the gold carpet. Eschewing the clinical setting of her professional life, Ganesh embraced the glamour of the evening in a breathtaking Naeem Khan creation. The strapless gown was a masterpiece of delicate layers, featuring a foundation of ethereal tulle interwoven with textured raffia, a poignant homage to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. The design was further elevated by the playful yet sophisticated incorporation of poppy flower motifs, which elegantly twisted and cascaded down the skirt, a subtle nod to the iconic visual language of Andy Warhol. Complementing the gown’s airy, voluminous silhouette, Ganesh adorned herself with exquisite, understated pieces from Shaneli jewelry and completed her look with chic Alevi heels, presenting a harmonious blend of artistic inspiration and refined elegance.
Anthony Keyvan: Modern Minimalism with a Classic Edge
Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular series XO Kitty, reunited with fellow cast members on the gold carpet, radiating a polished and contemporary vibe. Guided by the styling expertise of Annie Easton and Nora Foley, Keyvan opted for a sophisticated ensemble featuring a textured wrap blazer paired with perfectly tailored pants. His grooming was impeccable, with his hair slicked back and his makeup maintaining a clean, dewy finish, harmonizing seamlessly with the minimalist yet classic aesthetic of his attire. The grooming team, including Colleen Dominique, credited the efficacy of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris for achieving Keyvan’s polished look, underscoring the importance of meticulous detail in achieving a standout red carpet presence.
Eileen Gu: Princess-Inspired Elegance in Confectionery Pink
Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu captivated onlookers with her ethereal presence, arriving in a dreamy confection of a gown by designer Andrew Kwon. The dress, rendered in a soft, confectionery pink, featured multiple layers of flowing tulle that created a skirt with a light, feminine, and distinctly princess-like A-line silhouette. A unique design element included shorter layers at the front, which not only added a touch of modern flair but also artfully elongated her already statuesque figure. Gu’s choice embodied a timeless grace, demonstrating how vibrant color and delicate fabrication can create an unforgettable statement on the red carpet.
Anna Cathcart: Dramatic Contrast and Youthful Charm
Anna Cathcart, another star from the XO Kitty franchise, commanded attention in a figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The design presented a captivating contrast, with ruffled blush pink fabric artfully flaring from her hips like a dramatic peplum skirt. Her hair was styled in soft, romantic curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, expertly applied by Kendal Fedail, exuded a youthful radiance. Rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a soft cat-eye liner accentuated Cathcart’s features, beautifully complementing the striking design of her gown and adding a touch of playful sophistication to her overall look.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Sophistication with a Touch of Academia
Manny Jacinto exuded refined charm as he graced the gold carpet in a sophisticated cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, paired with classic black dress pants, both by Nicolas Bijan. Styled by a team including Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was further elevated by a sharp black bow tie and an elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, which highlighted his defined features and dark hair, completing a dapper and timeless look. Jacinto shared his perspective on the significance of the Gold Gala, noting in an interview that beyond celebrating AAPI excellence, the event provides a valuable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and collaborators. "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," he remarked, emphasizing the gala’s dual role as a celebration and a networking hub for the AAPI creative community.
Liza Soberano: Architectural Flair and Heritage Embodied
Filipino actress Liza Soberano made a bold fashion statement at the Gold Gala, donning a truly unique and structural fan dress from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown featured a delicate beige organza base, but its true artistry lay in the intricately embroidered bamboo fans that adorned the bust, waist, hips, and cascaded down the dress’s train. The ribbed structures, inspired by the delicate ribs of bamboo fans, were expertly crafted using traditional boning techniques, creating a striking fusion of fashion and heritage. This innovative design not only showcased Soberano’s embrace of avant-garde style but also served as a powerful visual testament to her cultural roots.
no na: A Symphony of Indonesian Textiles and Modern Design
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na captivated with their coordinated yet distinct ensembles, each thoughtfully incorporating wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This choice powerfully reflected a theme of modern heritage, demonstrating how ancient artistry can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary fashion. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a striking gold tube top paired with a sogan batik fabric tied at the waist, accented by an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya’s style leaned towards modern fashion with a sheer corseted gown adorned with sequins, elegantly draped with a woven tapis Lampung over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena showcased 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 opted for a sparkling nude gown, elegantly paired with a luxurious red Palembang songket, creating a cohesive and visually stunning presentation for the group.
EJAE: Korean Lacquerware Inspires Couture Elegance
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her Gold Gala debut in a custom design by LEJE, a gown that masterfully celebrated her Korean heritage. The pale blue dress featured a flattering basque waist that flowed into a structural, voluminous floor-length skirt. A closer inspection revealed the intricate mosaic peony designs, meticulously crafted from over 1,000 delicately cut mother-of-pearl pieces. Drawing inspiration from traditional Korean lacquerware (Najeonchilgi), the gown was a breathtaking example of couture translating cultural artistry into wearable elegance. EJAE complemented the gown’s mother-of-pearl detailing with elegant pearl earrings and a sleek high ponytail that culminated in two long braids, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look.
Maia Kealoha: A Celebration of Polynesian Weaving and Cinematic Success
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her heartwarming portrayal of Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch film, attended her inaugural Gold Gala in a striking creation by designer Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown uniquely incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, to fashion the bodice of the dress. As Lauhala often symbolizes unity and familial heritage, Kealoha articulated that the dress was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." She wore her hair in a high ponytail, styled by Tanya Alian, to showcase her face and the halter neckline. Dangling pink orchid earrings completed her look, perfectly celebrating 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 Bloom on the Gold Carpet
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a breathtaking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection, a creation that seemed to bloom with artistic boldness. The gown featured a nude tulle base generously embellished with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf appliqués. Individually placed to create a captivating, blooming effect around the bust and hips, the design evoked a sense of organic movement and textural richness, mirroring the powerful and daring spirit found in H.E.R.’s music. The ensemble was a testament to couture’s ability to translate emotional depth into visual artistry.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Blend of Indian Craftsmanship
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey presented a striking, complementary presence on the gold carpet, both adorned in creations by designer Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded classic elegance in an intricately embroidered ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket in black, accessorized with layered necklaces that served as statement pieces. While his palette was predominantly black, the detailed beaded embroidery added a unique textural dimension to his refined look.
Halsey, in contrast, wore an archival ‘Serpent’ gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated Halsey’s natural features while drawing attention to her sophisticated braided updo. Her look was further enhanced by the rich green tones of a heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, characterized by a glowing complexion and dark-lined lips, featured a subtle touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a detail that artfully tied together the green accents in her jewelry and the overall golden aesthetic of the ensemble.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Power and Symbolic Florals
Eugene Lee Yang, co-founder of the Try Guys, filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, made a powerful statement at the 2026 Gold Gala. Yang donned a striking black strapless corset by QUEERA, paired with wide-leg pants and an dramatic, long, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. This all-black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created an androgynous silhouette that blurred the lines between traditional masculine and feminine attire, sparking conversation and challenging sartorial norms. Continuing the gala’s theme of cultural celebration, Yang also wore a unique lotus headdress, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, symbolizing beauty and spiritual enlightenment.
Esther Yu: A Golden Dynasty of Embroidery and Mystique
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the spirit of the Gold Gala wholeheartedly, adorning herself in a magnificent strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The dress was a testament to ancient artistry, intricately embroidered with 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 patterns and symbols. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the gown, evoking the majestic plumage of a phoenix. Yu accessorized with a golden hair ornament placed on her left side, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, adding an element of asymmetrical allure. In an excited interview, Yu shared details about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising a compelling narrative of betrayal, revenge, and destiny, further highlighting her multifaceted career.
The 2026 Gold Gala not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the collective strength and burgeoning influence of the AAPI community on a global scale. The evening’s fashion, as showcased by these standout attendees, served as a vibrant canvas for cultural expression, innovation, and a profound sense of pride. As the stars departed, the echoes of their dazzling presence lingered, a powerful reminder of the diverse and dynamic contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to the world of arts, culture, and beyond.
For more insights into API fashion on the red carpet, explore our coverage of "API Stars Rock The 2026 Met Gala Carpet."