The 2026 Gold Gala Illuminates Los Angeles with Asian and Pacific Excellence in Fashion

On May 9, the 2026 Gold Gala once again transformed Los Angeles into a vibrant celebration of Asian and Pacific excellence. This highly anticipated annual cultural event brought together a constellation of talent, including acclaimed actors, chart-topping musicians, celebrated athletes, innovative creators, and influential industry leaders. The iconic gold carpet served as a runway, showcasing a dazzling array of fashion moments. Attendees embraced a spectrum of styles, from the understated elegance of sleek couture and precisely tailored ensembles to the rich embellishments of heritage-inspired designs and the dramatic impact of bold silhouettes. This year’s guests clearly understood the assignment, arriving ready to make a powerful sartorial statement, whether through timeless glamour or daring fashion choices.

Established as a premier platform to honor and elevate Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) achievements across all sectors of the entertainment and cultural industries, the Gold Gala, presented by Gold House, has become a cornerstone event in the AAPI calendar. Gold House, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to uniting and championing the AAPI community, fostering representation, and creating opportunities for growth and recognition. The annual gala serves as their flagship event, bringing together a diverse group of individuals who are shaping the global cultural landscape. This year’s event, held at the Music Center in Los Angeles, continued this tradition, highlighting the significant contributions of AAPI individuals and fostering a sense of community and shared pride. The date, May 9th, places the gala strategically within the broader context of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, amplifying its message of cultural celebration and empowerment.

Supriya Ganesh: From 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 breathtaking entrance onto the gold carpet. Stepping away from her familiar medical scrubs, Ganesh graced the event in a stunning creation by Naeem Khan. Her chosen ensemble was a strapless golden gown, meticulously crafted with layers of ethereal tulle and textured raffia, a deliberate and beautiful nod to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. The design itself was a fusion of artistic influences, drawing inspiration from the vibrant works of Andy Warhol. Poppy flower motifs, rendered in a twisting, organic fashion, cascaded down the voluminous skirt, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch. To complement the airy and billowy silhouette of the gown, Ganesh accessorized with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and completed her look with elegant Alevi heels, all contributing to a cohesive and radiant appearance.

Anthony Keyvan: A Classic Touch with Modern Styling

Actor Anthony Keyvan, known for his role in the popular series XO Kitty, reunited with former castmates on the gold carpet. His ensemble, curated by the styling duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, featured a sophisticated textured wrap blazer paired with matching trousers. The minimalist yet classic attire was enhanced by Keyvan’s impeccably styled hair, gelled back to create a sleek silhouette, and clean, glassy makeup that perfectly complemented the understated sophistication of his outfit. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, credited the success of his polished look to the premium products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris, highlighting the importance of meticulous grooming for a red carpet event.

Eileen Gu: A Princess-Inspired Vision in Pink

Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu exuded an aura of regal charm as she arrived in a confectionery pink gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The gown’s soft, feminine color palette, combined with multiple layers of delicate tulle, created a skirt that was both light and voluminous, evoking the enchanting silhouette of a classic princess ballgown. A unique design element featured shorter layers in the front of the skirt, a choice that not only added a distinctive visual interest but also served to artfully elongate her already impressive figure, presenting a harmonious and captivating aesthetic.

Anna Cathcart: Bold Contrast and Feminine Flourish

Anna Cathcart, another star from the XO Kitty franchise, made a striking appearance on the gold carpet in a figure-hugging, strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its dramatic ruffled detail in a blush pink hue that flared out from her hips, creating a sophisticated peplum effect. Her hair was styled in soft, romantic curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, while makeup artist Kendal Fedail opted for a youthful and radiant look. This included rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye liner designed to accentuate Cathcart’s naturally rounded eyes, harmoniously complementing the gown’s distinctive design.

Manny Jacinto: Dapper Sophistication and Reconnection

Actor Manny Jacinto opted for a refined and dapper aesthetic, gracing the gold carpet in a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, expertly paired with classic black dress pants, both designed by Nicolas Bijan. Styled by the renowned team 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 artfully highlighted his defined features and dark hair. Beyond the sartorial excellence, Jacinto shared his perspective on the significance of the Gold Gala, noting in an interview with Vogue that the event serves as a vital opportunity for reconnection. "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," he commented, underscoring the gala’s dual role in celebrating achievement and fostering community within the AAPI diaspora.

Liza Soberano: A Structural Masterpiece Rooted in Heritage

Filipino actress Liza Soberano captivated attendees with a truly unique and structural "fan dress" from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown featured a base of delicate beige organza, serving as a canvas for intricately embroidered bamboo fan motifs. These artistic elements were strategically placed on the bust, waist, hips, and along the sweeping train of the dress. The ribbed structures that extended down the skirt were inspired by the delicate ribs of traditional bamboo fans, masterfully executed using a combination of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary boning techniques, thus seamlessly blending fashion with cultural legacy.

No Na: Coordinated Ensembles and Modern Heritage

The four-member Indonesian girl group no na made a memorable impact with their coordinated yet distinct ensembles, each thoughtfully incorporating wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This approach beautifully reflected a theme of modern heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine sported a gold tube top paired with a sogan batik fabric tied at the waist, accessorized with an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya’s style leaned into contemporary fashion with a sheer, sequin-adorned corseted gown, elegantly draped with a woven tapis Lampung over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena commanded attention in 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 completed the group’s striking presentation in a sparkling nude gown adorned with a luxurious red Palembang songket. Their collective appearance underscored the rich diversity and evolving artistry of Indonesian fashion.

EJAE: A Couture Tribute to Korean Heritage

GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her highly anticipated Gold Gala debut in a custom design by LEJE. The pale blue gown was a masterpiece of couture, featuring a flattering 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 mother-of-pearl pieces. Inspired by traditional Korean lacquerware (najeonchilgi), the dress served as a profound celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage translated through high fashion. Echoing the mother-of-pearl centerpiece on her gown, EJAE accessorized with elegant pearl earrings and wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail, culminating in two long braids, a sophisticated and cohesive styling choice.

Maia Kealoha: Weaving Heritage into Hollywood Glamour

Actress Maia Kealoha, cherished for her role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, made her inaugural appearance at the Gold Gala in a striking gown by designer Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s ensemble masterfully incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, to craft the intricate top of the dress. As Lauhala is often symbolic of unity and familial heritage, Kealoha herself articulated that the dress was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." To best showcase her face and the elegant halter neckline, she wore her hair in a high ponytail, a styling choice expertly executed by hairstylist and makeup artist Tanya Alian. Completing her radiant look with a pair of dangling pink orchid earrings, Kealoha’s outfit served as a perfect testament to her heritage and her significant achievements as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film that surpassed the $1 billion mark at the box office.

H.E.R.: A Bold and Blooming Couture Statement

Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention as she arrived in a breathtaking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The gown, designed with a nude tulle base, was adorned with thousands of individually placed, gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These elements were artfully arranged to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the ensemble with a sense of dynamic movement and luxurious texture. The striking illusion of blooming petals mirrored the boldness and artistry inherent in H.E.R.’s music, creating a powerful and unforgettable red carpet moment.

Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Contrast in Rahul Mishra

Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey presented a study in elegant contrast as they arrived on the gold carpet, both dressed in creations by Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded refined sophistication in an intricately embroidered "Himadri" Sherwani jacket in classic black, accented with multiple statement necklaces. While his color palette remained predominantly black, embracing a sleek and formal aesthetic, the detailed beaded embroidery lent a unique textural dimension to his look. Halsey, in a striking departure, wore the archival "Serpent" gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and flowing fabrics of her gown beautifully accentuated her natural features, while drawing attention to her intricately braided updo. Her ensemble was further complemented by the subtle green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, characterized by a dewy glow and dark-lined lips, featured a striking touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a deliberate detail that tied together the verdant accents with her overall golden ensemble, creating a cohesive and captivating look.

Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Allure and Symbolic Embellishments

Eugene Lee Yang, recognized as a co-founder of the Try Guys, a filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, made a powerful statement at the 2026 Gold Gala. He donned a striking black strapless corset by QUEERA, paired with wide-leg pants and a dramatic, long, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. Yang’s all-black ensemble, with its fluid materials, created an androgynous silhouette that played with perceptions of traditional gendered attire, leaving observers captivated by its avant-garde design. Continuing the thematic richness of the Gold Gala, Eugene accessorized with a unique lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower encircled by artistically shaped lotus leaves, a symbolic and visually arresting addition to his ensemble.

Esther Yu: A Golden Embrace of Tang Dynasty Artistry

Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" theme of the gala with opulent flair. She wore a strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection, a piece that shimmered with exquisite craftsmanship. The gown was meticulously embroidered with traditional Panjin, a three-dimensional embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty. This intricate method involves laying and couching gold or silver wire to form traditional patterns and symbols, resulting in a rich, tactile surface. Trailing behind the dress was a dramatic black tulle and feathered train, evoking the majestic, feathered tail of a phoenix. Yu balanced her dazzling attire with a golden hair accessory placed on her left side, contrasted by a single triangular earring on her right, a thoughtful asymmetry that added a modern edge. She also shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny, hinting at the compelling narratives emerging from Asian cinema.

The 2026 Gold Gala not only served as a dazzling display of fashion and talent but also underscored the growing influence and representation of Asian and Pacific Islanders in global culture. The event’s success highlights the vital work of organizations like Gold House in fostering a more inclusive and equitable landscape for artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds. As the industry continues to evolve, the moments captured on this glittering gold carpet serve as powerful testaments to the enduring creativity, cultural richness, and undeniable impact of the AAPI community. The gala continues to set a benchmark for celebrating excellence, inspiring future generations, and weaving a richer, more vibrant tapestry of global storytelling and artistic expression.