By Nana Muazin 
On May 9, the 2026 Gold Gala once again transformed Los Angeles into a vibrant nexus of Asian and Pacific excellence, drawing together a constellation of actors, musicians, athletes, creators, and industry titans. This highly anticipated annual cultural event, a flagship for the Gold House organization, celebrated the significant contributions and burgeoning influence of the AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) community. The signature gold carpet, a prelude to the evening’s festivities, became a runway for sartorial statements, with attendees embracing a spectrum of styles. From the understated elegance of couture to avant-garde architectural designs, and from deeply rooted heritage-inspired details to bold, dramatic silhouettes, this year’s guests arrived ready to make an indelible mark, underscoring the growing visibility and impact of these communities across global industries.
A Beacon of Cultural Celebration and Achievement
The Gold Gala, established by Gold House, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders, has rapidly ascended as a premier event in the cultural calendar. Its mission extends beyond a single evening’s glamour; it serves as a vital platform for networking, mentorship, and the amplification of AANHPI voices in Hollywood and beyond. The 2026 iteration, held at the prestigious Music Center in Los Angeles, continued this tradition, fostering an atmosphere of shared pride and collective advancement. The event typically attracts a diverse array of talent, from established luminaries to rising stars, all united by a commitment to showcasing and celebrating their heritage and achievements. This year’s attendance reinforced the gala’s status as a crucial gathering for cultural impact and industry leadership.
Standout Style Moments on the Gold Carpet
The gold carpet this year was a testament to the diverse and evolving landscape of AANHPI fashion. Attendees demonstrated a remarkable ability to blend tradition with modernity, showcasing a range of designers and styles that spoke to both personal expression and cultural pride.
Supriya Ganesh: A Fusion of Craft and Artistry
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking appearance on the gold carpet. Eschewing her familiar medical attire, Ganesh donned a breathtaking strapless gown by Naeem Khan. The creation was a masterful interplay of textures, featuring layers of ethereal tulle and rustic raffia, a deliberate nod to the rich tradition of Indian raffia craftsmanship. The gown’s design was further elevated by whimsical poppy flower motifs, intricately twisting down the skirt, a clear inspiration drawn from the iconic pop art of Andy Warhol. To complement the dress’s airy and voluminous silhouette, Ganesh opted for delicate pieces of Shaneli jewelry and completed her ensemble with Alevi heels, creating a look that was both sophisticated and playful.
Anthony Keyvan: Minimalist Chic with a Classic Touch
Actor Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular Netflix series XO Kitty, reunited with fellow castmates on the gold carpet, exuding a refined and contemporary style. Guided by stylists Annie Easton and Nora Foley, Keyvan presented a polished look featuring a textured wrap blazer and coordinating trousers. His grooming was meticulously executed, with his hair gelled back to perfection and his makeup maintained a clean, glassy finish, harmonizing with the minimalist yet classic attire. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, credited the exceptional results to the skillful application of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris, highlighting the importance of a well-curated grooming routine in complementing a sharp ensemble.
Eileen Gu: A Vision in Confectionery Pink
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu arrived radiating an ethereal glow in a confectionery pink gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The dress’s soft color palette and cascading layers of tulle lent it a distinctly light and feminine aesthetic, evoking the enchanting silhouette of a princess ballgown. A unique design element featured shorter layers at the front, which not only added a modern, avant-garde touch but also artfully elongated her already impressive figure, creating a visually stunning effect.
Anna Cathcart: Dramatic Flair with a Soft Touch
Anna Cathcart, another star from the XO Kitty franchise, made a memorable appearance in a figure-hugging, strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its striking ruffled blush pink fabric, which flared dramatically at her hips, reminiscent of a chic peplum skirt. Her hair, styled in soft curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, a delicate creation by Kendal Fedail, enhanced her youthful charm. Rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye flick served to accentuate Cathcart’s expressive eyes, perfectly complementing the gown’s romantic details.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Sophistication with a Personal Connection
Actor Manny Jacinto exuded timeless dapper sophistication on the gold carpet. He was attired in a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, expertly paired with classic black dress pants, a design by Nicolas Bijan. Styled by the accomplished team of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was accessorized with a sharp black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. These carefully chosen elements highlighted his refined features and dark hair, completing a look of understated elegance. Jacinto shared his perspective on the significance of the Gold Gala, noting in a Vogue interview that beyond celebrating AANHPI excellence, it provides a valuable opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, describing the experience as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun."
Liza Soberano: Architectural Innovation Meets Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano captivated onlookers with a truly unique and architectural gown from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The dress, crafted on a base of beige organza, featured striking embroidered bamboo fans adorning the bust, waist, and hips, extending down to the gown’s dramatic train. The ribbed structures that flowed along the skirt’s length were inspired by the delicate ribs of traditional bamboo fans, ingeniously executed using advanced boning techniques that masterfully merged high fashion with cultural heritage.
no na: A Tapestry of Indonesian Tradition and Modernity
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na presented a cohesive yet individually distinct style, masterfully incorporating wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles, into their ensembles. This approach underscored a theme of modern heritage, showcasing the vibrant artistry of their culture. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a chic gold tube top paired with a batik fabric tied at the waist, accented by an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya’s look embraced contemporary fashion with a sheer, sequined corseted gown, elegantly draped with a woven tapis Lampung over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena sported an architectural top, reminiscent of futuristic armor, complemented by a songket shawl and her hair pulled back in a sleek, modern bun. Baila Fauri chose a sparkling nude gown, dramatically contrasted by a luxurious red Palembang songket, creating a striking visual statement.
EJAE: A Couture Homage to Korean Heritage
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her highly anticipated Gold Gala debut in a custom creation by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a flattering basque waist that cascaded into a voluminous, structural, floor-length skirt. Upon closer inspection, the dress revealed intricate peony designs meticulously crafted from approximately 1,000 pieces of delicately cut mother-of-pearl. This exquisite detail was a direct homage to traditional Korean ottchil lacquerware, artfully celebrating EJAE’s Korean heritage through the medium of couture. Complementing the gown’s iridescent centerpiece, EJAE accessorized with pearl earrings and wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail, culminating in two long braids.
Maia Kealoha: Weaving Heritage into a Star-Making Moment
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her role as Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch film, attended her inaugural Gold Gala in a remarkable creation by Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown ingeniously incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving technique, to craft the dress’s striking top. She articulated that Lauhala often symbolizes unity and family heritage, making the dress particularly fitting for an event like the Gold Gala, which aims to unite AANHPI leaders to foster a stronger community. To showcase her face and the elegant halter neckline, Kealoha wore her hair in a high ponytail, styled by Tanya Alian. Dangling pink orchid earrings completed her ensemble, a perfect celebration of her heritage and her significant achievement as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film grossing over $1 billion.
H.E.R.: Bold Textures Inspired by Nature’s Artistry
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a breathtaking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The dress, built on a nude tulle foundation, 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 an illusion of dynamic movement and rich texture. This bold, organic design masterfully mirrored the fearless and expressive spirit found within H.E.R.’s acclaimed music.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Blend of Indian Craftsmanship
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey arrived as a stylish duo, both gracing the gold carpet in exquisite designs by Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded sophisticated charm in an intricately embroidered black ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket, layered with statement necklaces that added a touch of regal flair. While his palette was predominantly black, leaning into a sleek and formal aesthetic, the detailed beaded embroidery provided a unique textural dimension to his look. Halsey, in striking contrast, wore the archival ‘Serpent’ gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and the gown’s flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated Halsey’s natural features. The ensemble drew attention to her sophisticated braided updo and the rich green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, featuring a radiant glow and dark-lined lips, was completed with a subtle touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, artfully tying together the green accents and harmonizing with her overall gilded ensemble.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Elegance 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. He was dressed in a daring black strapless corset by QUEERA, paired with wide-leg pants and an dramatic, long, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. Yang’s monochromatic black look, characterized by its fluid materials, created a sense of striking androgyny, deliberately blurring the lines between traditional gendered attire. Continuing the thematic richness of the Gold Gala, Yang accessorized his ensemble with a symbolic lotus headpiece, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, further enhancing the event’s celebratory atmosphere.
Esther Yu: A Glimmering Tribute to Tang Dynasty Embroidery
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the ‘gold’ theme with unparalleled brilliance. She wore a strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection, a masterpiece of intricate embroidery. The gown was adorned with traditional Panjin, a rare 3-D embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty. This meticulous craft 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, evocative of a phoenix’s majestic plumage. Yu further accessorized her look with a golden hair ornament placed on her left side, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, adding a touch of asymmetrical elegance. Eagerly sharing details about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling—a historical drama exploring themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny—Yu demonstrated her multifaceted talent and presence in the entertainment world.
The Broader Impact of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala served not only as a showcase of individual style and achievement but also as a powerful indicator of the growing influence and visibility of the AANHPI community in global culture and industry. The presence of such a diverse and accomplished group of individuals highlights the increasing opportunities and platforms available to Asian and Pacific Islanders. Events like the Gold Gala play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community, providing inspiration for emerging talent, and advocating for greater representation and equity. The fashion on display is more than just aesthetic; it is a form of cultural expression, a celebration of heritage, and a statement of evolving identity. As the AANHPI community continues to ascend in various fields, the Gold Gala stands as a testament to their collective success and their ongoing commitment to shaping a more inclusive and vibrant future.
