By Asro 
On May 9, the Los Angeles Convention Center shimmered with unparalleled radiance as the 2026 Gold Gala convened, celebrating the remarkable achievements and cultural contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders across various industries. This highly anticipated event, now a cornerstone of the cultural calendar, brought together a constellation of stars from film, music, sports, and the arts, alongside influential industry leaders. The iconic gold carpet served as a vibrant runway, showcasing an array of breathtaking fashion statements that ranged from avant-garde haute couture and sharp, architectural tailoring to elegant interpretations of heritage-inspired designs and dramatically silhouettes. Attendees embraced a spectrum of styles, from timeless glamour to daring sartorial risks, all united by a shared commitment to making a memorable impact on this prestigious night.
The Gold Gala, an initiative by Gold House, a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific Islanders in America, has rapidly ascended as a pivotal platform for recognizing and uplifting AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) talent. Established to foster a more inclusive and representative landscape in entertainment and beyond, the gala not only highlights individual successes but also underscores the collective strength and growing influence of these communities. This year’s event, held against the backdrop of Los Angeles’s iconic cultural hub, continued this mission with an evening that was as much about advocacy and community building as it was about celebrating artistic and professional triumphs.
A Tapestry of Style on the Gold Carpet
The sartorial choices of the evening were a testament to the diverse and evolving aesthetics within the AANHPI community. Designers showcased a masterful blend of contemporary fashion and deep-rooted cultural influences, creating a visual spectacle that resonated with both tradition and modernity.
Supriya Ganesh: A Floral Ode to Indian Craftsmanship
Actress Supriya Ganesh, recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking entrance, transitioning from the demanding world of medical dramas to the glamour of the gold carpet. Dressed in a resplendent Naeem Khan creation, Ganesh captivated onlookers with a strapless gown that masterfully fused ethereal tulle with the rustic charm of raffia. This choice was a thoughtful homage to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship, infusing the gown with a unique textural dimension. The dress’s design was further elevated by whimsical poppy flower motifs that cascapped down the skirt, subtly echoing the vibrant and iconic artistry of Andy Warhol. Complementing the gown’s airy, voluminous silhouette, Ganesh accessorized with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and finished her look with elegant Alevi heels, creating a harmonious and sophisticated ensemble.
Anthony Keyvan: Minimalist Sophistication with a Classic Touch
Actor Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular series XO Kitty, graced the gold carpet alongside former castmates, embodying a refined and understated elegance. His look, meticulously curated by stylists Annie Easton and Nora Foley, featured a textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored trousers. Keyvan’s grooming was equally polished, with his hair gelled back and his makeup executed with a clean, dewy finish that perfectly complemented the minimalist yet classic attire. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, credited the efficacy of Caldera Lab for skincare, Armani Beauty for makeup, and Leonor Greyl Paris for hair care products, highlighting the essential role of premium grooming in achieving such a sophisticated appearance. This understated approach underscored a confidence that spoke volumes without needing ostentatious embellishments.
Eileen Gu: Confectionary Dreams in Pastel Pink
Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu presented a vision of youthful elegance as she arrived in a breathtaking gown by Andrew Kwon. The dress, rendered in a delicate confectionery pink, exuded a soft, feminine charm. Its multi-layered tulle skirt, reminiscent of a classic princess A-line silhouette, was artfully designed with shorter layers in the front. This innovative detail not only added a unique visual interest but also served to artfully elongate Gu’s already statuesque figure, creating a perfectly balanced and graceful silhouette. The gown’s delicate construction and ethereal quality made Gu a standout presence on the carpet.
Anna Cathcart: A Dramatic Flair with a Soft Palette
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 dramatic ruffled peplum in a soft blush pink, which flared at her hips, adding a touch of playful volume and architectural interest. Her hair, styled in gentle curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, expertly applied by Kendal Fedail, contributed to a youthful and radiant look. Fedail focused on rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye flick, artfully accentuating Cathcart’s round eyes and harmonizing beautifully with the gown’s romantic aesthetic.
Manny Jacinto: Dapper Charm in Neutral Tones
Actor Manny Jacinto exuded classic dapper charm as he walked the gold carpet in a sophisticated cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, paired with sharp black dress pants, both from the atelier of Nicolas Bijan. His ensemble, styled by the accomplished team of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, was thoughtfully accessorized with a classic black bow tie and an exquisite timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre. These elements not only enhanced his defined features and dark hair but also completed a look of understated elegance. Jacinto shared his reflections on the significance of the Gold Gala, noting in a Vogue interview that beyond celebrating AANHPI excellence, the event provided a cherished opportunity to reconnect with past collaborators. "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," he remarked, underscoring the event’s dual role in professional networking and community reinforcement.
Liza Soberano: A Structural Masterpiece Inspired by Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano presented a truly unique and avant-garde statement in a structural fan dress from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown, crafted from a delicate beige organza, featured intricately embroidered bamboo fans as its focal points, adorning the bust, waist, hips, and cascading down the dress’s train. The ribbed structures integrated into the skirt, inspired by the delicate ribs of traditional bamboo fans, were expertly executed using advanced boning techniques, creating a seamless fusion of fashion and heritage. This design choice not only showcased Soberano’s bold fashion sensibility but also served as a powerful cultural statement, celebrating the artistry of her heritage.
no na: A Harmonious Blend of Modernity and Traditional Indonesian Textiles
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na made a powerful collective statement with coordinated ensembles that artfully integrated wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles, embodying a theme of modern heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine donned a 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 contemporary fashion with a sheer, sequined corseted gown, complemented by a woven tapis lampung draped over her shoulder. Christy Gardena presented an architectural top, evocative of a futuristic breastplate, paired with a songket shawl and her hair styled in a chic, modern bun. Baila Fauri radiated in a sparkling nude gown, elegantly contrasted by a luxurious red Palembang songket. This group presentation highlighted the rich diversity of Indonesian textiles within a modern fashion context.
EJAE: A Couture Tribute to Korean Lacquerware
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her Gold Gala debut in a custom design by LEJE that was both stunning and deeply personal. The pale blue gown featured a flattering basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, structural floor-length skirt. Upon closer inspection, the dress revealed intricate mosaic peony designs, meticulously crafted from approximately 1,000 hand-cut pieces of mother-of-pearl. This exquisite detail was a direct inspiration from traditional Korean lacquerware (najeonchong), a sophisticated art form characterized by mother-of-pearl inlay. The gown was a profound celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage, translated through the medium of high couture. To complement the gown’s delicate mother-of-pearl accents, EJAE wore matching pearl earrings and styled her hair in a sleek high ponytail that cascaded into two long braids, completing a look of refined elegance.
Maia Kealoha: Weaving Heritage into Red Carpet Glamour
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her role as Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch film, made her inaugural appearance at the Gold Gala in a captivating gown by designer Kini Zamora. The dress thoughtfully incorporated lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, into the bodice, creating a unique and culturally significant design element. Kealoha articulated the profound meaning behind her choice, stating that lauhala, often symbolizing unity and family heritage, felt particularly fitting for an event like the Gold Gala, which aims to unite AANHPI leaders for community strengthening. "The dress was fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community," she explained. Her hair, styled in a high ponytail by Tanya Alian, served to showcase her face and the halter neckline, while Alian also managed her makeup. Dangling pink orchid earrings provided the perfect finishing touch, allowing Kealoha’s outfit to beautifully celebrate both her heritage and her significant achievements as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a billion-dollar film.
H.E.R.: A Bold Floral Statement in Couture
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a dramatic gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The ensemble featured a nude tulle base intricately adorned with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These delicate elements were meticulously placed to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the gown with an illusion of movement and organic texture. This bold and artistic design choice resonated deeply with H.E.R.’s own musical style, mirroring the dynamism and confidence found in her acclaimed work. The gown was a testament to haute couture’s ability to translate emotion and artistic expression into wearable art.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Study in Contrasting Elegance
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey presented a captivating sartorial dialogue on the gold carpet, both gracing the event in creations by Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded sophisticated charm in an intricately embroidered black "Himadri" Sherwani jacket, layered with statement necklaces. His ensemble, predominantly black, leaned into sleek and formal aesthetics, with the beaded embroidery adding a unique textural dimension. In striking 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 features, drawing attention to her braided updo and the verdant tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Halsey’s makeup, characterized by a dewy glow and dark-lined lips, was further enhanced by a touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a subtle yet effective detail that tied together the ensemble’s green accents and overall golden theme. This pairing showcased a sophisticated understanding of individual style within a shared designer context.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Chic and Symbolic Florals
Eugene Lee Yang, a prominent figure as a co-founder of The Try Guys, a filmmaker, and a vocal LGBTQIA+ activist, arrived in a striking ensemble that challenged traditional gender norms. Yang wore a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants from The Mayor Official, topped with a dramatic, rose-covered flowing coat. This black-on-black ensemble, with its fluid materials, created a captivating sense of androgyny, blurring the lines between pants and skirt. Embracing the spirit of the Gold Gala, Yang also adorned a symbolic lotus headdress, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, adding a rich layer of cultural and personal meaning to the look.
Esther Yu: A Golden Vision of Tang Dynasty Artistry
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" theme with an opulent and historically rich gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The strapless dress was meticulously embroidered using the traditional Panjin technique, a 3-D embroidery method originating from the Tang Dynasty. This intricate process involves laying and couching gold or silver wire to form traditional patterns and symbols, resulting in a garment of exquisite detail and luminescence. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the dress, 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 styling choice. She also shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama exploring themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny, adding a layer of anticipation for her fans.
The Broader Impact and Future of the Gold Gala
The success of the 2026 Gold Gala underscores the growing influence and visibility of the AANHPI community in global culture. By providing a dedicated platform for celebration and recognition, the event not only elevates individual achievements but also fosters a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. The diverse range of talent showcased, from established stars to emerging artists, reflects the dynamic and multifaceted nature of AANHPI contributions. As the event continues to grow, its impact extends beyond the red carpet, serving as a catalyst for broader conversations about representation, inclusion, and the ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic barriers within the entertainment industry and beyond. The Gold Gala’s commitment to empowering the AANHPI community positions it as a crucial force in shaping a more equitable and vibrant cultural landscape for years to come.
