By Asro 
On May 9, the city of Los Angeles once again became the epicenter of Asian and Pacific excellence as the 2026 Gold Gala convened, drawing together a constellation of stars from the realms of acting, music, sports, and creative industries. This highly anticipated annual event, now a significant fixture on the cultural calendar, celebrated the achievements and contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The signature gold carpet was a testament to the diverse and sophisticated fashion landscape, with attendees showcasing a spectrum of styles ranging from haute couture and sharp tailoring to deeply personal expressions of heritage and bold, avant-garde silhouettes. This year’s guests demonstrated a clear commitment to making a sartorial statement, blending timeless glamour with daring fashion choices.
A Night of Glamour and Recognition
The Gold Gala, a flagship event hosted by Gold House, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Asian and Pacific leaders, has rapidly ascended in prominence since its inception. Its mission extends beyond mere celebration; it aims to foster a robust ecosystem of support, mentorship, and amplification for AANHPI individuals across various professional spheres. The 2026 iteration, held at the prestigious Music Center in Los Angeles, continued this tradition, providing a platform for meaningful connections and the recognition of outstanding talent. The event not only highlights individual successes but also underscores the collective impact and growing influence of the AANHPI community in shaping global culture and industry.
This year’s gala was particularly noteworthy for the breadth of talent present. From established icons to emerging stars, the attendees represented a vibrant cross-section of the AANHPI diaspora, each bringing their unique stories and achievements to the forefront. The fashion on display served as a visual narrative of this diversity, with designers and wearers alike drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of cultural influences and contemporary trends.
Spotlight on Style: EnVi’s Best Dressed Selections
EnVi Media’s editorial team has meticulously curated a selection of the night’s most striking ensembles, recognizing those who not only embraced the spirit of the event but also pushed the boundaries of personal style.
Supriya Ganesh: A Tulle and Raffia Masterpiece
Actress Supriya Ganesh, celebrated for her compelling performance as Dr. Mohan in the acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking transition from her medical drama persona to the glittering gold carpet. Ganesh adorned herself in a breathtaking creation by Naeem Khan. The strapless gown, crafted from layers of ethereal tulle and textured raffia, offered a sophisticated nod to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. Its design was further elevated by whimsical poppy flower motifs that gracefully cascaded down the skirt, subtly referencing the iconic aesthetic of Andy Warhol. To complement the dress’s airy, voluminous silhouette, Ganesh selected delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and finished her look with elegant Alevi heels, creating a harmonious blend of artistry and heritage.
Anthony Keyvan: Classic Elegance with a Modern Edge
Actor Anthony Keyvan, known for his role in the popular series XO Kitty, reunited with fellow cast members on the gold carpet, exuding a polished and contemporary style. His ensemble, expertly curated by stylists Annie Easton and Nora Foley, featured a textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored trousers. Keyvan’s grooming was equally refined, with his hair gelled back and a clean, dewy makeup application that perfectly complemented the minimalist yet classic attire. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, credited the success of his polished look to the efficacy of products from Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that defined his presence.
Eileen Gu: Confectionery Dreams in Andrew Kwon
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu arrived in a vision of soft, confectionery pink, courtesy of a magnificent gown by Andrew Kwon. The dress’s delicate color palette and voluminous layers of tulle lent it a light, feminine quality, evoking the timeless charm of a princess-inspired A-line silhouette. The innovative design featured shorter, cascading layers in the front, a detail that not only added a unique visual element but also artfully elongated her already statuesque figure. Gu’s presence at the gala underscored the intersection of athletic achievement and cultural influence, further cementing her status as a global icon.
Anna Cathcart: Dramatic Flair with a Romantic Touch
XO Kitty star Anna Cathcart captivated on the gold carpet 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 artfully at her hips, adding a touch of romantic volume. Her hair, styled in gentle curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, by Kendal Fedail, contributed to a look that was both youthful and sophisticated. Rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye accentuated Cathcart’s features, harmonizing beautifully with the gown’s striking design.
Manny Jacinto: Understated Sophistication
Actor Manny Jacinto presented an image of understated sophistication in a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket by Nicolas Bijan, paired with classic black dress pants. Styled by a team including Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was elevated by a sharp black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. These accessories enhanced his refined features and complemented his dark hair, completing a dapper and timeless look. Jacinto remarked on the significance of the Gold Gala, noting in a Vogue interview that beyond celebrating AANHPI excellence, it serves as a vital opportunity for reconnection with peers and colleagues, describing the experience as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun."
Liza Soberano: A Fusion of Heritage and Modern Design
Filipino actress Liza Soberano made a memorable appearance at the Gold Gala, showcasing a truly unique and structural gown from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The dress, built upon a foundation of beige organza, featured an extraordinary design element: intricately embroidered bamboo fans adorning the bust, waist, hips, and train. The ribbed structures that extended down the skirt, mimicking the delicate ribs of a bamboo fan, were masterfully executed using traditional boning techniques, creating a striking fusion of fashion and cultural heritage. This choice highlighted Soberano’s commitment to celebrating her roots through contemporary couture.
no na: A Modern Interpretation of Indonesian Heritage
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na made a significant style statement with coordinated yet distinct ensembles that artfully incorporated wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. Their looks collectively embodied a theme of modern heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a chic gold tube top paired with a batik fabric tied at the waist and an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya embraced a more contemporary aesthetic with a sheer, sequined corseted gown, 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 a modern bun. Baila Fauri donned a sparkling nude gown elevated by a luxurious red Palembang Songket. Their collective presentation underscored the rich diversity of Indonesian textile traditions and their adaptability in modern fashion.
EJAE: A Couture Ode to Korean Artistry
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made her Gold Gala debut in a custom creation by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a striking basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, floor-length skirt with a distinct structural quality. Up close, the dress revealed intricate mosaic peony designs meticulously crafted from over a thousand pieces of delicately cut mother-of-pearl. Inspired by traditional Korean lacquerware (najeonchilgi), the gown served as a couture celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage. She complemented the ensemble with pearl earrings that echoed the mother-of-pearl details on her gown and wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail with two long braids.
Maia Kealoha: Weaving Tradition and Achievement
Actress Maia Kealoha, renowned for her portrayal of Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch film, attended her inaugural Gold Gala in a captivating gown by Kini Zamora. The dress beautifully integrated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving technique, into the design of the bodice. Kealoha explained that Lauhala, often symbolizing unity and family heritage, felt particularly fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that unites AANHPI leaders to strengthen their community. She styled her hair in a high ponytail to showcase her face and the halter neckline, with hair and makeup expertly handled by Tanya Alian. Adorned with dangling pink orchid earrings, Kealoha’s ensemble was a poignant celebration of 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 Textures Inspired by Nature
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a dramatic gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The petal-textured gown, built on a nude tulle base, was adorned with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These were individually placed to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips, lending the illusion of movement and organic texture. The ensemble’s bold aesthetic and dynamic construction mirrored the powerful and expressive nature of H.E.R.’s music, making for a truly memorable red carpet moment.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Design Duo
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey arrived as a stylish pair, both dressed in exquisite designs by Rahul Mishra. Jogia cut a dapper figure in an intricately embroidered black "Himadri" Sherwani jacket, accessorized with several statement necklaces. While his color palette leaned towards sleek formality, the detailed beadwork added a unique textural dimension to his look. Halsey, in contrast, chose the archival "Serpent" gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated her natural features, drawing attention to her braided updo and the rich green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Her makeup, featuring a glowing complexion and dark-lined lips, was enhanced by green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a subtle yet effective detail that tied her look together with the green accents in her jewelry and ensemble.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Chic and Symbolic Florals
Eugene Lee Yang, co-founder of The Try Guys, filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, embraced an androgynous aesthetic for the 2026 Gold Gala. He wore a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg trousers and a dramatic, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. The monochromatic, fluid silhouette blurred the lines between traditional masculine and feminine attire, creating an intriguing visual statement. Continuing the gala’s theme of symbolic representation, Yang accessorized with a striking lotus headdress, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped leaves, adding a layer of cultural significance to his avant-garde look.
Esther Yu: A Golden Tribute to Tang Dynasty Craftsmanship
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 intricately embroidered using the traditional Panjin technique, a 3-D embroidery method originating from the Tang Dynasty that utilizes gold or silver wire for detailed patterns. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the dress, evoking the majestic tail of a phoenix. Yu’s styling was equally considered, featuring a golden hair accessory on her left side balanced by a single triangular earring on her right. She shared her excitement about her upcoming historical C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a project delving into themes of betrayal, revenge, and destiny.
The Enduring Significance of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala served as more than just a showcase of fashion and celebrity; it was a powerful affirmation of the growing influence and cultural significance of the AANHPI community. Events like these are crucial for fostering visibility, celebrating diverse achievements, and building a stronger, more interconnected network of leaders and creatives. As the AANHPI community continues to expand its footprint across global industries, the Gold Gala stands as a beacon, illuminating the path forward with talent, innovation, and a profound sense of shared identity. The sartorial choices made on the gold carpet were not merely about personal style; they were statements of pride, heritage, and the bold future being forged by Asian and Pacific voices in the mainstream.
