By Suro Senen 
On May 9th, Los Angeles once again became the epicenter of Asian and Pacific excellence as the 2026 Gold Gala illuminated the city with its star-studded celebration. This highly anticipated annual event brought together a constellation of talent, including acclaimed actors, groundbreaking musicians, elite athletes, influential creators, and forward-thinking industry leaders. The evening was a vibrant testament to the growing influence and diverse contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community within the global entertainment and cultural landscape. As is tradition, the event’s signature gold carpet served as a runway for breathtaking fashion statements, with attendees embracing a spectrum of styles, from the meticulously tailored to the avant-garde, and from deeply rooted heritage designs to daring, contemporary silhouettes. This year’s guests arrived ready to command attention, showcasing a collective commitment to sartorial innovation and individual expression.
The Gold Gala, a flagship event organized by Gold House, a non-profit collective dedicated to advancing AAPI representation and empowerment, has rapidly evolved into one of the most significant cultural gatherings on the West Coast. Founded with the mission to unite and uplift the AAPI community, the gala provides a crucial platform for celebrating achievements, fostering connections, and advocating for greater visibility and equity. This year’s event, held at the iconic Music Center in Los Angeles, continued this tradition, drawing a record number of attendees and generating significant media buzz, underscoring the increasing prominence of AAPI voices and narratives in mainstream culture. The sheer diversity of talent present—spanning film, television, music, sports, and digital content creation—highlighted the multifaceted nature of AAPI success stories.
Among the many standout moments on the gold carpet, several individuals captured the attention of fashion critics and fans alike, demonstrating a masterful blend of personal style, cultural pride, and artistic vision. EnVi magazine’s editorial team meticulously curated a selection of the night’s most impactful and impeccably dressed stars, recognizing their unique contributions to the event’s visual narrative.
Supriya Ganesh: From the ER to Elegant Raffia
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking transition from her medical scrubs on screen to the glamorous gold carpet. Ganesh graced the event in a breathtaking creation by Naeem Khan, a designer renowned for his opulent and intricately detailed garments. Her chosen gown was a strapless masterpiece crafted from layers of ethereal tulle and textured raffia, a deliberate and elegant homage to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. The design was further elevated by vibrant poppy flower motifs that artfully twisted and cascaped down the skirt, subtly evoking the playful yet impactful aesthetic of Andy Warhol’s iconic pop art. To complement the dress’s airy and voluminous silhouette, Ganesh accessorized with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and slipped into chic Alevi heels, completing a look that was both sophisticated and deeply rooted in cultural artistry.
Anthony Keyvan: Minimalist Sophistication with a Fresh Edge
Actor Anthony Keyvan, a familiar face from the popular Netflix series XO Kitty, made a notable appearance on the gold carpet, reuniting with some of his former castmates. Keyvan’s ensemble, masterfully curated by the styling duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, featured a textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored trousers. This minimalist yet classic attire was enhanced by a clean, "glassy" makeup look and hair gelled back, projecting an image of effortless cool. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, credited the success of Keyvan’s grooming to a curated selection of high-quality products from Caldera Lab for skincare, Armani Beauty for makeup, and Leonor Greyl Paris for haircare, emphasizing the importance of sophisticated grooming in complementing a refined fashion statement.
Eileen Gu: A Confection of Pink Princess-Inspired Glamour
Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu exuded a fairytale charm as she arrived in a stunning confectionery pink gown designed by Andrew Kwon. The gown’s soft pastel hue and voluminous layers of tulle created a light and feminine silhouette, reminiscent of a classic princess ballgown. A distinctive design element featured shorter layers at the front of the skirt, which not only added a unique visual dynamic but also served to artfully elongate her already statuesque figure. Gu’s choice exemplified a sophisticated approach to red carpet dressing, blending youthful exuberance with high-fashion elegance.
Anna Cathcart: Dramatic Flair with a Delicate Touch
Anna Cathcart, another star from the XO Kitty franchise, made a memorable entrance in a striking figure-hugging strapless black gown by designer Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its dramatic ruffled blush pink fabric that flared at her hips, creating a sophisticated peplum effect. Her hair, styled in soft curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, executed by Kendal Fedail, enhanced the gown’s romantic appeal. Fedail opted for a soft and youthful aesthetic, featuring rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye liner, a choice that expertly accentuated Cathcart’s features and harmonized with the gown’s playful embellishments.
Manny Jacinto: Timeless Dapper with Subtle Luxury
Actor Manny Jacinto opted for a refined and dapper ensemble, showcasing a cream-colored NB44 suit jacket by Nicolas Bijan, paired with classic black dress pants. His look, expertly styled by a team including Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, was elevated by a sleek black bow tie and a distinguished Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, which perfectly complemented his defined features and dark hair. Jacinto shared his perspective on the significance of the Gold Gala, noting in an interview with Vogue that beyond celebrating AAPI excellence, the event offers a valuable opportunity for him to reconnect with industry peers. "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," he remarked, underscoring the gala’s dual role as a celebration and a networking nexus.
Liza Soberano: Architectural Elegance Inspired by Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano presented a truly unique and architectural statement on the gold carpet, wearing a captivating fan dress from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown featured a delicate beige organza base, with the focal point being intricately embroidered bamboo fans adorning the bust, waist, hips, and cascading down the dress’s dramatic train. The ribbed structures, inspired by the delicate ribs of traditional bamboo fans, were ingeniously executed using advanced boning techniques, creating a harmonious fusion of fashion and heritage. This piece was a powerful visual representation of cultural storytelling through couture.
no na: Modern Heritage Through Indonesian Textiles
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na made a significant impact with their coordinated yet individualistic ensembles, each thoughtfully incorporating wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. This approach powerfully conveyed a theme of modern heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine sported a gold tube top paired with a stylishly tied sogan batik fabric at the waist and an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya’s look blended contemporary fashion with tradition, featuring a sequined sheer 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 chic, modern bun. Baila Fauri completed the group’s impactful presentation in a sparkling nude gown enhanced by a luxurious red Palembang songket, showcasing the rich diversity of Indonesian textile art.
EJAE: A Couture Ode to Korean Lacquerware
GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter EJAE made a memorable Gold Gala debut in a custom design by LEJE. The pale blue gown featured a striking basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, floor-length structural skirt. A closer inspection revealed the dress’s intricate beauty: mosaic peony designs meticulously crafted from over 1,000 delicately cut mother-of-pearl pieces. This stunning detail was a direct inspiration drawn from traditional Korean lacquerware (Najeonchilgi), with the gown serving as a couture celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage. Complementing the iridescent mother-of-pearl centerpiece on her gown, EJAE accessorized with pearl earrings and wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail, culminating in two long braids, a look that was both regal and deeply personal.
Maia Kealoha: Honoring Polynesian Roots with Lauhala
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her role as Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch film, made her first appearance at the Gold Gala in a stunning creation by Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown uniquely incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving style, to form the intricate top of the dress. As Lauhala often symbolizes unity and family 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 styled her hair in a high ponytail, expertly showcasing her face and the halter neckline, a choice credited to her hairstylist and makeup artist, Tanya Alian. Adorned with dangling pink orchid earrings, Kealoha’s ensemble was a poignant celebration of her heritage and her remarkable achievements as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film grossing over $1 billion.
H.E.R.: Bold Florals Reflecting Musical Intensity
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. captivated the crowd in a breathtaking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The petal-textured gown featured a nude tulle base meticulously covered with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These leaves were individually placed to create a blooming effect around the bust and hips, imbuing the ensemble with an illusion of movement and texture. This dynamic design choice served as a powerful visual metaphor for the boldness and intensity found in H.E.R.’s music, demonstrating a sophisticated synergy between fashion and artistic expression.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Blend of Indian Craftsmanship
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey presented a coordinated yet distinct vision in ensembles by Rahul Mishra, a designer celebrated for his intricate Indian-inspired craftsmanship. Jogia exuded sophisticated charm in an embroidered "Himadri" Sherwani jacket in black, adorned with multiple statement necklaces. While his color palette leaned towards sleek formality, the intricate beaded embroidery lent a unique textural depth to his look. Halsey, in striking contrast, 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 rich green 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 detail that artfully tied together the green accents with her overall golden ensemble.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Chic and Symbolic Adornments
Eugene Lee Yang, co-founder of the Try Guys, filmmaker, and a prominent LGBTQIA+ activist, embraced an androgynous aesthetic for the 2026 Gold Gala. Yang donned a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants and a dramatic, long, rose-covered draping coat by The Mayor Official. The all-black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created a captivating ambiguity, blurring the lines between pants and a skirt and challenging traditional gendered silhouettes. In keeping with the gala’s theme of celebrating AAPI heritage, Yang also wore a striking lotus headdress—a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves—adding a layer of symbolic significance to his avant-garde look.
Esther Yu: A Golden Phoenix of Tang Dynasty Elegance
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the gala’s namesake with a resplendent strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The gown was a masterpiece of embroidery, featuring the traditional Panjin technique, a 3-D embroidery method originating from the Tang Dynasty. This intricate technique involved laying and couching gold or silver wire to form traditional patterns, resulting in a breathtakingly rich texture. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the dress, evoking the majestic imagery of a phoenix’s feathered tail. Yu further accessorized with a golden hair ornament on her left side, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right, a considered choice for interviews. Yu also expressed her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising intrigue, revenge, and destiny.
The collective impact of these fashion choices at the 2026 Gold Gala underscores a broader cultural moment. The event not only celebrates the achievements of AAPI individuals but also highlights their growing influence in shaping global fashion trends. From intricate heritage techniques to bold contemporary designs, the attendees showcased a powerful narrative of cultural pride, artistic innovation, and individual expression, solidifying the Gold Gala’s status as a pivotal platform for AAPI excellence. The increasing prominence of designers and artisans from diverse AAPI backgrounds further cements the event’s role in fostering a more inclusive and representative fashion industry.
