By Jia Lissa 
On May 9, 2026, the city of Los Angeles once again became the epicenter of Asian and Pacific excellence as the highly anticipated 2026 Gold Gala unfolded. This premier cultural event brought together a constellation of stars from the realms of acting, music, athletics, and creative industries, alongside influential industry leaders. The occasion served as a vibrant testament to the growing prominence and diverse contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community within the global entertainment and cultural landscape. As is tradition, the signature gold carpet was a runway of sartorial innovation, showcasing attendees who embraced a spectrum of styles, from the understated elegance of haute couture and precisely tailored silhouettes to designs rich with heritage-inspired details and dramatic, statement-making forms. The collective fashion choices reflected a powerful narrative of confidence, cultural pride, and artistic expression, with each guest arriving ready to leave an indelible mark.
A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The Gold Gala, an initiative spearheaded by organizations like Gold House, has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone event for celebrating and uplifting Asian and Pacific Islander talent. Established to foster a more inclusive and representative industry, the gala provides a crucial platform for recognizing the achievements and contributions of AANHPI individuals across various fields. In recent years, the gala has seen a significant increase in its cultural and economic impact, reflecting the broader trend of Asian and Pacific Islander communities gaining greater visibility and influence in mainstream media and culture. The 2026 iteration continued this trajectory, drawing a record number of influential figures and highlighting emerging talents alongside established icons. The event not only serves as a glamorous red-carpet affair but also as a powerful networking opportunity and a forum for dialogue on the future of representation and equity in the entertainment industry.
Spotlight on Style: EnVi’s Best Dressed
EnVi magazine, a leading publication dedicated to Asian and Pacific Islander culture and style, meticulously documented the evening’s most impactful fashion moments. The following is their curated selection of the best-dressed stars who graced the 2026 Gold Gala, each embodying a unique fusion of personal style and cultural resonance.
Supriya Ganesh: A Floral Symphony in Naeem Khan
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking transition from her professional attire to a dazzling ensemble on the gold carpet. Ganesh opted for a breathtaking strapless gown by Naeem Khan, a designer renowned for his intricate embellishments and sophisticated designs. The gown was a masterpiece of layered tulle and raffia, a deliberate and artful homage to traditional Indian raffia craftsmanship. The design was further elevated by whimsical poppy flower motifs that gracefully cascaded down the skirt, subtly evoking the vibrant pop art aesthetic of Andy Warhol. To complement the ethereal and voluminous silhouette of the dress, Ganesh accessorized with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and completed her look with elegant Alevi heels, creating a harmonious balance of artistry and refined glamour.
Anthony Keyvan: Minimalist Chic with a Polished Edge
Actor Anthony Keyvan, known for his role in the popular series XO Kitty, made a notable appearance on the gold carpet, reconnecting with former castmates. His ensemble, expertly curated by stylists Annie Easton and Nora Foley, featured a textured wrap blazer paired with matching trousers. The minimalist yet classic attire was enhanced by Keyvan’s meticulously gelled-back hair and a clean, dewy makeup look, emphasizing a sophisticated and understated aesthetic. His groomer, Colleen Dominique, credited the efficacy of Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris for achieving the flawless grooming that perfectly complemented the sharp tailoring of his outfit. This choice underscored a contemporary approach to formal wear, demonstrating that classic silhouettes can be reinterpreted with modern textures and finishes.
Eileen Gu: A Vision in Confectionery Pink
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu presented a picture of ethereal grace as she arrived in a breathtaking gown by Andrew Kwon. The dress, rendered in a soft, confectionery pink hue, featured multiple layers of delicate tulle that created a voluminous, princess-inspired A-line skirt. The unique design incorporated shorter layers at the front, a sartorial choice that not only added a distinctive visual element but also served to artfully elongate her already statuesque figure. Kwon’s design masterfully blended youthful charm with regal sophistication, positioning Gu as a standout figure on the gold carpet.
Anna Cathcart: Dramatic Ruffles Meet Timeless Black
Anna Cathcart, another star from the XO Kitty franchise, captivated onlookers in a figure-hugging, strapless black gown designed by Bach Mai. The dress presented a striking contrast with ruffled blush pink fabric that elegantly flared at her hips, reminiscent of a dramatic peplum. Her hair, styled in soft curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, meticulously applied by Kendal Fedail, contributed to a youthful and radiant appearance. The makeup featured rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye, designed to accentuate Cathcart’s features and harmonize with the gown’s architectural flair. This ensemble demonstrated a bold yet sophisticated interplay of textures and colors, proving that classic black can be reimagined with playful and artistic accents.
Manny Jacinto: Refined Elegance in Cream and Black
Actor Manny Jacinto exuded dapper sophistication as he graced the gold carpet. He was attired in a distinguished cream-colored NB44 suit jacket by Nicolas Bijan, paired with classic black dress pants. Styled by the collaborative efforts of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s look was further refined with a sharp black bow tie. The inclusion of a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch added a touch of understated luxury, perfectly complementing his defined features and dark hair. Jacinto reflected on the significance of the Gold Gala, noting in a Vogue interview that beyond celebrating AANHPI excellence, the event offered him a valuable opportunity to reconnect with past collaborators. "It’s very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun," he remarked, highlighting the gala’s dual role as a professional and personal reunion.
Liza Soberano: A Structural Masterpiece of Heritage
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 beige organza base of the dress served as a canvas for an intricate design featuring embroidered bamboo fans. These fans were strategically placed on the bust, waist, hips, and along the dress’s train, creating a visually striking and culturally resonant piece. The ribbed structures adorning the skirt were inspired by the delicate ribs of bamboo fans, brought to life through advanced boning techniques that seamlessly merged fashion with heritage. This avant-garde design not only highlighted Soberano’s personal style but also served as a powerful statement of cultural pride and innovative artistry.
no na: Modern Heritage Through Indonesian Textiles
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na presented a cohesive yet distinct fashion narrative, each member adorned in coordinated ensembles that prominently featured wastra nusantara—traditional Indonesian textiles. This choice served as a powerful thematic statement, embodying a spirit of modern heritage. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a gold tube top paired with a creatively tied sogan batik fabric at the waist, accessorized with an antique golden arm cuff. Shazfa Adesya’s ensemble leaned towards contemporary fashion with a sequin-adorned sheer corseted gown, elegantly draped with a woven tapis Lampung over her right shoulder. Christy Gardena sported an architectural top, reminiscent of futuristic breastplate armor, complemented by a songket shawl and her hair styled in a modern bun. Baila Fauri captivated in a sparkling nude gown, luxuriously accented with a red Palembang songket. Their collective presentation was a vibrant celebration of Indonesia’s rich textile traditions, reimagined for the modern global stage.
EJAE: A Couture Ode to Korean Lacquerware
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 sophisticated basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, floor-length structural skirt. Closer inspection revealed intricate mosaic peony designs meticulously crafted from approximately 1,000 delicately cut mother-of-pearl pieces. This breathtaking design was directly inspired by traditional Korean lacquerware (Najeonchilgi), offering a profound celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage through the medium of haute couture. To echo the mother-of-pearl centerpiece of her gown, EJAE accessorized with pearl earrings and wore her hair in a sleek high ponytail, finished with two long braids, creating a look of polished elegance.
Maia Kealoha: Weaving Polynesian Unity and Achievement
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her role as Lilo in the live-action Lilo & Stitch film, made her inaugural appearance at the Gold Gala in a stunning gown by Kini Zamora. The dress was distinguished by its incorporation of Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving technique, which formed the intricate bodice. Kealoha eloquently described the significance of the material, stating that Lauhala, often symbolizing unity and family heritage, was "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." She wore her hair in a high ponytail to highlight her face and the halter neckline, a style expertly achieved by hair stylist and makeup artist Tanya Alian. Dangling pink orchid earrings completed her ensemble, a perfect tribute to her heritage and a reflection of her achievements as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film that surpassed $1 billion at the box office.
H.E.R.: A Blooming Silhouette of Boldness
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. commanded attention in a striking gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The petal-textured gown featured a nude tulle base lavishly adorned with thousands of gilded crimson chiffon leaf embellishments. These meticulously placed leaves created a blooming effect around the bust and hips, evoking a sense of organic movement and vibrant texture. The dramatic silhouette and rich detailing of the ensemble were a powerful visual parallel to the boldness and artistry found in H.E.R.’s own musical expression, making for a truly memorable red-carpet moment.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Blend of Indian Craftsmanship
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey arrived as a stylish duo, both dressed in exquisite creations by Rahul Mishra. Jogia opted for an intricately embroidered black ‘Himadri’ Sherwani jacket, layered with statement necklaces that added a touch of regal flair. While his palette remained predominantly black, embodying sleek formality, the detailed beadwork introduced a rich textural dimension to his look. Halsey, in a captivating contrast, wore the archival ‘Serpent’ gathered gown from Mishra’s 2024 Spring Couture collection. The plunging neckline and flowing fabrics beautifully accentuated her features, drawing attention to her braided updo and the verdant tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Her makeup, characterized by a dewy glow and dark-lined lips, was elevated with a touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, a subtle yet effective detail that tied together the green accents with her overall ensemble and the rich embroidery of Mishra’s design.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Glamour and Symbolic Florals
Eugene Lee Yang, a prominent figure as co-founder of the Try Guys, filmmaker, and noted LGBTQIA+ activist, presented a striking androgynous look. He donned a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg trousers and a dramatic, long, rose-covered draping coat from The Mayor Official. The all-black ensemble, with its flowing materials, created an alluring ambiguity between pants and skirt, challenging conventional fashion norms. Continuing the theme of symbolic representation, Yang accessorized with a lotus headdress—a golden lotus flower encircled by artistically shaped lotus leaves—a powerful nod to the event’s cultural significance and his personal advocacy.
Esther Yu: A Golden Phoenix of Tang Dynasty Elegance
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 meticulously embroidered with traditional Panjin, a 3-D embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty that utilizes gold or silver wire to create intricate patterns and symbols. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the dress, evoking the majestic imagery of a phoenix’s tail. Yu complemented her regal attire with a golden hair accessory positioned on her left side, balanced by a single triangular earring on her right. Amidst the glamour, Yu shared her excitement about her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising intrigue, revenge, and destiny.
The Broader Impact of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the collective strength and growing influence of the AANHPI community. Events like these play a crucial role in shifting industry perceptions, creating new opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive future for entertainment. The diverse range of talent and the powerful fashion statements on display served as a potent reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that AANHPI individuals bring to the global stage, paving the way for greater understanding, appreciation, and equitable representation in the years to come. The continued success and growing prominence of the Gold Gala signal a promising era for Asian and Pacific Islander creatives worldwide.
