By Suro Senen 
On May 9, the 2026 Gold Gala once again transformed Los Angeles into a vibrant epicenter for celebrating Asian and Pacific excellence, drawing a constellation of influential figures from the realms of acting, music, sports, content creation, and industry leadership. This highly anticipated annual cultural event, known for its significant impact on fostering representation and community within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) diaspora, saw its signature gold carpet become a runway of unparalleled style. Attendees showcased a diverse range of fashion statements, from the understated elegance of couture and the sharp precision of sculptural tailoring to the rich incorporation of heritage-inspired details and the dramatic flair of avant-garde silhouettes. This year’s guests embraced a spectrum of sartorial choices, from timeless glamour to daring fashion-forward risks, each making a distinct and memorable statement that underscored the dynamism and evolving influence of AANHPI talent on the global stage. EnVi’s editorial team has curated a selection of the most captivating ensembles from the evening, highlighting the stars who truly defined sartorial excellence.
A Night of Glamour and Cultural Significance
The Gold Gala, an initiative by Gold House, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Asian and Pacific representation in culture and media, has become a cornerstone event for acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of the AANHPI community. Established to create a more equitable and inclusive landscape, the gala serves as a platform for networking, inspiration, and the showcasing of talent across various industries. The year 2026 marked another milestone for the event, with its continued growth and influence solidifying its position as a must-attend gathering for cultural tastemakers and industry power players. The "gold carpet," a deliberate and symbolic choice, amplifies the preciousness and inherent value of the AANHPI community’s contributions. This year’s event, held at the prestigious Music Center in Los Angeles, a city that has long been a hub for entertainment and cultural innovation, further underscored the gala’s commitment to its mission. The convergence of artists, innovators, and philanthropists created an atmosphere of shared purpose and celebration, reinforcing the collective strength and burgeoning influence of the AANHPI diaspora.
Fashion Highlights from the Gold Carpet
Supriya Ganesh: A Fusion of Indian Craftsmanship and Pop Art
Actress Supriya Ganesh, widely recognized for her compelling portrayal of Dr. Mohan in the critically acclaimed HBO Max series The Pitt, made a striking entrance, transitioning from her professional medical attire to a breathtaking Naeem Khan creation. Ganesh’s ensemble was a strapless gown crafted from layers of ethereal tulle and raffia, a deliberate homage to traditional Indian raffia artistry. The dress’s design was further elevated by its bold poppy flower motifs, which artfully twisted and unfurled down the skirt, a clear nod to the vibrant and iconic works of Andy Warhol. This blend of cultural heritage and pop art sensibility created a visually dynamic and unique statement. To complement the gown’s airy, billowy silhouette, Ganesh accessorized with delicate pieces from Shaneli jewelry and elegant Alevi heels, completing a look that was both sophisticated and culturally resonant.
Anthony Keyvan: Understated Elegance with a Modern Edge
Actor Anthony Keyvan, known for his role in the popular series XO Kitty, presented a masterclass in minimalist yet impactful style. Guided by the styling duo Annie Easton and Nora Foley, Keyvan opted for a sophisticated textured wrap blazer paired with impeccably tailored pants. His grooming was equally refined, with his hair gelled back and his makeup kept clean and dewy, perfectly aligning with the classic and understated aesthetic of his attire. The grooming expertise of Colleen Dominique, who credited Caldera Lab, Armani Beauty, and Leonor Greyl Paris for their contributions, ensured Keyvan’s look was polished to perfection, emphasizing a modern and confident presentation.
Eileen Gu: Princess-Inspired Whimsy in Confectionary Pink
Olympic Gold Medalist Eileen Gu graced the gold carpet in a dreamy confectionary pink gown by Andrew Kwon. The dress, with its soft color palette and voluminous layers of tulle, evoked the romantic silhouette of a classic princess ballgown. The design featured shorter, artfully arranged layers in the front, a detail that not only added a unique visual dimension but also served to elegantly elongate her figure, creating a statuesque presence. Gu’s choice underscored a playful yet sophisticated embrace of feminine aesthetics, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to red carpet dressing.
Anna Cathcart: A Playful Contrast of Structure and Softness
Anna Cathcart, another breakout star from XO Kitty, made a memorable appearance in a figure-hugging strapless black gown by Bach Mai. The dress was distinguished by its dramatic ruffled blush pink fabric that artfully flared at her hips, creating a peplum-like effect that added a touch of avant-garde flair. Her hair, styled in soft, romantic curls by Terra Rose Puncerelli, and her makeup, a delicate ensemble of rosy cheeks, a glossy pink lip, and a subtle cat-eye created by Kendal Fedail, perfectly complemented the gown. The youthful and fresh makeup look enhanced Cathcart’s natural features, harmonizing beautifully with the contrasting textures and colors of her striking attire.
Manny Jacinto: Timeless Dapper with Subtle Sophistication
Manny Jacinto exuded classic charm as he walked the gold carpet in a sophisticated cream-colored NB44 suit jacket, expertly paired with sharp black dress pants, both from the design house of Nicolas Bijan. Styled by the renowned team of Ilaria Urbinati, Megan Lackey, Jina Dusara, and Mia Faigus, Jacinto’s ensemble was elevated by a classic black bow tie and a distinguished timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre. These carefully selected accessories enhanced his defined features and dark hair, contributing to an overall dapper and polished appearance. Jacinto shared his perspective on the gala’s significance, noting in an interview with Vogue that beyond celebrating AANHPI excellence, the event provides a valuable opportunity for him to reconnect with colleagues and collaborators, describing the experience as "very uplifting and inspiring and always really fun." This sentiment highlights the gala’s dual role as a celebration of achievement and a vital networking and community-building platform.
Liza Soberano: A Structural Masterpiece Inspired by Heritage
Filipino actress Liza Soberano captivated attendees with a unique and architecturally inspired fan dress from Phan Huy’s Fall Winter 2025/2026 Collection. The gown featured a delicate beige organza base, but its true artistry lay in the intricately embroidered bamboo fans adorning the bust, waist, hips, and cascading down the dress’s train. The ribbed structures of the skirt, meticulously crafted to mimic the ribs of a bamboo fan using traditional boning techniques, showcased a remarkable fusion of fashion innovation and cultural heritage. Soberano’s choice was a powerful statement of pride in her Filipino roots, presented through a cutting-edge couture lens.
no na: A Collective Celebration of Indonesian Heritage
The four-member Indonesian girl group no na presented a cohesive yet distinct vision of modern heritage, each member adorned in ensembles that thoughtfully incorporated wastra nusantara, traditional Indonesian textiles. Vocalist and rapper Esther Geraldine wore a gold tube top complemented by a sogan batik fabric tied at the waist and an antique golden arm cuff, exuding a regal yet understated elegance. Shazfa Adesya’s style embraced contemporary fashion with a sheer corseted gown embellished with sequins, elegantly draped with a woven tapis lampung over her right shoulder, creating a striking juxtaposition of textures. Christy Gardena commanded attention in an architectural top reminiscent of a futuristic breastplate, paired with a songket shawl and her hair pulled back in a sleek modern bun, embodying a bold and forward-thinking aesthetic. Baila Fauri completed the group’s harmonious presentation in a sparkling nude gown, dramatically accessorized with a luxurious red Palembang songket, showcasing the rich diversity and artistry of Indonesian textiles.
EJAE: A Couture Tribute to Korean Lacquer Ware
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 sophisticated basque waist that flowed into a voluminous, floor-length structural skirt. A closer inspection revealed the dress’s intricate detail: mosaic peony designs meticulously crafted from approximately 1,000 delicately cut pieces of mother-of-pearl. Inspired by the artistry of traditional Korean lacquer ware (Najeonchilgi), the gown served as a profound celebration of EJAE’s Korean heritage through the medium of high fashion. To complement the gown’s mother-of-pearl accents, EJAE chose elegant pearl earrings and styled her hair in a sleek high ponytail that cascaded into two long braids, a look that was both refined and culturally significant.
Maia Kealoha: Embracing Polynesian Weaving and Cinematic Success
Actress Maia Kealoha, celebrated for her heartwarming portrayal of Lilo in the 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch film, attended her inaugural Gold Gala in a stunning creation by Kini Zamora. Kealoha’s gown masterfully incorporated Lauhala, a traditional Polynesian weaving technique, into the design of the dress’s bodice. Speaking to the profound symbolism of the weaving, which often represents unity and family heritage, Kealoha remarked that the dress felt "fitting for the Gold Gala, an event that brings together AANHPI leaders to create a stronger community." Her choice to wear her hair in a high ponytail, as styled by Tanya Alian, effectively showcased her face and the halter neckline of the dress. Dangling pink orchid earrings added a final touch of tropical elegance, perfectly encapsulating her heritage and her remarkable achievement as the youngest native Hawaiian actress to star in a film that surpassed the billion-dollar mark at the box office.
H.E.R.: Bold Florals and Musical Resonance
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. made a captivating appearance in a gown from Phan Huy’s latest couture collection. The striking ensemble featured a nude tulle base generously 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, lending the illusion of movement and organic texture. The boldness and dynamism of her ensemble served as a powerful visual metaphor for the impactful and emotionally resonant nature of H.E.R.’s music, demonstrating a seamless integration of artistic expression and personal style.
Avan Jogia and Halsey: A Harmonious Contrast in Rahul Mishra
Actor Avan Jogia and singer-songwriter Halsey arrived as a stylish pair, both dressed in exquisite creations by Rahul Mishra. Jogia exuded a sleek and formal elegance in an intricately embroidered black "Himadri" Sherwani jacket, accessorized with multiple statement necklaces. While his palette was predominantly black, the detailed beaded embroidery added a rich textural dimension to his look, embodying a sophisticated yet subtly artistic flair. In contrast, Halsey captivated in 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 elegant braided updo and the vibrant green tones of her heavily beaded choker and Indian-inspired earrings. Her makeup, characterized by a luminous glow and dark-lined lips, was further enhanced by a touch of green eyeliner on her lower waterline, artfully tying together the green accents with her overall ensemble.
Eugene Lee Yang: Androgynous Allure and Symbolic Adornment
Eugene Lee Yang, a prominent figure as co-founder of the Try Guys, a filmmaker, and a dedicated LGBTQIA+ activist, presented a striking androgynous look. He donned a black strapless corset by QUEERA paired with wide-leg pants and a dramatic, long, rose-covered coat by The Mayor Official. The all-black ensemble, with its fluid materials, created an intriguing ambiguity between pants and skirt, challenging conventional fashion norms. Continuing the gala’s theme of celebrating heritage and artistry, Yang accessorized his look with a symbolic lotus headdress, featuring a golden lotus flower surrounded by artistically shaped lotus leaves, adding a layer of profound meaning to his avant-garde presentation.
Esther Yu: A Golden Extravaganza of Tang Dynasty Craftsmanship
Chinese star Esther Yu embraced the "gold" theme with unparalleled enthusiasm, wearing a magnificent strapless gown from Laurence Xu’s Fall 2013 couture collection. The dress was adorned with traditional Panjin embroidery, a sophisticated 3-D embroidery technique originating from the Tang Dynasty, where gold or silver wire is meticulously laid and couched to form intricate traditional patterns. A dramatic black tulle and feathered train trailed behind the gown, evoking the majestic imagery of a phoenix’s tail. Yu’s accessories were equally striking: a golden hair ornament placed on her left side was balanced by a single, triangular earring on her right, adding an asymmetrical yet harmonious touch. During interviews, Yu expressed her excitement for her upcoming C-drama, Yun Chu Ling, a historical drama promising a narrative rich with betrayal, revenge, and destiny, highlighting her multifaceted career and upcoming projects.
The Broader Impact and Future of the Gold Gala
The 2026 Gold Gala not only served as a dazzling display of fashion and talent but also reinforced the growing influence and cultural significance of the AANHPI community. Events like these play a crucial role in providing visibility, fostering a sense of belonging, and driving forward conversations about representation and equity in an increasingly diverse global landscape. The success of the gala underscores the momentum of organizations like Gold House in their mission to empower and elevate AANHPI voices. As attendees departed, carrying with them the memories of a night filled with inspiration, connection, and sartorial brilliance, the impact of the 2026 Gold Gala resonated, setting a high standard for future celebrations of Asian and Pacific excellence and continuing to illuminate the path for greater inclusivity in the entertainment industry and beyond.
