Photo Diary: A Weekend in Los Angeles with Nava Rose for the 2024 Gold Gala
Internet personality and DIY fashion creator, Nava Rose, gained online prominence for championing sustainability with her fashion and thrifting content. The Los Angeles-based fashion enthusiast and sustainability advocate has cultivated a loyal following that resonates with her pop culture-inspired creations and innovative clothes repurposing. From her short-form outfit breakdowns to long-form YouTube tutorials, Nava has established herself as a trailblazer in the online fashion community.
Beyond social media feeds, however, Nava’s innate ability to connect with digital audiences has made her a fixture at fashion events, red carpets and front rows. Celebrating femininity, confidence, and, most importantly, her Filipino heritage, Nava took her style prowess to the Gold House annual Gold Gala on May 11.
“I am so excited to attend the Gold Gala this year because it was one of my favorite events last year, but more importantly I am so honored to be a part of such a beautiful night that celebrates the AANHPI community!” Nava told EnVi ahead of the event, which celebrates Asian and Pacific Islanders’ cultural contributions. “The Gold Gala has many people who I look up to, not because of what they’ve accomplished but because they did so while also looking like me. That is something I find so special.”
Want to know how things went down? Keep scrolling as Nava Rose guides EnVi through her weekend in Los Angeles to attend the 2024 Gold Gala.
Enjoying Time in Los Angeles
“L.A. spoils me so much and I love it – so many cool people, so many good places to eat and all the fun events happen here!”
Travel Bucketlist
“[When traveling] I make it a routine to always try a new omakase restaurant — if they even have one in the area [laughs] — and stop by a thrift or vintage store in any new city I’m at.”
Pre-event Rituals
“BLACK COFFEE. I don’t generally drink too much coffee throughout the week but if I know that I have a long event that day, I will opt for a black coffee or espresso drink instead of my usual tea to make sure my energy is up for the rest of the day. I love feeling wired.”
Skincare Essentials
“I used to have an extensive skincare routine but I definitely chopped it down recently. I’ve been loving my Tatcha Rice Wash cleanser followed by their dewy cream — my skin is skinning after these two. I’ll then add a serum. I usually switch off between a few depending on what my skin needs. Then finish off my routine with my favorite SPF of all time, the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen!”
Gold Gala Glam
“My go-to foundation for any event with a carpet is Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter! I wanted to keep the eyes pretty simple so I went with Huda Beauty’s Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette for all the pretty pinks. Brows are Anastasia Beverly Hills, of course, and I used my go-to Hourglass Phantom Lip Balm for all-night hydration.”
Red Carpet Must-Haves
“When it comes to carpet and gala looks, I love adding accessories into my hair and on my face. I’m such an accessories girlie so I always think, the more the better. I think it ties the full look in! I’m also 5’1 so platforms are always my go-to.”
Sustainability Matters
“Sustainability can come in many different forms but for me, it’s all about making a conscious decision with your wardrobe — [think of things like] where the look is purchased from? will it have a long life in your wardrobe? what are your intentions for purchasing it? how do you treat [the clothes]? how will you pass them down or retire them from your wardrobe? Over the years, we have developed a very disposable mindset when it comes to fashion but I would love to see clothes treated with kindness rather than seen as something that can be easily thrown away.”
Event Essentials
“This might be an odd answer but my rings! I’m a big fidgeter and get somewhat nervous entering big events like galas so I always need at least one ring on my hand to help calm me before and after an event. I also feel a bit off if my fingers are completely bare too.”
L.A. Top Meals
“I always stop by Yunomi Handroll in Arts District — solid handrolls, their rock shrimp tempura is to die for and matcha IPA is a must! At Jinsolgukbap, a cute little Korean restaurant in Koreatown, I will order two of their scallion pancakes. I seriously cannot get enough of these.”
Nava Rose’s Getting Ready Playlist
“Brand New Bitch” by COBRAH, “The Von Dutch Remix” by Charli XCX, Addison Rae, A.G. Cook and “Linda” by Tokischa & ROSALIA. “I can listen to these on repeat any hour of the day!”
Riri-INSPIRED
“My Gold Gala look consists of a pearl strap corset, silk floor length skirt and fur-trimmed satin robe in all pink. My stylist Sky originally pulled this look together inspired by Rihanna’s 2015 Met Gala look.”
The Pearl of the Orient Seas
“Although I had some initial doubt [about the look] because it didn’t scream traditional Filipino culture, it was my favorite look from the rack. [It reflected] my style with the modern styling, monochromatic pink and strands of pearls. We ended up naming this the “Pearl of the Orient Seas”, which is actually a nickname given to the Philippines.”
All Ready
Look breakdown: bustier and robe by Scarlett Gasque, skirt by Gert-Johan Coetzee, necklace by Pyrrha, earrings by Nissa® Jewelry, bag by Moschino. Styled by Sky JT Naval
Looking Forward to Meeting…
“I absolutely love Tan France and Prabal Gurung, my fashion kings. I was so nervous to say hi to them last year but if they’re attending again this year, I definitely will [say hi]!”
Asian Representation
“It’s so incredibly inspiring when you see someone who looks like you either on the big screen or winning some cool award and is representing your heritage. AANHPI voices have struggled to be heard or seen for many years so representation is essential for diversity and to encourage inclusivity.”
Post Event Rituals
“HYDRATION. Babes we’re too cute to wake up with hangovers! I always go to bed drinking 1 Liquid IV to combat the aftermath of the afterparty drinks. Pizza from either Joe’s or Pizzaoki is also a must-delivery order after my events.”
Feels Like Home
“My favorite part of attending the Gold Gala [was] seeing a huge community come together to celebrate and uplift one another. Family and community are a huge aspect of our culture, so being a part of this event feels like home.”
Talent: Nava Rose | Photos: courtesy of Nava Rose
Interested in more beauty and fashion coverage? Get Ready with Rising Gen Z Icon Rhea Raj for the 2024 Gold Gala here.
