The Most Notable Looks at the 2024 Gold Gala

Hosted by Gold House, the annual Gold Gala honors 100 Asian-Pacific leading figures recognized for their influence and impact on culture and society. The event celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and reunites impactful Asian Pacific changemakers. 

On May 11, the Gold Gala returned to the Music Center in Los Angeles for a third consecutive year. Themed “A Gold New World,” the 2024 Gold Gala marked the debut of fashion designer Prabal Gurung as the event’s creative director. 

Just like every year, the big night brought together a slew of stars, cultural leaders, and notable names across fields. Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, musician Saweetie, singer and actor Taecyeon, Mean Girls star Avantika, among many others, were present at the high-profile event. With so many A-listers proudly embracing their cultural roots and heritage, it only made sense that the gold carpet was a parade of noteworthy fashion and beauty. 

Below, EnVi revisits some of the most remarkable looks from the 2024 Gold Gala.

Hello Kitty

The 2024 Gold Gala “Gold Generation Award” recipient, Hello Kitty was unofficially (and undeniably) the scene-stealer on the gold carpet. The animated character’s usual garb comprises an instantly recognizable red bow and blue overalls, but the beloved icon adopted a new look for the Gold Gala. Shedding her daily 2D wear, Hello Kitty stepped out in a mid-length dress speckled with pink bow appliques. The monochromatic ensemble was a refreshing change-up that stayed true to Hello Kitty’s animated roots and brought cheer to the event’s attendees.

Cindy Chen

Cindy Chen attended the event in a stunning modern qipao by Hawaii-based label Beth and Brian Qipao. Chen, known for sharing her avant-garde makeup creations on social media, took the Gold Gala as an opportunity to showcase her artistic abilities. To match the white fabric of her qipao, Chen painted a blue and white floral design inspired by Chinese porcelain on her face. The homage to Chinese porcelain didn’t end there: Chen’s gold accessories were a nod to the gold lining often featured in Ming Dynasty antiques.

Yasmeen Fletcher

Wearing various shades of gold, actress Yasmeen Fletcher channeled a fairytale-worthy look. The Ms. Marvel (2022) star wore a canary gown with a playful thigh-high slit and glistening gold heels. Ornate gems and embroidery decorated the gown’s neckline, straps, and underbust for an extra touch of glamour. To further elevate the look, Fletcher wore a statement necklace and delicate gold earrings that matched the night’s color palette. Fletcher looked positively regal with her hair neatly pinned up and glammed up with warm-hued, glittering smoky eyeshadow.

Rhea Raj

Indian-American songstress Rhea Raj walked the Gold Gala red carpet in a glamorous outfit that embodied recent fashion trends. Delicately balancing risqué elements with luxury, the “Devil in a Dress” singer stepped out in a deep purple-red hooded dress with an open back and high slit. Raj’s reflective silver boots perfectly matched her necklace and rings, while sultry makeup mirrored her chrome manicure. To add a touch of tradition and nod to her roots, Raj sported a bindi-style ornament on her forehead.  

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan stunned in a multi-hued blue ensemble. The Never Have I Ever star wore a high-fashion saree comprising a sleeveless cropped top and a floor-length skirt. The look’s most notable point, however, was the spread of intricate patterns spanning the fabric. Organic and geometric shapes harmonized in shades of teal, gold, and even a bit of white, creating a red carpet-ready artistic mosaic. Just like Raj, Ramakrishnan enhanced her look with a traditional bindi and statement jewelry. 

Xochitl Gomez

Mexican-American actress Xochitl Gomez looked like a true gem as she walked down the red carpet in an emerald green Oscar de la Renta gown. As monochromatic outfits continue to grow as a red carpet trend this year, Gomez’s simple color coordination produced breathtaking results. The actress paired her gown with Gucci Floral Print D’Orsay Pumps. Makeup artist and hair stylist Brittany Gharring coiffed Gomez’s short hair into a vintage bob that epitomized class. As for accessories, the starlet opted for gold jewelry and carried a gold purse featuring a larger-than-life bow appliqué — an integration of yet another one of the year’s biggest trends.

Chloe Kim

Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim channeled a combination of Old Hollywood glamour and 1920s flapper style at the gala. With the help of Los Angeles-based stylist Amanda Lim, Kim embraced the fashion of eras past with a gown by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. To offset the dress’ cold shoulder neckline while sticking with the evening’s metallic theme, Lim styled the Olympic snowboarder in a statement necklace from B.P. de Silva Jewellers and earrings from Sri Lankan jewelry designer Kasun. Kim wore a pair of Gedebe heels and carried a black David Yurman purse to complete the look.

Manny Jacinto

With white and light-colored suits gaining popularity in menswear spaces, it’s no surprise that some Gold Gala attendees adopted the standout trend for the night. Actor Manny Jacinto, for one, seamlessly fit the event’s color palette with a cream-colored two-piece suit. Looking appropriately upscale, Jacinto stepped out clad in a cream suit jacket with white lapels and tapered trousers cuffed at the ankle. Adding a subtle touch of extravagance to his look, the actor pinned a statement brooch on his jacket’s lapel and sported silver rings.  

Kim Shui

Chinese-American fashion designer Kim Shui, known for the culturally-inspired and trendy designs of her eponymous brand, attended the Gold Gala in a reflective asymmetrical gown. The silver garment featured a one-shoulder sleeve and high slit, showing off both Shui’s dramatic jewelry and matching heels. With her hair flowing freely and an eye-catching train trailing behind her, Shui looked ready to take on a night of festivities in style.

Ok Taecyeon

South Korean actor and rapper Ok Taecyeon, mononymously known as Taecyeon, attended his second Gold Gala in a summer-ready white linen suit. Partially visible beneath Taecyeon’s jacket was a printed black button-up shirt embroidered with a vertically striped pattern. The outfit’s final detail was a pair of brushed calfskin loafers. Aligned with current men’s beauty trends, Taecyeon matched his elegant ensemble with a curtain bang hairstyle reminiscent of ‘90s teen idols.

Leah Lewis

Taking the event’s namesake color as her guide, Elemental actress Leah Lewis made a case for metallic gowns on the gold carpet. Styled by Ana Takana, the star stunned in a spectacular form-fitting gown by Vietnam-based label LE THANH HOA. Scaling the lengths of the gown were countless embroidered lines in various hues of gold and yellow, which intersected at several bejeweled points. Even the neckline was intricately detailed, with white and gold jewels simulating a neck accessory.  

Avan Jogia and Halsey

Donning matching outfits, Actor Avan Jogia and musician Halsey made a joint appearance at the 2024 Gold Gala. Both stars wore full sets by the Indian luxury label Sabyasachi. Jogia took a dark glamorous approach to the evening, opting for maroon shades and rich botanical prints. Halsey, on the other hand, sported her hot pink hair in a curled updo and matched it with a traditional set comprising a cropped long-sleeve top and a gold lehenga. The luxurious attention to detail in the couple’s outfits was an homage to South Asian culture, courtesy of a styling team that includes stylist and designer Shereen — who has previously worked with Sonam Kapoor.

As per tradition, the Gold Gala is a grandiose commemoration of Asian-Pacific heritage. From the elaborate, star-studded guest list to the engaging musical performances, Gold House covers all bases in creating one of the year’s biggest celebrations. Each year, A-listers dress to the nines before making their gold carpet appearances, bringing innovative fashion and beauty to elevate the night. With all eyes turning to the Asia-Pacific region, the world can only expect the Gold Gala to continue growing in magnitude and showcasing the fashion prowess of APAC stars.

Interested in more Gold Gala content? Check out five men’s beauty and fashion trends that dominated the gold carpet here.