Celebrating Style at the Gold Gala: Embracing Representation in Fashion

Stars gathered on the steps of The Music Center in Los Angeles on Saturday for the Gold Gala, a celebration of Asian Pacific influential talent across entertainment, fashion, technology, and more, hosted by the non-profit Gold House.

They were dressed to represent, with many proudly embracing Asian designers and cultural heritage through their red carpet looks.

Karrueche Tran, an actor with a Vietnamese mother and African American father, looked amazing in a beautiful red ao dai designed by Thai Nguyen, a Vietnamese American fashion designer. She shared on Instagram that she wanted to proudly showcase her cultural heritage.

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Nymphia Wind, the Taiwanese drag queen who won “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” shared with CNN that her outfit created by Singaporean designer Sheng Cheong was inspired by a mix of club kids and the Forbidden City. The ensemble included a dress and cape with a striking print of neon yellow and white “laser cut clouds.”

Elsewhere, Karan Johar, a Bollywood filmmaker, rocked a stunning suit jacket by Rimple and Harpeet. This Indian fashion brand is known for their handcrafted pieces that draw inspiration from ancient crafts and vintage textiles. Indonesian singer Agnez Mo also looked fabulous with her golden hair pins and elegant hand fan.

Actor Eugene Lee Yang attends the Gold Gala in an eye catching ensemble.

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Musician Agnez Mo, who is the most awarded artist in the history of Indonesia, arrived in a black and gold look.

The event, often dubbed as the "Asian Pacific Met Gala," is a place where anything goes, as TV personality Jeannie Mai explained to CNN. It's a celebratory atmosphere where attendees can truly represent themselves and feel welcomed to do so.

The annual A100 list by Gold House celebrates one hundred Asian Pacific leaders who have made a big impact on culture and society. This year, honorees included author and TV host Padma Lakshmi, actor Lucy Liu, and the cast and creator of the Netflix series "Beef," which won an Emmy award.

Actor and comedian Joel Kim Booster found the gala honoring so many people in the AAPI community to be truly meaningful.

I find events like this really exciting because when I was younger, I felt like there was a lot of competition to stand out in a room. It's rewarding to now be in a space where we all come together and support each other. This is something I never imagined I would experience growing up.

Lucy Liu, wearing a gown by Bibhu Mohapatra, and Karan Johar exchange a greeting at the Gold Gold 2024.

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From left to right, Shelby Rabara and Harry Shum Jr. attend the Gold Gala.

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In the past, there were obstacles in various industries, such as Hollywood, where Asians were often not well-represented or portrayed stereotypically. However, things have started to improve in recent times.

According to a collaborative study by Gold House and the USC Annenberg, the proportion of Asian characters with speaking roles in top-grossing movies in the US increased from 3.4% in 2007 to 15.9% in 2022. Furthermore, the characters now have more depth and complexity in their roles.

Nymphia Wind's outfit featured a cloud motif.

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The age of streaming has also ushered in more opportunities for diverse and daring storytelling — on and off screen.

FX's Shogun instantly captured the audience's attention when it debuted in February. The show boasts a diverse Asian cast who primarily speak Japanese. To ensure authenticity, Japanese experts, including those knowledgeable in samurai dramas and the art of gesture, were consulted behind the scenes.

Tran stepped out in a dramatic satin column gown designed by Thai Nguyen Atelier, complete with a tulle cape and bejewelled lucky cat purse.

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"I believe the industry has come to recognize the unique creativity and talent found in Asia. This realization has been rewarding to see, as more people are willing to take risks and succeed," Lakshmi shared with CNN.

It is widely acknowledged that there is still much more work to be done in all areas.

"It's an exciting time to witness the Asian diaspora uniting to share our own stories, in our own time, and in our own space," expressed Prabal Gurung, a fashion designer and the creative director of the gala event.

"It's wonderful to see this increased visibility. Although there is still a long journey ahead of us, we are making progress."

Editor's P/S:

The Gold Gala, an event that celebrates Asian Pacific excellence in various industries, showcased a remarkable display of cultural pride and diversity. Celebrities adorned themselves in stunning creations by Asian designers, proudly representing their heritage on the red carpet. The event highlighted the growing recognition of Asian talent and the increased opportunities for diverse storytelling in entertainment.

The article also emphasizes the positive impact of streaming platforms in providing more inclusive narratives and the importance of ongoing efforts to promote representation and authenticity in media. The Gold Gala serves as a platform for the Asian Pacific community to come together, showcase their unique perspectives, and inspire future generations. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Asian Pacific diaspora and a beacon of hope for continued progress in the fight for fair and equitable representation in all areas of society.