Here’s A Roundup Of The Best Red Carpet Looks From Asian American And Pacific Islander Celebrities, Because Some Of These Should Be In Museums
If there’s one thing we Asians and Pacific Islanders know how to do, it’s bring our A-game when it comes to dressing for a party. And red carpets are definitely no exception.
In honor of Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I thought we could take a look at 21 of the most iconic red carpet outfits by some of our favorite AAPI celebrities. There are some old looks on here, and some recent ones, but all of them live in my brain rent free. Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Sandra Oh — SAG Awards, 2008
Jeffrey Mayer / WireImage
This look was inspired by a traditional Korean Hanbok, and I truly couldn’t be any more obsessed.
2. Avan Jogia — Gold Gala, 2024
Monica Schipper / Getty Images
Designed by the one and only Sabyasachi.
3. Lucy Liu — Academy Awards, 2000
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic, Inc
No one will ever look this good at the Oscars again.
4. Auli’i Cravalho — Academy Awards, 2017
Ian West – PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images
She’s like a beautiful seashell.
5. Ali Wong — SAG Awards, 2024
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic
It’s art.
6. Naomi Osaka — Met Gala, 2021
Sean Zanni / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Gaaaaaaaag.
7. Harry Shum Jr. — Academy Awards, 2023
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic
Outsold.
8. Brenda Song — Academy Awards, 2025
Savion Washington / FilmMagic
Ms. Tipton, pleeeeeaaaseee.
9. Nicole Scherzinger — Men In Black 3 Premiere, 2012
Franziska Krug / Getty Images for Sony
No one had ever done purple this good.
10. Drew Afualo — Academy Awards, 2023
Arturo Holmes / Getty Images
I LOVE this yellow on her.
11. Gemma Chan — Cannes, 2021
Marc Piasecki / FilmMagic
Hello?!??!?
12. Olivia Rodrigo — Met Gala, 2022
Gotham / Getty Images
Literally a fairy princess.
13. Saweetie — BET Awards, 2021
Aaron J. Thornton / Getty Images
Get into this train.
14. Kelly Marie Tran — Gold Gala, 2025
Olivia Wong / WireImage
This Thai Nguyen Ateliere look is everything.
15. Manny Jacinto — Emmys, 2021
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
The white suit to end all white suits.
16. Vanessa Hudgens — Met Gala, 2022
Gotham / Getty Images
The puff sleeves were a tribute to her Filipina heritage. So fab.
17. Devon Aoki — Wildlife Conservation Society’s Gala, 2010
Patrick McMullan / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Because Devon invented the color orange.
18. H.E.R. — Academy Awards, 2025
Gilbert Flores / Penske Media via Getty Images
Almost didn’t recognize my girl without the sunglasses.
19. Kumail Nanjiani — Eternals Premiere, 2021
Rich Fury / Getty Images
Sherwani serve.
20. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Gold Gala 2024
Olivia Wong / FilmMagic
Lehenga serve.
21. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Gold Gala 2025
Araya Doheny / Getty Images for Gold House
Maitreyi gets two because both of these looks are generational.
