(Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Gold House)
Bustamante walked her first gold carpet in gown by Filipina designer Monique Lhuillier
Gold House’s third annual Gold Gala celebrates Asian Pacific cultures during AAPI Heritage month
This year’s theme "A Gold New World" resonates with Bustamante's commitment to empower the youth to reach for their dreams
Rising racer from the Philippines, Bianca Bustamante made her unforgettable debut on the prestigious gold carpet at this year’s third annual Gold Gala. Organized by leading cultural ecosystem, Gold House, the event took place on Saturday, May 11th at the historic Music Centre in Los Angeles, California. The iconic Gold Gala stands as the largest and most highly anticipated Asian Pacific gathering throughout the United States, attracting industry leaders, celebrities, artists and athletes from all over the globe. It serves as a celebration of the A100, the most prestigious and definitive Asian Pacific award in the country and commemorates the vibrant AAPI Heritage Month, observed throughout the month of May.
Despite not being one of the recipients for the prestigious A100 award, the 19-year-old still exuded grace and confidence as she made her first ever appearance on the gold carpet. Together with English celebrity stylist, Danyul Brown, Bustamante curated a captivating ensemble that truly reflected her pride in representing and supporting her home country, the Philippines. The teen adorned a stunning baby blue gown from the Spring 2023 collection crafted by renowned Filipina designer Monique Lhuillier. Lhuillier's breathtaking designs have been seen on numerous international celebrities including singers like Jennifer Lopez, and Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland. She complemented the enchanting gown with a pair of sleek black heels from Italian shoe brand Ricagno, and embellished her ensemble with jewelry from luxury brand, Gabriel & Co New York, adding a touch of elegance. To complete her whole look, Bustamante received a gorgeous transformation thanks to talented makeup artist Nova Kaplan and visionary hairstylist Rikki Gash, who worked together to make the Filipina radiate on the gold carpet.
The theme for this year’s event was A Gold New World, which imagines a tomorrow for all, built by all. With motorsport being a more recognized sport throughout Asia, this theme perfectly embodies the spirit of Bustamante, who empowers young individuals to reach for their dreams relentlessly.
Bianca Bustamante
Race Driver
“What an honor to have been invited to the third annual Gold Gala event. It was my first time attending a major red carpet event and it was so much more than I’d ever imagined. The Gold Gala was filled with so many influential people whom I have looked up to while growing up, which was unbelievable. Tonight made me value the importance of Asian representation even more than I already do, and meeting so many people who have changed how society views Asian cultures was truly amazing. It was such a great experience and the event inspires me to aim at influencing the next generation in a positive way. Thank you so much to Gold House for having me and giving me one of the best nights I’ve ever had, and of course to my glam team for helping me pull off this look for my first time on the Gold Carpet!”
(Getty Images for Gold House)