1. Naomi Osaka dazzled at the 2021 Met Gala, which had the theme “In America:
A Lexicon of Fashion,” wearing a Louis Vuitton gown that her sister Mari Osaka co-designed. The Japanese-Haitian tennis player looked stunning with an obi-style belt with a koi fish motif and vibrant Caribbean-inspired colours.
Mari stated to Vogue, “I think it truly embraces who we all are and how we all contribute to the American Dream. The design we ultimately created relates to our multiracial ancestry. Like America itself, it’s a celebration of civilizations, a mingling pot of so many distinct and exceptional aspects.”
2. Saweetie Donned
Saweetie donned a custom Christian Cowan gown with a trailing cape that had the colours of the Filipino flag on one side and the Black American Heritage flag on the other at the same Met Gala. “That’s what makes me an American girl,” she replied.
3. Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra received recognition for her cinematic contributions in 2019 at the Marrakech International Film Festival. She was dressed in an ivory Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla sari that was hand-embroidered with “sequins in a geometric jaali leitmotif” and “doused in mukaish work,” according to Vogue India.
“This sari is an ode to her brilliance and beauty,” the designer declared. Even though a sari is distinctly and iconically Indian, a slinky, seductive blouse perfectly complements its elegance.”
4. Quannah Chasinghorse
Quannah Chasinghorse, an Oglala Lakota and Han Gwich’in tribe member, wore traditional jewellery designed by bead artist Lenise Omeasoo, along with feathers in her hair at the 2022 Met Gala.
Quannah discussed the value of Indigenous representation in areas where Native people have historically been marginalised with Reuters during the event. She went on to explain the meaning of her jewellery, saying, “It contains all the earth elements that my people historically used.” Beads, dentalium shells, moose hide, and porcupine quills—all of which are rapidly becoming extinct. It is therefore a privilege for me to be here and wear these on the red carpet.”
Lenise posted on Instagram, saying, “I was inspired by our Native communities to create this piece.” The love and support of her communities are represented by each beaded tipi on her necklace.”
5. Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o wore a custom Carolina Herrera gown and matching headpiece to the Queen of Katwe premiere in 2016. Her hairdresser, Micaela erlanger stated to PopSugar that Lupita’s Kenyan ancestry had an impact on the appearance. “It was directly inspired by some fabric I had brought back from my trip to Kenya with Lupita in July of last year. The print was stunning, and the colours were amazing.”
6. Drew Afualo & Pili
Drew Afualo and her boyfriend Pili represented Samoa head to toe at the 2022 Black Adam premiere. I still have an obsession with her tapa corset-wearing dress because I am a Samoan woman. The Polynesian cultures hold great significance for this bark-made cloth. Pili donned an ie faitaga, a necklace typically worn by men to formal occasions, along with the red necklace known as ula fala.
On Instagram, Drew wrote, “I had a custom dress made by a Samoan woman @nancyelizabethxo. My glam was done by a Samoan HMUA @adamlesimmons, AND I got to walk w my Samoan boyfriend @billythekidd_. WE OUT HERE BABY.”
7. Ali Wong
Chinese-Vietnamese fashionista Ali Wong wore a áo dài (traditional Vietnamese dress) and headgear to the Time 100 Gala this year. Designer Thai Nguyen expressed gratitude to the actor on Instagram, saying, “It’s an iconic moment that represents the beauty of the áo dài and the Vietnamese culture.”
8. Kumail Nanjiani
Kumail Nanjiani wore a Pakistani sherwani from the House of Umar Sayeed at the 2021 Eternals premiere. According to him, “I wanted to wear a sherwani because, 1. they look awesome, and, 2. my costume in the film always reminded me of sherwanis.” He said to The Hollywood Reporter. After giving him the names of three Pakistani designers, the actor called his mother.
Kumail’s stylist, Jeanne Yang, sent over images of his superhero costume for inspiration once they decided on the House of Umar Sayeed. “I wanted the hues to resemble the hues of my outfit, and purple and gold make a stunning duo. Additionally, the paisley pattern is very traditional,” he remarked.
9. Ariana DeBose
Ariana DeBose attended both the Critics Choice Awards and the BAFTAs on the same day last year. The Afro-Latina actor, who took home the gold at both award shows for her portrayal of West Side Story, wished to pay tribute to both her own Latina heritage and that of her character Anita. She thus donned Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera, two Latina designers, for their red carpet looks. Ariana honoured Anita’s outfit by going with yellow hues.
“It’s so rare in your work life that you get to be your full self and have who you are be seen and embraced,” she said to Harper’s Bazaar. This season has become so much about me celebrating various aspects of who I am. That seems to be the overarching theme of not just this past weekend but also my journey through fashion and West Side Story. Given how much my identity is influenced by Latinx designers, it was truly wonderful to be able to honour them this weekend. Let’s face it, Hispanics are dominant as well.”
10. Auli’i Cravalho
At the 2016 Moana world premiere, Auli’i Cravalho gave a hula performance. The Native Hawaiian actor wore lei po’o, a hula skirt, and earrings that appeared to be hanging flowers.
11. Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany Haddish attended the 2018 Oscars dressed in a traditional Eritrean outfit. “My father is from Eritrea, and he passed away last year,” she stated to ABC. “He said one day I would end up here, and if I ever end up at the Oscars, to honour my people.”
12. Richa Moorjani
Richa Moorjani wowed audiences at the debut of the last season of Never Have I Ever this year. She was dressed in an Amit Aggarwal ensemble, according to Vogue India, which included a structured palla with geometric patterns, a hand-embroidered blouse, and a lehenga.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to have this beautiful artwork by @amitaggarwalofficial on my body,” Richa wrote on Instagram. “He invited me to his atelier in Delhi and immediately made me feel like I was a part of the parivaar. A big thank you to the entire staff there for making this priceless moment possible and for allowing me to proudly represent the excellence of Indian craftsmanship. ✨ The polymer materials used in the brand’s signature pieces push the boundaries of contemporary Indian handicraft and silhouette, as well as the piece’s light weight and ethereal emerald colour.”
13. Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali made history at the 2019 Oscars by becoming the first Black actor and Muslim to win Best Supporting Actor twice. The hat he wore went viral online. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his stylist Van Van Alonso said, “It’s a play on a Jinnah cap.” We decided to [do] something that was rounder on top after he sent me a tonne of pictures of hats, African looks, and fez hats. After extensive investigation, we located Gigi Burris. It was a pleasure working with them, and they were very eager to work with us.”
14. Ashley Callingbull
Plains Cree Ashley Callingbull of the Enoch Cree Nation looked gorgeous at the 2022 Canadian Country Music Awards. Instagram user Pam Baker, an Indigenous designer, posted a photo of the model with the caption, “Beautiful @ashleycallingbull wearing my family pole.”
15. Yara Shahidi
Celebrating her Black and Iranian heritage, Yara Shahidi wore her own jumpsuit from her Adidas collaboration at the 2021 MTV Movie & TV Awards. According to the actor, who spoke with Harper’s Bazaar, the goal of the ensemble is to “honour the past in a way that also pays homage to the future.”
“The campaign is about how we re-create our heritage, even though many of these details are specific to my own upbringing and the things that impacted me,” is the one thing I wanted people to remember. What it means to me to be Black and Iranian is something I’m always figuring out.”
16. Riz Ahmed
Riz Ahmed wore a pink Prada kurta to the 2021 Encounter premiere. Despite having grown up in London, he told the New York Times that his Pakistani ancestry caused him to be shunned at school. An act of reclamation and a chance to challenge “Eurocentric and precolonial” conceptions of masculinity was to wear a kurta to a movie event.
“These days, I’m becoming more and more interested in not having to leave part of myself at the door as I enter a room,” he stated. “Sending out a signal to the world about the kind of space we live in today and what is appropriate there is wearing a kurta to a premiere. To be completely honest with you, I want to be myself, no matter what.”
17. Camila Cabello’s
Although unofficial, fans conjectured that Camila Cabello’s appearance at the 2018 VMAs was a tribute to her Cuban ancestry, particularly in light of the fact that she received two nominations for the song “Havana.” The colours of the Cuban flag are represented by the red lipstick and the blue and white of her Oscar de la Renta gown.
18. Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens dazzled in a captivating black dress at the 2022 Met Gala. She posted on Instagram, saying, “There are so many reasons why I was and still am obsessed with this dress.” A friend of mine, @jeremyscott, who is familiar with my true self, designed it. B. In actuality, the silhouette fits the Gilded Age theme historically. D. The puff sleeve honours my Filipino ancestry and allows me to be the glitzy witch that I am.”
19. Dinah Jane
Lastly, Dinah Jane wore traditional Tongan attire created by Afa Ah Loo to the 2022 API Excellence Celebration. She posted, “This is a custom top made out of Tongan Ngatu,” on Instagram. Traditionally, the bark of the mulberry or hiapo tree is used to make this material. This is how our ancestors made the Ngatu, and most of the time, women do it by hand. Even now, it remains a highly valued treasure (Koloa) for our ancestors. It is presented at esteemed occasions honouring life’s achievements and the spirit of our people.”
We like to refer to this particular necklace as Heilala. adorned in the important hue of red, which stands for my lovely Tongan people… For me, this was an emotional appearance. Because I was able to embrace and represent my family and culture on these Hollywood floors for the first time in my many years in this industry. Being who you truly are feels freeing.”
