For maximum celebrities, donning a robe for a crimson carpet tournament is like placing on a uniform: as an alternative of clocking in at an place of work, they’re stepping onto a crimson carpet to be photographed and scrutinized from each and every perspective. For lots of Hollywood’s A-list, stylists paintings in the back of the scenes to protected seems from the newest trending runway collections. While some are content material deciding on a robe from a pre-approved line sheet, others see crimson carpet dressing as a much more private—and inventive—enterprise.
For plastic surgeon, philanthropist, and Bling Empire celebrity Christine Chiu, type is a type of storytelling—an expression that weaves in combination an important parts of her lifestyles. So it’s no marvel that for the 2025 Gold Gala, Chiu collaborated with fashion designer Ou Ma on a customized robe impressed by way of a Qing Dynasty portray of deep private importance.
The annual Gold Gala, hosted by way of the non-profit Gold House, honors excellence and have an effect on throughout the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) neighborhood. The star-studded tournament brings in combination leaders in tune, type, movie, and sports activities to have fun and champion AAPI voices. And in these days’s cultural and political local weather, appearing up (and status out!) issues greater than ever.
Chiu informed Who What Wear that all of the enjoy of bringing her customized glance to lifestyles was once extremely inspiring. “Ou’s inventive imaginative and prescient, formed by way of her upbringing in Beijing and paintings with nice American designers like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, brings a singular mix of custom and modernity to her designs,” Chiu added. “Ou meticulously created a gown that not only celebrates the elegance of our cultural roots but also embodies the spirit of innovation and empowerment that AAPI Heritage Month represents.”
In an unique picture diary, Chiu documented her procedure for becoming her robe with fashion designer Ou Ma, and took us alongside to get in a position together with her for the 2025 Gold Gala.
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
“So grateful to be able to showcase my heritage in this special way! I’m happy to wear my own Farraone Mennella pigeons blood rubies and emerald diamond earrings. The rubies symbolize passion and power, while emeralds symbolize wisdom and growth.”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
“My favorite beauty tricks are using Baby G’s Aquaphor under my eyes to fill in any wrinkles, 111 Skin eye patches frozen from the night before, and at home micro-derm device right before glam!”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
“Ou’s inspiration happens to be my favorite painting from the National Palace Museum in Taiwan where I recently brought Baby G to visit!”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco, Grace Sciutto.)
Beijing-based couturier Ou Ma shared: “Designing this gown for Christine Chiu was an incredibly meaningful experience. Christine is not only a style icon but a trailblazer who continues to uplift the AAPI community with grace and strength. When I came across the Qing Dynasty painting of the camellia and plum blossom—two flowers that bloom against the cold—I immediately thought of her. Translating that imagery into a living, breathing garment felt like painting in motion. This collaboration allowed me to weave together art, culture, and personal story in the most intimate way.”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
” Meeting Ou for the first time and wearing her beautiful and meaningful piece is such an incredible moment.”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
” Originally, Ou had envisioned a thicker velvet sash for a more regal feel. Here we are playing with its thickness and placement to accommodate my more petite body.”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
” After losing all of my hair, I have developed such an appreciation for wigs and the people in the wig industry. This is a custom wig designed for me by the Wig Fairy.”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
” Ou was once so type to have drafted a pair other permutations of my glance to deal with my hair loss and other hairstyles that may be completed via wigs.”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
“It does take a village! So grateful for my village today: Claudia, Jester, Grace, Marine and Adrian!”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
“No matter how much time we allot ourselves, I feel like there’s never enough time to completely finish glam! We’re always go go go!”
(Image credit score: Photography by way of Jester Jungco and Grace Sciutto.)
“Arrival at the golden carpet during golden hour for Gold House!”
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