Luciane Buchanan: The 4th Gold Gala

Dressed in a sculptural tan gown by Entire Studios, with gold jewelry mimicking molten metal by Defaience, New Zealand-Tongan actor Luciane Buchanan brought regal drama to the 2025 Gold Gala red carpet.

Best known for her breakout role in Netflix’s The Night Agent, Buchanan is gearing up to join the ensemble cast of Chief of War, the upcoming Apple TV+ series portraying the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i through an Indigenous lens. The cast includes Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, and a powerful slate of Pacific Islander talent. “To be part of something that honors our histories on such a scale—it’s surreal,” she shared. “These stories deserve space.”

That reverence for history is deeply personal. “For my upcoming role as Ka‘ahumanu in Chief of War, I approached her with an understanding of the women I know—especially the Tongan women who raised me,” Buchanan said. “My aunties, my grandmother—they’re fierce, grounded, and unwavering. When I read the character, she felt familiar, so a lot of the authenticity came from channeling their strength.” As a historical figure, the character requires careful research and cultural sensitivity. “I worked with cultural advisors who guided me through the mo‘olelo—the oral histories of Hawai‘i. While we took creative license in some areas, the emotional truth came from those real-life women who shaped me.”

The Gold Gala marked a milestone for Buchanan: the debut of the Chief of War trailer to a live audience—and specifically, to her community. “Being at Gold Gala to share our trailer for the first time is incredibly special—no other audience has seen it yet,” she said. “It’s meaningful to be able to debut it among our community first.”

The evening was especially significant for Buchanan, who returned as a presenter after being honored on last year’s A100 List. “It feels surreal to be supported twice for two different projects,” she reflected. “I’m still fairly new in the US, but Gold House has embraced me from day one—whether it was Sundance with my short film or now with Chief of War. Having this platform, especially as we showcase Pacific Islander culture through our series, is a full-circle moment.”

Styled by Benjamin Holtrop (with Emily K.E. Johnson and Rasheed Kanbar assisting), Buchanan’s Gold Gala look was deeply intentional. “For this look, we wanted to pay homage to Luciane’s Tongan heritage by reimagining elements of traditional Tongan dress through a high-fashion lens,” Holtrop shared. “The goal was to blend cultural authenticity with a bold red carpet presence—elevating ancestral references into modern silhouettes and textures that celebrate both identity and artistry.”

Among the highlights: the gown was designed by one of Buchanan’s close friends—a fellow New Zealander and the force behind Entire Studios. “Tonight I’m wearing Entire Studios, a brand founded by my friends from New Zealand—Dylan, who is of Cook Island descent, and Sarah,” Buchanan said. “Their designs are amazing, and it was important to wear something with roots in our region.”

Hairstylist Miles Jeffries kept her hair natural, polished, and ceremonially classic, while makeup artist Lilly Keys wanted to celebrate her radiant strength. “The creative direction was all about luminous, golden-toned skin, a sculpted eye with a soft smoked liner, and a warm, glossy nude lip that felt modern yet timeless,” said Keys. “We definitely drew inspiration from her Tongan and Pacific Islander roots—her glowing complexion and long, wavy hair were both a tribute to the natural beauty and regal presence of the women from her culture. It was all about honoring heritage while embracing high fashion.”

But it was the traditional Tongan details that brought a deeper layer of meaning to the look. “My uncle flew in the morning of the event with a suitcase full of traditional Tongan pieces,” Buchanan shared. “I’m wearing a kiekie, a decorative skirt overlay worn on special occasions, and carrying a woven fan—not just because it was hot on the carpet, but because every element is rooted in natural materials and cultural storytelling.”

For Buchanan, the fashion was personal. “Last year I didn’t have time to fully incorporate my culture, so this year felt redemptive in a way,” she said. “One of the most emotional moments was when my uncle hand-tied the kiekie onto me—it was a deeply personal connection between heritage and red carpet fashion.” Holtrop echoed the sentiment: “It was a meaningful fusion of heritage and fashion—rooted in family, culture, and an unforgettable red carpet moment in her style journey.”

Buchanan approaches the red carpet the way she approaches storytelling: intentional, expressive, and rooted in culture. “There’s something really special about being in a room where AAPI and Pacific Islander stories are centered and uplifted,” she said. “It reminds me that representation isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being rooted.”

Before stepping out onto the carpet, Buchanan turned to music to set the tone. “Oh, I actually made a whole playlist!” she laughed. “But if I had to pick one artist, it would be Beyoncé—she’s always in the mix. Her Renaissance album came out right before we started shooting Chief of War, and I played it constantly in the trailer to get into character. It helped me tap into that queen energy. Also, Asake—he always gets me in the mood. But yes, Beyoncé is my go-to.”

At the 2025 Gold Gala, Luciane Buchanan wasn’t just a rising star on the carpet—she was the embodiment of her heritage, and a glimpse of what’s to come as she continues her legacy.