The Gold Gala took place on May 6 in Los Angeles, honoring an elite list of trailblazing Asian creators. For the second annual event, which awarded such stars as Ke Huy Quan and Sandra Oh for their work in film, Stephanie Suganami Shepherd knew she wanted to choose her look thoughtfully. “I really wanted to wear an Asian designer for the gala, and I am such a huge fan of Joseph Altuzarra,” the entrepreneur and environmental advocate, who is better known as Steph Shep, tells POPSUGAR. “When I saw this look on the runway for fall 2023, I immediately texted my stylist that I had to wear it for something. I’ve never worn an Altuzarra [design] to an event before; I’m so excited it worked out, and I’m honored I get to wear this gown.”
The choice of an Asian designer was fitting, as celebrating her culture was top of mind for Shepherd that evening. “It’s really important for me to connect with my Japanese heritage, and to me, that means finding community here in LA,” she says. “Gold House is an incredible organization where I have been able to not only see myself but to feel a support of the AAPI community I don’t think I have ever experienced in my life.”
The gown also felt quintessentially Shepherd, with its minimalist silhouette and subversive take on the cutout trend. “I love the simplicity of it and the elegance of the long puddle skirt,” she reveals. “It feels really elevated and extravagant, yet at the same time simple and understated.”
It’s important to Shepherd that her outfit choices remain true to her unique sartorial point of view. “I always try to choose something that feels authentic to my personal style,” she says, adding, “Don’t feel pressure to conform to how everyone else is dressing or what is trendy if it doesn’t speak to you.”
Keep scrolling for more style advice from Shepherd, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at her getting-ready process for the 2023 Gold Gala.
Related: Chriselle Lim and Tina Leung on the OG Influencer Community and the Elusive “Asian Dinner”
Mary Peffer
On the Inspiration For Her Hair and Makeup Look
“My makeup artist Yukari Bush and I tend to go as natural as possible. I don’t like wearing a lot of makeup, so we do a lot of skin prep and keep the rest pretty minimal. For hair, I feel the most like myself when I have a snatched ponytail, but Ricky Mota always pushes me out of my comfort zone, and I trust his vision. So for this look, he wanted to do a really effortless, shiny, wet look.”
Mary Peffer
On Factors She Considers When Choosing a Red Carpet Look
Shepherd’s styling process revolves around comfort and authenticity. “Firstly, you want to feel comfortable, because if you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, then you exude that energy, and that’s the best look of all,” she says. “Second, make sure it photographs well; sometimes things look great in person but weird in photos. Third, I’ve made this mistake before, so I always try to choose something that feels authentic to my personal style.”
“Don’t feel pressure to conform to how everyone else is dressing or what is trendy if it doesn’t speak to you,” she adds.
Mary Peffer
On Selecting a Look For the 2023 Gold Gala
“I really wanted to wear an Asian designer for the gala, and I am such a huge fan of Joseph Altuzarra,” says Shepherd, who was styled by Sydney Lopez and Angelina Vitaarena for the evening. “When I saw this look on the runway for fall 2023, I immediately texted my stylist that I had to wear it for something. I’ve never worn an Altuzarra [design] to an event before; I’m so excited it worked out, and I’m honored I get to wear this gown.”
Though she gravitates toward neutrals, this color took her out of her sartorial comfort zone. “I never wear white, so that was a really fun change for me,” she shares. “I think I love the simplicity of it and the elegance of the long puddle skirt. It feels really elevated and extravagant, yet at the same time simple and understated.”
Mary Peffer
On Her Personal Style
Shepherd is known for her minimalist approach to fashion that truly embodies the concept of quiet luxury. “I keep a simple color palette: whites, blacks, neutrals, denim,” she says. “I tend to choose comfort above all else.”
A noted sustainable-fashion advocate, she goes for timeless staples over trendier finds. “I like investing in staple pieces that I will have in my closet for years,” she reveals. “I live for a uniform; if there is a silhouette I love, I stick with it.”
Mary Peffer
On Her Best Red Carpet Prep Advice
To avoid red carpet emergencies, Shepherd recommends having “the number of a great tailor.” She also gives her outfits a test run. “I always try and sit and walk and photograph my look with flash during a fitting so I am not surprised the night of,” she says.
Her handbag is also chock-full of problem-solving essentials. “I always keep a mint,” she reveals. “I always keep an oil blotter paper or powder puff, a lip, and a portable charger. Lately, I’ve been keeping a matcha lozenge from Beekeeper’s Naturals for a little hit of energy.”
Getty / Rodin Eckenroth
On Her Upcoming Projects
Shepherd’s latest project is all about celebrating the AAPI design community. “I just released a project with Etsy; a curated collection of home decor, clothing, jewelry, and gifts from AAPI makers and small businesses.”
Photographer: Mary Peffer
Makeup Artist: Yukari Bush
Hair: Ricky Mota
Stylists: Sydney Lopez and Angelina Vitaarena
