By Shivam Das
SEO summary: Airbnb.org’s first-ever gala brought Jessica Alba, Charlize Theron, Serena Williams, Charli XCX, Cynthia Erivo and more to Los Angeles. The red carpet ranged from emerald fringe and sequined animal print to classic black gowns and expressive designer looks, while the event highlighted the nonprofit’s emergency-housing mission.
Los Angeles had a new kind of gala moment on October 28, 2026, when Airbnb.org hosted its first-ever gala at Milk Studios. The evening brought a varied celebrity crowd together for a cause, and the fashion reflected that mix of personalities: some guests chose timeless eveningwear, while others leaned into bold color, texture and unmistakable designer signatures.
The event was not simply another celebrity party. Airbnb.org is a nonprofit that helps provide free temporary housing to people facing crises, including natural disasters and serious illness. That mission gave the evening a charitable focus, while the red carpet offered a lively cross-section of current celebrity style.
Charlize Theron makes a vivid entrance in emerald green
Charlize Theron delivered one of the evening’s most eye-catching color moments in an emerald-green halter gown with long fringe. The movement of the fringe gave the dress a sense of drama without relying on a heavily embellished bodice or an elaborate train. Against the darker tones that often dominate formal carpets, the saturated green created a memorable visual contrast.
The look also illustrated a useful styling principle: when a dress already has movement and a strong color story, accessories can stay relatively restrained. The silhouette and fabric do most of the work, giving the outfit a clear point of view rather than competing details.
Jessica Alba chooses classic black glamour
Jessica Alba took a more classic route in a black Donna Karan gown with an asymmetric, one-shoulder feel and gathering around the waist. The look showed how black eveningwear can feel current through shape and draping rather than sequins or high-contrast color. A clean pair of heels and polished jewelry helped preserve the streamlined effect.
Alba’s outfit was a reminder that red-carpet dressing does not need to be loud to be effective. A strong neckline, considered proportions and fabric that falls well can create a look that photographs elegantly from multiple angles.
Serena Williams brings shine and animal print
Serena Williams opted for a leopard-print dress with reflective embellishment, pairing the print’s energy with a more glamorous, evening-ready finish. Animal motifs have long moved in and out of fashion’s spotlight, but they tend to work best when the styling feels intentional. Here, the sparkle gave the familiar pattern a party-ready edge.
The look also underlined how accessories can change the mood of a printed dress. Rather than treating animal print as a novelty, a considered shoe, jewelry and beauty combination can make it feel like a confident formal choice.
Charli XCX and Cynthia Erivo lean into designer individuality
Charli XCX wore Roberto Cavalli, a label associated with expressive prints and sensual silhouettes. Her choice fit the singer’s willingness to use fashion as an extension of her public persona. A gala carpet is a natural setting for that kind of visual storytelling: the outfit can feel theatrical while remaining recognizably connected to the wearer’s taste.
Cynthia Erivo arrived in Cong Tri, bringing another distinct designer language to the carpet. The presence of contrasting approaches—from Cavalli’s high-impact glamour to Cong Tri’s detailed, sculptural occasionwear—made the guest list feel less like a uniform and more like a collection of individual style statements.
More names, more ways to dress for a gala
The guest list also included Matthew McConaughey, Camila Alves McConaughey, Sienna Miller, Joshua Jackson, Demi Lovato, Tracee Ellis Ross and other entertainment and cultural figures. Reported designer choices across the carpet included Brioni, Sergio Hudson, Sandro, Michael Kors, Wiederhoeft, Schiaparelli, Givenchy, Clio Peppiatt, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent.
That variety made the event a useful snapshot of formal dressing in 2026. Some looks relied on the authority of a well-cut suit; others used saturated color, animal print, asymmetric draping or embellishment. There was no single trend that dominated every arrival, and that is often what makes a mixed celebrity carpet interesting: individual choices become the story.
Fashion with a purpose
Because this was Airbnb.org’s inaugural gala, the event’s mission matters as much as its guest list. The nonprofit provides emergency housing to people affected by disasters and other crises. In that context, the clothes are part of the public-facing event, but the larger purpose is to draw attention to support for people who need a safe place to stay during difficult circumstances.
Charity galas can create a rare overlap between entertainment, fashion and philanthropy. Celebrity attendance brings visibility; designers and stylists provide the visual language; and the organization’s work gives the gathering a reason beyond the red carpet. The most successful event coverage holds those elements together rather than treating the occasion as only a list of outfits.
What the Airbnb.org gala red carpet tells us about eveningwear
Several ideas came through on this carpet. First, color can do the work of embellishment, as Theron’s emerald gown demonstrated. Second, classic black remains a dependable option when the neckline or drape gives it a fresh angle. Third, animal print and surface texture can feel appropriate for formal events when balanced with deliberate styling. Finally, designer diversity is part of the appeal: a carpet feels more personal when guests choose looks that reflect their own style rather than following one shared formula.
The first Airbnb.org gala combined those fashion choices with a humanitarian mission. For celebrity-style fans, it offered a range of looks to study; for the organization, it was an opportunity to bring attention to emergency housing support. Both sides of the evening deserve a place in the story.
Frequently asked questions
When was Airbnb.org’s first gala held?
The inaugural gala took place on October 28, 2026, at Milk Studios in Los Angeles.
Which celebrities attended the Airbnb.org gala?
Reported attendees included Jessica Alba, Charlize Theron, Serena Williams, Charli XCX, Cynthia Erivo, Matthew McConaughey, Sienna Miller and others.
What did Charlize Theron wear?
Theron wore an emerald-green halter gown featuring long fringe, creating a bold color and movement statement.
What is Airbnb.org?
Airbnb.org is a nonprofit that helps provide free temporary housing for people affected by crises, including natural disasters and illness.
Which designers were represented on the red carpet?
Coverage of the event identified looks from labels including Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, Cong Tri, Brioni, Sergio Hudson, Wiederhoeft, Schiaparelli, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton.
Sources and further reading
- Just Jared: Airbnb Gala 2026 guest list and red-carpet photos
- Page Six: Airbnb.org gala red-carpet roundup
- UPI: Photos from Airbnb.org’s first gala
- Reuters Connect: Airbnb.org gala photo coverage
Explore more celebrity style reporting on the Celebrity Fashion Hollywood blog.
Jessica Alba look
More looks
Jessica Alba at Airbnb.org Gala.
