What to Wear at the Hana Gala
Gala season is here. We spoke with designers, stylists, and photographers to bring you the definitive guide to dressing for one of the Bay Area's most anticipated evenings of the year.
The 2026 Hana Gala is a highlight of the Bay Area social scene, and as the largest fundraiser on the West Coast supporting the Korean American community, it's an evening that brings together culture, community, and real style. KACF-SF will have several photographers documenting the evening, including Drew Altizer Photography, San Francisco's premier event photography agency, so looking your best has never been more worthwhile.
We spoke with several designers and stylists to bring you inspiration for anyone attending a formal event this year, think galas, benefits, weddings, or awards dinners. Korea has made a profound impact on the fashion world, blending traditional and modern aesthetics in ways that feel both timeless and completely of-the-moment. At the Hana Gala, you'll often see guests arrive in traditional hanbok alongside contemporary cocktail attire, and both are equally at home.
Black Tie and What That Really Means
Traditionally, "black tie" means tuxedos for men and gowns for women. However, fashion is always a personal choice. Being in the heart of Silicon Valley means you may see a hoodie and sneakers at pretty much any event. At the Hana Gala, we celebrate the full spectrum. Dress with intention, dress with joy, and dress like the occasion matters because it does.
Traditional Meets Modern
One of the most beautiful things about the Hana Gala is seeing hanbok worn with pride alongside contemporary gowns. Traditional hanbok, with its graceful lines, vibrant colors, and architectural silhouettes, is always appropriate and always stunning at an event like this.
Ieseul Hwang, founder and designer of Leesle, leads the modern hanbok movement with a philosophy that hanbok should live and breathe in everyday fashion. She reinterprets traditional forms into contemporary daily wear and has grown Leesle into a global brand with stores in Jeonju, Hongdae, and beyond. Ieseul recommends adding a tulle underskirt beneath your hanbok to give the silhouette more volume and visual presence — a small touch that makes a real difference in how the look photographs.
For those looking to blend hanbok elements with contemporary styling, consider pairing a chima (skirt) with a modern blouse, or wearing a fusion hanbok dress that incorporates jeogori-inspired details with Western construction. Adding a sha underskirt can give a dress greater volume and movement, beautifully echoing the traditional hanbok silhouette without committing to a full traditional look.
Source: @leesle_official
Sourcsde: @leesle_official
Women's Gala Fashion
Whether you're going full gown, fusion hanbok, or a sleek cocktail dress, the Hana Gala is a room where bold choices are celebrated. A few things worth keeping in mind:
Color tends to read especially well in the low-lit ballroom setting. Deep jewel tones, rich ivories, and the vibrant saturated palettes found in traditional hanbok all photograph beautifully. If you're drawn to black, consider adding a statement accessory, an embellished clutch, striking earrings, or a silk wrap, so you have something that catches the light.
Dress Rental is one of the smartest choices for gala season. It's sustainable, cost-effective, and gives you access to designer pieces you might not otherwise consider. Services like Rent the Runway, Nuuly, and Armoire offer extensive black-tie and cocktail collections with convenient home delivery. For something more local and boutique, check SF's independent consignment and rental shops for one-of-a-kind finds. If you do decide to go this route, book early. Two to three weeks out is ideal, to ensure your size is available and you have time for any fitting adjustments before the event.
Men's Gala Fashion
The standard for black tie is straightforward: a well-fitted tuxedo, dress shirt, and formal shoes. But "well-fitted" is doing a lot of work in that sentence. A rental tux that's been taken in and hemmed will always beat an expensive suit worn off the rack. If you're renting, book early and ask about tailoring.
Gentleman's Seoul offers curated menswear with a Korean-inspired sensibility. Their looks are built for exactly this kind of evening, formal enough to read as dressed up, sharp enough to stand out. Check their latest editorial on Instagram for Hana Gala styling ideas.
For footwear with a twist, 1587 Sneakers offers premium sneakers that can work beautifully with formal wear, especially if the rest of the look is polished. Think tailored trousers, a fitted dinner jacket, and a clean white shirt. It's a move that works best when it looks intentional rather than accidental.
Tuxedo Rentals: Local options in the Bay Area include Men's Wearhouse, Stitch & Tie, and The Black Tux, which ships directly to your door and offers a range of modern cuts. Book at least two to three weeks in advance if possible.
Korean American Brand Directory
Support the community while dressing for it. The following brands are owned or founded by Korean Americans and offer pieces well-suited for the Hana Gala and beyond.
Leesle
Category: Modern and fusion hanbok, women's formalwear
About: Founded by designer Ieseul Hwang, Leesle reinterprets traditional hanbok as contemporary everyday fashion. Their fusion pieces are especially popular for galas and formal events where guests want to honor Korean heritage in a modern context. Stores in Jeonju and Hongdae; ships internationally.
Hana Gala Offer: 15% discount for attendees
Website:leesle.com
The Sei
Category: Contemporary women's formalwear
About: The Sei offers refined, understated pieces with exceptional tailoring. Known for clean silhouettes that photograph beautifully and wear comfortably through a long evening.
Website: https://the-sei.com/
Songhwa by Jeong
Category: Contemporary hanbok and accessories
About: Contemporary brand highlighting Hanbok’s graceful and sentimental aesthetic by bringing together tradition and modern style.
Website: songhwabyjeongs.com
Gentleman's Seoul
Category: Men's formalwear and contemporary suiting
About: Menswear with a Korean-inspired aesthetic — structured, modern, and built for evenings like this one. Follow their Instagram for Hana Gala styling inspiration.
Instagram:@gentlemansseoul
1587 Sneakers
Category: Footwear
About: Premium sneakers rooted in Korean American identity and street culture. A great option for guests who want to add a personal edge to formal attire.
Website: https://www.1587sneakers.com/