The world premiere of Disney’s Moana transformed the Hollywood Bowl into a celebration of Polynesian culture, music and storytelling on Tuesday evening, as the cast gathered to launch the live-action adaptation.
The evening wasn’t just about the film. It became a showcase for Pacific traditions, with cultural performances, ceremonial welcomes and fashion that reflected both the occasion and the setting.
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Island Princess Energy
As the film’s leading lady, Catherine Laga’aia had every reason to embrace a statement moment, and her Cult Gaia Pre-Fall 2026 gown delivered exactly that.
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The blue-and-white botanical print immediately felt connected to the tropical setting, while the sculptural ruffles, cut-outs and dramatic layered skirt gave the young actress a memorable premiere loo. It struck the right balance between youthful exuberance and red carpet glamour, making her look every bit the star of the evening.
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Styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn.
Cult Gaia Pre-Fall 2026
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A Fresh New Direction
Auli’i Cravalho is usually drawn to princess-worthy gowns, so this felt like a deliberate change of direction.
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Rather than arriving in her signature fairytale dress, she chose the white NUÉ Allegra dress, whose clean, sculptural silhouette felt modern, sophisticated and understated. To me, it read as a conscious decision to let the spotlight remain firmly on Catherine, who was making her debut as Disney’s newest leading lady.
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The architectural neckline and subtle peplum detailing ensured the look still had plenty of fashion interest, while the crisp white palette gave it an effortless elegance. And let’s not ignore how perfect those white pumps are.
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Styled by Jessica Paster.
NUÉ
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Summer Sheerness
Dwayne Johnson has long understood what works for him, especially when promoting Moana.
He consistently gravitates towards lighter colours and breathable fabrics, and during Los Angeles’ soaring temperatures, a sheer white shirt felt entirely appropriate. Worn with relaxed ivory trousers, the look had an easy feel about it.
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His custom Jacob & Co. Matai Tourbillon watch, featuring a bespoke Samoan-inspired dial, added a meaningful personal touch, while the fresh leaf lei draped around his shoulders was far more than an accessory. In many Pacific cultures, a lei symbolises welcome, respect and celebration, making it the perfect complement to an evening dedicated to honouring Polynesian heritage.
Styled by Ilaria Urbinati.
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Regional Celebration
Ming-Na Wen may not appear in Moana, but as the voice of Mulan in Disney’s 1998 animated classic, she was a fitting guest for the premiere.
She wore a striking coat from Indonesian designer Sebastian Gunawan’s 25th anniversary collection. It felt like a thoughtful choice for an evening celebrating Pacific cultures, shining a light on one of Southeast Asia’s most respected designers.
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The richly textured blue coat, punctuated with coral-red trim and intricate embellishment, made a statement before revealing the coordinating turquoise jumpsuit beneath. It was vibrant, celebratory and perfectly suited to an event where culture was just as important as fashion.
Sebastian Gunawan’s 25th Anniversary Collection
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Traditional Pacific Ceremony
The second half of the evening became something much more meaningful than a traditional premiere.
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Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson joined performers for a traditional Pacific ceremony inside the Hollywood Bowl, celebrating the cultures that inspired Moana. Rather than simply borrowing visual references, the event placed Pacific traditions at the heart of the celebration, creating one of the most memorable and authentic premiere moments Disney has staged in recent years.
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