The Mod Gala Botanical Rhapsody: A Floral Odyssey

May 3, 2025

at Capitol Modern

Welcome

to the Mod Gala

an unparalleled celebration of art, culture, and creativity under the stars at Capitol Modern. This year, Friends of Capitol Modern proudly unveils our inaugural event, marking a vibrant new chapter for our organization (formerly Friends of HiSAM). The MOD Gala is more than just a fundraiser—it is a fashion-forward experience that spotlights Hawai‘i’s brightest avant-garde talents and celebrates innovation across multiple disciplines. This year’s theme, “Botanical Rhapsody: A Floral Odyssey,” immerses guests in the enchanting world of botanicals, blending nature’s beauty with human creativity. Expect an unforgettable evening of artistry, fine dining, and exclusive tastings crafted by globally celebrated chefs, all set within a stunning, artful environment. Join us for a transformative night as we celebrate the power of creativity to shape our cultural landscape. 21+ and over.

Fashion Spotlight

The MOD Gala’s fashion show is a centerpiece of creativity and artistry, inviting designers to explore the theme, “Botanical Rhapsody: A Floral Odyssey,” in bold and imaginative ways. This one-of-a-kind runway experience will transform the Capitol Modern space into a living canvas where florals and fashion converge. Florals will take on new life with each creation reflecting the designer’s personal style while weaving nature’s beauty and human ingenuity. We are thrilled to feature the visionary talents of designers Amos Kotomori, Kini Zamora, Rumi Murakami, Crystal Lee, Mapis Bernal, Samson Lee, Ryan and Nathaniel Whittaker, and Christopher Ching, as each will be pushing the boundaries of design and creativity. This immersive showcase promises to be a celebration of innovation, where every piece tells a story. The MOD Gala’s fashion show is more than a display of clothing—it’s an ode to the limitless possibilities of creativity.

Indigenous Foods

by Acclaimed Chefs

The MOD Gala presents an extraordinary culinary experience, featuring world-renowned chefs and food artisans who draw inspiration from their cultural roots. Under the stars at Capitol Modern, indulge in exclusive tastings that blend Indigenous and international flavors, crafted by chefs including: Kealoha Domingo: is a multigenerational Hawaiian practitioner with a genuine love for food. As chef and owner of NuiKealoha catering company. Kealoha brings a deep respect for traditional Hawaiian values and cultural practices to his culinary creations. At Nui Kealoha, the spiritual connection between the ‘āina (land), kānaka (humankind), and mea ‘ai (food) is honored, blending traditional foodways with contemporary creativity in the professional kitchen. Crystal Wahpepah: is an Indigenous American chef. She was the first Indigenous chef on the cooking program Chopped. Wahpepah runs both a catering business and a restaurant, which aim to reclaim Native American cuisine. She received the Indigenous Artist Activist Award and is a James Beard Award finalist for Emerging Chef in 2022. Crystal has appeared on Food Network’s TV shows “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay.” Pyet Despain: Pyet (an abbreviation of her inherited Native American name Pyetwetmokwe) is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribe, an award-winning and global private chef, and the first winner of Gordon Ramsay’s groundbreaking cooking competition series, Next Level Chef. In 2021, Entrepreneur Magazine named her one of the Top 25 best private chefs in Los Angeles. Her life’s work is dedicated to Indigenous Fusion Cuisine, where she combines the food of her heritage, both Native American and Mexican. Pyet’s passion is to uplift Indigenous culture and traditions via storytelling, traveling, and cooking. Monique Cadavona: Born and raised in Hawaii, full Filipino, taught to cook at a young age by her mom and aunties. Worked in Hawaii’s best restaurants and moved to New York City. Worked for Michelin, James Beard Nominated, and celebrity chefs. Experienced in restaurants, bars, catering/events, front of the house, and consulting. Owner of Kalihi and The Guava Story. Heart to share the culture and food of the island and the influences of NYC. Keaka Lee: Keaka, a Honolulu native, is a classically trained chef with degrees in culinary and pastry arts from the Culinary Institute of the Pacific. He honed his craft at renowned restaurants including Alan Wong’s, Benu, Le Bernardin, and Gramercy Tavern before returning home to lead as Chef de Cuisine at The Pig & the Lady. In 2020, he opened Kapa Hale, blending global techniques with Hawai‘i’s diverse cultural flavors and strong community roots. Inspired by his family and local connections, Keaka focuses on intentional, sustainable cooking. His work has earned numerous accolades, including Best New Restaurant, Restaurant of the Year, and a James Beard semi-finalist nomination. The epicurean experience will transport your palate on a journey that celebrates the intersection of heritage and innovation, highlighting the importance of Indigenous food in our collective cultural narrative.