One of the Dallas society scenes' biggest bashes recently closed out the spring gala season, and as per usual no stops went unpulled.
House of DIFFA, the major fundraising party and fashion show for DIFFA Dallas that's presented by The Louis L. Borick Foundation, lit up the Hilton Anatole on May 13 with more than 1,400 people in attendance. This year's theme was The List, hosted by co-chairs Haley Clark and Richard Rivas.
VIPs showed up early to mingle in the exclusive Don Julio and Ketel One lounge, while other excited patrons marveled at the famous collection of luxury jackets. Pieces from Michael Bush, Joseff of Hollywood, Hive & Colony, Brandon Harris, and Ese Azenabor were all up for bidding, totaling more than 70 custom jackets in all.
Aerialists wowed the crowd during a very busy cocktail hour, and then it was time to head into the ballroom for dinner.
Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performed multiple songs throughout the evening, while also acting as emcee.
After the Style Council Ambassador and DIFFA Legends runway walk it was awards time. The evening's award recipients included:
- Ken Downing, Excellence in Fashion Award
- Gilead Sciences, Health Award
- Lee Borchet, Excellence in Design Award
- Justin Bundick, Donna Fishel Community Hero Award
- Fern Mallis, Legend In The Fight Against AIDS Award
- DIFFA Dallas board chair David White, the Legacy of Love Award
Following the spirited live auction, which included items like a one-of-a-kind Halston fashion experience, a luxury Los Cabos getaway for two, and lots of art, Chenoweth introduced the highly anticipated fashion show presented by JSX.
Fittingly for House of DIFFA's extravagant atmosphere, the first segment was themed to Studio 54 with look-a-likes of Andy Warhol, Deborah Harry, Cher, and Halston taking the runway.
The fashion traveled through different decades and movements, like '80s glam rock, London punk rock/CBGB, Starck club, '80s rap, teen pop, grunge, hip hop, EDM, and closed with the “Metaverse.”
After the grand finale, models led attendees to the afterparty next door, where DJ Adante kept the guests dancing 'til early in the morning.
Photo by Lori Sapio
Ken Downing as Halston, with models on the runway.
DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations aiding HIV/AIDS, with chapters in Dallas, New York, Chicago, Kansas City, San Francisco, and Seattle.
The Dallas chapter, formed in 1984, is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas that provides funding to local HIV/AIDS service organizations within our community.
DIFFA/Dallas has raised more than $51 million to benefit more than 20 HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas providing direct care to those living or affected by HIV/AIDS.