DIFFA Dallas has gone through various changes over the years, from denim jackets to designer showstoppers. From the grassroots effort to fight AIDs to a stunning fundraiser to finish off a deadly disease that touches all segments of society, it has reinvented itself.
But the goal is still the same — halt the horror of HIV.
Some may think that AIDs is a past-tense disease, but it is still ravaging too many. Yes, thanks to funding, its devastation has been slowed. Still, no vaccine nor cure is available. That’s why DIFFA Dallas’s DIFFA Collection 2013 is oh-so important.
A sneak preview of this year’s collection was held at DIFFA Style Council Ambassador Tommy DeAlano‘s Candleroom on Thursday, February 28, with the likes of Steve Kemble, Alexis Bourn, Paul Lemon and DD Ambassador John Bobbitt, who curated the November Designers’ Showcase at the Annual Dallas International Art, Antique and Jewelry Show at Market Hall benefiting DIFFA.
While Tim Headington was the main name . . . shoot, he doesn’t seem to be in the flesh anywhere. . . he was talked about like the sure-thing-bet-hottie at homecoming. Seems Dallas’ version of Howard Hughes is supporting DIFFA via his Joule Hotel TenOverSix and Traffic.
Even if he doesn’t show up at the Hilton Anatole over-the-top fundraiser, his presence will be acknowledged and appreciated. Guess Timmy-O is too busy picking up Oscars. Dadgumit!
Other action in the Candleroom involved Jan Strimple, Rob Brinkley, Carmaleta Whiteley, birthday boy DD Ambassador James Schackelford and mom Jody Baker fresh from Jason Sheeler’s going-away party at Ojeda’s. What! You didn’t know? Yup, the former “F!D Luxe” scribe and successful freelancer is headed to NYC for a job at “Glamour.”
Must have been moms night out on the town because Jeri Johnson was on the scene with son Cody. And Simona Beal in her black-feathered stilettos was showing off her mom Luda after spending the afternoon at the Dallas Opera’s Founder Award Luncheon.
Snuggled over on a banquette were Traffic LA’s GM Scott Campbell with TenOverSix manager Amanda Reed and Traffic assistant mgr. Megan Yeaman. BTW, Traffic’s doing a soft opening in March and 10O6 will be opening this spring at Headington’s Joule Hotel.
DD Ambassador Paige Westhoff was with fellow Ambassador Troy Schiermeyer. Their dating was Gillian Briedenbach’s and Mary Gill’s fault. Seems GB and MG introduced the twosome back in October and “they’ve been dating ever since then.”
But let’s talk about the jackets du jour. Each year there is a theme that the jackets follow, hopefully. Last year they did highly tailored “smoking jackets,” or tuxedo jackets. This year the theme is Parisian Fashion House. The designs on display at the Candleroom included an Indian-style red-and-gold tunic, a pink one with black piping and elbow patches, a blue denim with “flannel” plaid sleeves, a wildly colored Madras men’s jacket, and an orange one designed by Joan Rivers, who literally blew out the Winspear this past weekend with naughty and randy comments; but what else would you expect from Melissa’s mom?
Swiss designer Edo Popken was on hand, but his finished product was a no-show, with good reason. Edo wanted to do something over-the-top. In addition to creating a yellow jacket, he’s aiming to provide a live auction package including custom-fit jackets and hosting a private dinner at his chateau just 45 minutes outside of Paris. In case you need the behind-the-scenes story on Edo, he started wholesaling his designs in the U.S. in 2005. Claims Dallas is “the top location for us” (mail order, that is), so wants to open a retail outlet here. Heads up, leasing agents: He would love to be on Knox Street, close to the Apple store, but he also is smitten with the Design District. Oops, West Village, Edo considers you to be “too low-end.” And what’s his target audience? Think those who like a flair in their wardrobe like architects, artists, independent entrepreneurs, members of the gay community, metrosexuals. OK, so that leaves out the majority of the Dallas Woman’s Club membership.
Another auction package will be courtesy of Dallas Cowboy Marcus Spears that includes golfing 18 holes and dinner with Marcus. The football player, who was preparing to join the 30-year-old crowd on March 8 as well as celebrating wife Aiysha giving birth just two night before, is also kicking in $1K for a trip for two to Bora Bora.
That package plus oh-so-much more will be up for grabs at the DIFFA Dallas extravaganza on Saturday, March 23, at the Hilton Anatole. If you haven’t been to this one, then you’ve missed one of the showstopper fundraisers of the season. Be prepared. There ain’t nothing like it.