The weather on the evening of Wednesday, March 20, was chamber of commerce perfect for the 2024 DIFFA Patron Preview Party at The Eye across the street from The Joule. Guests had the opportunity to “eyeball” 30 of the luxury jackets that will be up for bids at the 2024 House of DIFFA: Royalty Untamed Gala on Saturday, April 27, at the Sheraton Dallas. Here’s a report from the field:
DIFFA Dallas celebrated its highly anticipated annual Patron Preview Party on Wednesday, March 20, at The Eye at The Joule. Hosted by longtime supporters Headington Companies and The Joule, attendees were treated to an exclusive preview of the luxury jacket auction collection and live auction items ahead of this year’s House of DIFFA event, taking place on Saturday, April 27, at the Sheraton Hotel Dallas.
Guests like Richard Rivas, Garrett McGrew, Steve Lopez, Haley Clark and D Marie mixed and mingled on the lawn, enjoying the spring weather and snacking on light bites provided by Headington Companies, and cocktails provided by Ketel One.
Patrons including Annie and Teal Griffeth, Rhianon and Jeff Bolen and Melissa Ellis enjoyed a sneak peek at over 30 luxury jackets, including pieces from Balmain, Jessica Jesse, Cathey Miller, Travis Austin, Tex Motion and Daniela Pasqualini.
Attendees like Jose Martinez, Alex Cohen, Sonia Van Meter, LeeAnne Locken and Amanda James enjoyed live tunes provided by DIFFA Board Member, DJ Jennifer Miller while models took the stage in front of The Eye at The Joule to showcase some of the jackets up for auction to benefit DIFFA Dallas.
DIFFA Board Chair Michael Buss took the stage half way through the night to welcome guests and thank event sponsors Headington Companies, The Joule, Ketel One, the event team, volunteers, the DIFFA Board and chapter manager Roger Calderon for their help in planning the evening’s event as attendees like Robbie Kruithoff, Ryan Ross, Rob Bradford, Tommy Hanson, Melissa Ellis and Carrie Hammond gathered round.
He then recognized Christi Meril and Ken Weber and their efforts to help curate almost 80 jackets for the luxury silent auction for next month’s House of DIFFA event. Buss lastly thanked the luxury jacket designers in attendance. “Thank you so much for your creativity and for making the most amazing jackets that guests can see throughout this event,” he said.
Buss then welcomed the 32nd annual House of DIFFA Co-Chairs Tim Grippa and Jacob Samson to the stage. “Wow, what a great turn out,” Samson said. “Thank you all for being here, you all look so great and fashionable!”
Grippa then recognized Robyn Chauvin, the producer of this year’s runaway show, and shared a tease of the many surprises that are to come for the entertainment and the fashion at this year’s event. “This is going to be the event of the year,” Grippa said. “We are going to immerse you in an experience from the time you enter to the time you leave. You are going to see people hanging from the ceiling, and be immersed with lighting and visual effects throughout the whole event.”
Grippa and Samson both wrapped up their speeches by reminding guests in the audience like David Chass, Daniel Blaylock, Alexa Gooden, Brad Pritchett, Emily Dawson and Justin Chavez to get their tables for the event, thanked them for supporting for DIFFA Dallas and announced that the luxury auction and that the jacket bidding was officially open.
For more information on the main event, visit diffadallas.org/hod. Tickets for House of DIFFA: Royally Untamed are available online by clicking here.
* Photo credit: Francesca Nelo