Known around Dallas as one of the most buzzed about fashion events of the season, the annual gala of the Dallas Chapter of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) returns this year, marking this as the 25th anniversary for the annual spectacular. As with prior years, celebrity-designed jackets will grace the runway, with 2015 participating designers to include Abi Ferrin, Badgley Mischka, Diane von Furstenberg, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs, Carmen Marc Valvo, and more.  A gathering of the city’s most stylish guests is anticipated -- coupling a seated dinner, over-the-top runway presentation, and cocktail party to rev up the energy for this year's black tie charity affair.  

  The upcoming 2015 event is set for Saturday, March 7 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, and in honor of its 25th anniversary, DIFFA is pulling out all the stops in its efforts for raising funds for men, women, and children affected by HIV and AIDS. To date, the Dallas chapter of the DIFFA organization has granted over $6 million “to over 25 front line HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in North Texas.”  

  We always caution to expect the unexpected at the DIFFA gala, especially with this year’s anniversary-inspired theme House of DIFFA No. 25 spearheading the charge. Celebrating “the hope and longevity after 25 years in the fight against HIV/AIDS", recently revealed plans tease a provocative runway production by Rhonda Sargent Chambers, an exotic silent auction, and performances by Phoenix (Ru Paul’s Drag Race) and the Turtle Creek Chorale. The highlight for the evening and in honor of the landmark occasion, will be a feature presentation of the iconic denim jacket collection that debuted at the event in 1989.  

  “This year, we hope to raise more money than ever before while celebrating the past, present and future of DIFFA Dallas,” says Chuck Steelman, House of DIFFA No. 25 Chairman. “I am thrilled to be working with Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Brian Brothers of Planet Productions, and Jeffrey Horn of Triad Event Solutions. This will be an event you will not want to miss.” Some 2,000-plus are expected to pack out the Omni Dallas Hotel for this legendary occasion. Tickets start at $375 on the individual level. For more information, visit DIFFADallas.org.   All photos herein feature DIFFA Collection 2014, credit Jessica Adkins with Aravaggio Photography for DFW Style Daily.