DIFFA at 25

Smoking Haute … Masquerade … Dramatically Different … Those are just a few of the themes that have blazed the trail toward the landmark 25th anniversary gala for the Dallas chapter of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA.) One of the most anticipated events of the spring season, this legendary event also serves as the signature soirée for DIFFA, a nonprofit that raises funds for organizations providing education, treatment and direct care services for people living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS. Spearheaded by board chair Clint Bradley, the Dallas chapter has granted more than $6 million to date to such organizations within the North Texas community. Helping spread the word are the Style Council Ambassadors, as well as the Legends of Style — influencers throughout the community representing DIFFA/Dallas for the 2014-2015 season. Recently announced at Neiman Marcus Downtown, the impressive lineup includes DIFFA/Dallas diplomats Jenn Clark, Ralph Randall, Debra Nelson, Norma Johnson, Patrick Ware, Scott Kehn, Shayne Robinson, Jody Stein and Jenna Alexander and Legends of Style (appointed “ambassadors” in years past) Simona Beal, Don Gaiser, Rebecca Hallam, Gillian Breidenbach, Joe Pacetti, David Kiger, and Matrice Kirk. For the silver anniversary, DIFFA’s appropriately themed gala, House of DIFFA: 25 Years, is set for Saturday, March 7, at the Omni Hotel downtown, chaired by Chuck Steelman. The night promises silent and live auctions, a seated dinner and, of course, a feast of fashion: a runway show spotlighting local and nationally renowned designers, produced by the lovely Rhonda Sargent Chambers.

Tickets from $375; tables from $3,500, through diffadallas.org.