House Of DIFFA Dallas “Dreamstate” Gala Dazzles In Dreamy Night Of Fun, Fantasy And Philanthropy

Fashion, Art & Music Hits The Catwalk For A Wildly Memorable Evening

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Kelly Alexander, Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass, Thomas Garza, Heather Hall, Francesca Nelo, and Lori Sapio

THE SCENE: The Sheraton Dallas Hotel was the setting for Texas’ most anticipated night of the year for expertly combining fashion and fundraising for a worthy cause. Over 1,100 of the area’s most notable community leaders, activists, fashionistas, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 33^rd annual House of DIFFA. This year’s event theme, “Dreamstate,” more than lived up to expectations, offering a dreamy night of experiences and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will be talking about for a long time.

THE VIBE: The well-heeled crowd donned an array of dazzling fashions among its guests, solidifying its well-earned reputation as the state’s very own version of the Met Gala in New York. In the crowd, one could find everything from traditional black-tie ensembles to couture jackets, feathers, sequins, boas, and avant-garde gowns. The result is a one-of-a-kind space where everyone feels welcome and celebrated.

The night began with a dazzling cocktail hour. Revelers began the night posing for images on DIFFA’s giant step and repeat. Revelers gathered at the nearest bar, where they could enjoy a DIFFA Diva signature cocktail and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Partygoers mingled and took advantage of bespoke activations, including live canvas painting.

During cocktail hour, guests could peruse DIFFA’s iconic Luxury Jacket Auction. This year’s lot featured over 80 one-of-a-kind creations from locally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed designers, including Genny, Namilia, and Lindsay Ekstrom. The best part of the auction was seeing jackets worn by winners from previous DIFFA auctions worn in subsequent ones, which brilliantly showcased the impact and long-term success of House of DIFFA. Additionally, there were other auction items, including contemporary art, jewelry, statement furniture, and luxury experiences.

The doors opened to the Sheraton Ballroom, and patrons entered the dreamy space. The jaw-dropping space included pink, blue, and purple hues, a three-segmented runway that could interpret to be a peace sign symbol, and VIPs with tables seamlessly bordered the end of the three runway segments. The runway design also ensured that every seat in the space had excellent access to the upcoming festivities.

As revelers took to their seats, the program began with a dynamic Voices of Unity Choir performance against a backdrop of clouds and white lighting. It continued with words from event leaders, including DIFFA Board Chair Ken Weber, and event co-chairs Jacob Samson and Payton Martin.

The next part of the evening included honoring Todd Bacon with the Donna Fishel Community Hero Award, which was presented by Donna Fishel herself. Then, the 2025 DIFFA Style Council Ambassadors took to the runway to celebrate their support in championing the DIFFA Dallas mission throughout the year to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS organizations in North Texas. This was followed by a performance by senior dancers from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts.

Next, Dana Goldberg took to the stage to helm a spirited live auction. The paddles…and fundraising increased as revelers bid on an array of curated experiences with a safari through Kruger National Park in South Africa, a hilltop retreat in Tuscany, and a luxury villa getaway for 12, emerging as the most popular.

After the auction, more were honored for supporting DIFFA over the years. The first was a tribute to the late Candy Long, a legendary stylist who helped shape the impact of DIFFA and the people behind it, renaming one of the evening’s honor award in fashion to the Candy Long Excellence in Fashion Award. This year’s awardee B. Åkerlund was introduced by Grammy-Award® winning singer and Dallas native, Erykah Badu.

The night was capped off with a fashion show that was a feast for the eyes and a dream to behold. Hundreds of fabulous, luxurious looks strutted the runway with something for everyone, including silk, feathers, rhinestones, and more. The fashion show reflected sleeping patterns, and as the revelers slipped deeper into the “Dreamstate,” they were transported into an array of dazzling worlds that had the crowd in a state they never wanted to leave. This ensured that this year’s House of DIFFA will be a dream that its guests remember for a long time.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 House of DIFFA: Dreamstate, co-chaired by Jacob Samson and Payton Martin, raised funds for DIFFA Dallas. Over the past 33 years, proceeds raised from this year’s DIFFA will be distributed to two dozen nonprofits throughout North Texas that provide direct care and critical services to individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Since its founding, DIFFA Dallas has granted more than $51 million to organizations in the area.

To view coverage of the 2024 House of DIFFA: Untamed, click here.