Fashion Icons Jan Strimple And Ken Weber Were Among The Celebrated Honorees At The Dazzling House Of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique, Where More Than 1,000 Dallas Philanthropists, Advocates, And Style-Makers Gathered At The Sheraton Dallas Hotel For A Spectacular Evening Of Avant-Garde Fashion, Theatrical Runway Moments, Unforgettable Performances, And Fundraising Benefiting HIV/AIDS Services Across North Texas

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass, Danny Campbell, Thomas Garza, and Chase Hall

THE SCENE: The Sheraton Dallas Hotel was the setting for one of Texas’s most successful nights of fun, fashion, and community impact of the year. Over a thousand community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the annual House of DIFFA. Benefiting DIFFA Dallas, the Hotel Mystique-themed night delivered everything one could want in a fundraising event: honoring beloved community leaders, dazzling auctions, and incredible fashion looks that had guests’ heads turning all night…and talking about this incredible night long after the long song spun.

THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured a dazzling mix of formal and costume ensembles. While some opted for more traditional black-tie fare, others jazzed it up by donning bold dinner evening jackets and avant-garde ballgowns from every color of the rainbow. Others got into the event theme more literally, donning their favorite, hotel-inspired ensembles. The result was Texas’s very own answer to the Met Gala, where everyone felt welcome and included.

Guests knew immediately after checking in that they were in for a very special evening, courtesy of an incredibly regal entrance. A neon Hotel Mystique sign illuminated atop an opening between elegant red velvet drapes. Guests then entered the hotel, walking down a stunning red room with a red carpet and an approximately 50-foot-long floor-to-ceiling drapery that made revelers feel as though they were entering fashion and event heaven.

Once through the red velvet gates, many took the opportunity to pose for photos at an elaborate step-and-repeat to commemorate the evening.  Continuing the red velvet drape backdrop, partygoers posed for images alongside various hotel props and accessories to commemorate the evening. Others bypassed the step and repeat, instead opting to view the display of multiple mannequins, featuring iconic fashion looks from House of DIFFA events in previous years, which others used as a stunning photo backdrop as a keepsake.

The crowd then mingled during cocktail hour. Guests could be seen walking up to one another, admiring their own sartorial interpretation of the night. Additionally, the crowd took the time to view and place bids at the DIFFA Auction, featuring over 60 custom-made jackets and ensembles designed by acclaimed local, regional, and national designers. Those looking to buy art for their walls rather than for their person made their way to an elegant art gallery wall, featuring an array of stunning pieces up for bid. Live artist Geoff Henning created wildly fashionable paintings while dazzling onlookers.

The doors to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel Ballroom opened with guests immediately drawn into a dazzling space complete with laser beams, a hotel exterior wall illuminated on the ballroom walls, and an epic runway complete with a two-story backdrop that anchored the rear of the room and complemented a peace-symbolled runway that split in three at the end. Many revelers took their phones out to capture the awe and wonder of the space.

After guests took to their seats, the main program began. Kicking off the program were words from event leaders, including 2026 House of DIFFA co-chairs David Chadd and David White, along with DIFFA Dallas Board Chair Rhiannon Bolen, each thanking them for being a part of a special evening. Next, a series of fashion and HIV-activist icons from Dallas and beyond for their tireless support for DIFFA over the years including Peter Triporo receiving the Excellence in Healthcare Award, JD Miller with the Excellence in Design Award, Carlo Barone with the David White Legacy of Love Award, Yolanda Jones with the Donna Fishel Community Hero Award, and Black Tie Dinner with the Legend in the Fight Against AIDS Award.

The honorees included two very special moments. The first being Martini Consignment co-owner and former DIFFA Dallas Board Chair Ken Weber, who was honored with the Candy Long Excellence in Fashion Award. The second was a special tribute featuring legendary Model and Fashion Event Producer Jan Strimple, who said a few words thanking the audience for the award as well as their support of DIFFA over the years.

Next came the presentation of the 2025/26 DIFFA Legends of Style. Local HIV/AIDS advocates Keith Carlisle, Don Gaiser, Ike Isenhour, and LeeAnne Locken each took their turn down the runway in stunning looks of various colors, to the loud cheers of the audience.

Following the presentation of the Legends of Style, the 2026 DIFFA Style Council Ambassadors had their turn on the runway, with 15 sociable Dallasites taking their turn down the runway, showcasing their impactful style. This year’s style council included Rob Bradford, Elise Cordell, Anna Curnes, Amber Ennis Griffin, Al and Gage Farb, Hazel Hartfield, Alexis Miller, Andrea Reich, Tanner Sinclair, Ethan Skinner, April Vallee, Tina Verma, Charlie White, and Kendu-Marquette Williams.

The night continued with a live auction, helmed by auctioneer and comedian Dana Goldberg. The paddles and the fundraising increased as donors bid on an array of luxury items and experiences, with a trip to Puerto Vallarta and A Night at the Movies package emerging as the most popular among guests. A paddles-up that increased the fundraising total even more.

Revelers then settled into their seats for the main event of the night, the Hotel Mystique Fashion Show. RuPaul’s Drag Race legend Alyssa Edwards kicked things off, entertaining the crowd and getting them focused on what would be one of the most successful House of DIFFA Fashion Runway Shows in years.

One by one, models strolled down the runway, sometimes solo, sometimes escorted in a multi-collection runway show, each featuring various hotel amenities from check-in to the penthouse. The collection featured looks in various colors, with plenty of sophisticated gowns often adorned with avant-garde features, such as a half-chandelier headpiece perched on a model’s head.

For an hour, these incredible looks continued with woven-in-show-stopping musical performances by 2026 Miss America Cassie Donegan, various dance performances on stage, and a second-tier runway atop the backdrop, where the models emerged, giving the room a theatrical, Broadway-like quality. Once the epic array of well over 100 looks was completed, the crowd responded with a standing ovation.

On a high from the fashion show, guests were not ready to check out yet. They headed to a vibrant, lively after-party, where revelers packed the dance floor, dancing the night away to the tunes of The Celebration Band, ensuring the fun went on until the wee hours of the morning and capping off Texas’s best night of gala fashion (and impact) of the year.

THE NON-PROFIT: House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique, chaired by David Chadd and David White, raised funds from DIFFA Dallas. Proceeds from the event will support grants to North Texas-based organizations that provide services to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in the North Texas area. The funds are donated to approximately two dozen nonprofits to execute these initiatives across the North Texas region.

Here Are 10 Standout Highlights From House Of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique…

Guests Entered Through A Dramatic Red Velvet Fantasy
A glowing Hotel Mystique neon sign, towering velvet drapes, and a stunning red-carpeted entryway instantly immersed attendees in the evening’s glamorous theme.

The Ballroom Became A Theatrical Fashion Wonderland
Laser beams, illuminated hotel-inspired walls, and a massive multi-level runway transformed the Sheraton Dallas ballroom into a Broadway-worthy spectacle.

More Than 60 Custom And Outfits Took Center Stage At The DIFFA Jacket Auction
Guests bid on one-of-a-kind designer jackets and ensembles while also exploring a curated art gallery filled with striking works available for purchase.

Jan Strimple And Ken Weber Received Emotional Honors
Legendary fashion producer Jan Strimple and Martini Consignment co-owner Ken Weber were celebrated for their enduring impact on fashion and philanthropy in Dallas.

The Legends Of Style Runway Brought The Crowd To Its Feet
HIV/AIDS advocates Keith Carlisle, Don Gaiser, Ike Isenhour, and LeeAnne Locken wowed guests with vibrant runway appearances and powerful community visibility.

The DIFFA Style Council Ambassadors Delivered High-Impact Fashion Moments
Fifteen stylish Dallasites showcased bold and expressive looks while highlighting the organization’s spirit of creativity and inclusion.

Dana Goldberg Sparked A Spirited Live Auction
Guests enthusiastically bid on luxury experiences, including a Puerto Vallarta getaway and an unforgettable “Night At The Movies” package.

Alyssa Edwards Electrified The Runway Show Opening
The RuPaul’s Drag Race icon brought charisma, glamour, and high energy to kick off one of the most ambitious House of DIFFA fashion presentations to date.

More Than 100 Avant-Garde Looks Created A Couture Spectacle
Models strutted through themed hotel-inspired collections featuring dramatic gowns, theatrical styling, and unforgettable statement pieces, including a chandelier headpiece.

The Celebration Continued Deep Into The Night
Guests packed the dance floor at the lively after-party where The Celebration Band kept the energy soaring until the early morning hours.