DIFFA done denim

Get out your rhinestones and sharpen your scissors; it is time for the DIFFA designers to work their magic. In case you haven’t heard, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is preparing for the fashion event of the year, Utopia. May 2 will mark the 20th anniversary of DIFFA/Dallas’ collection of denim transformations.

DIFFA is a foundation devoted to funding the cure and prevention of HIV and AIDS. The foundation has been immortalized by its vast charity events that span each year. DIFFA/Dallas grants money to AIDS Service Organization in North Texas.

DIFFA/Dallas has obtained over $4 million for the foundation, making it the most triumphant chapter nationally. Through extensive networking, DIFFA/Dallas ensures that these funds are allocated appropriately to maximize its potential.

Embodying the idea of paradise, DIFFA/Dallas has announced the event’s title to be as such so that it mirrors “a perfect world, a Utopia, where HIV and AIDS does not exist,” according to Mark Stafford, co-chair of DIFFA/Dallas.

The Utopia media party this past Tuesday featured a sample of the many designs that are to walk the runway on May 2. With the spectrum of simple to avant-garde designs, the only commonality between each piece was the Arizona denim jacket given to each designer from JC Penney. From the painted wings of Carlos Nicholls to the Sex Pistols and pleats of Antonia Hubert, the Utopia media party showcased a plethora of designs.

With 8 years of carefully crafted jackets behind him, Izzy Zot is constantly inspired by the power of fabrics.

“It is the fabric that gives the ability to do what you want to do with it,” Zot said.

With the signature look of wings and red ribbons, Carlos Nicholls has returned to a 13th year with DIFFA/Dallas as his emotions control his brushstrokes thus making the theme of each jacket different from the last.

Having his hands soaked in the waters of fashion for over 20 years, Geoffrey Henning will present his 4th denim transformation. The motivation for Henning’s contribution to DIFFA/Dallas was to continually give back to the fashion community as well as giving the male perspective to how a woman should be dressed. He draws inspiration from the classic Lanvin designs of the 1950s with Siberian fox collars and original heavy lace.

Another influential designer of the evening was Robert Jenkins which will be presenting his 4th jacket at DIFFA/Dallas. Although he creates a different jacket every year, Jenkins is known for his revamped Swarovski-crystal-encrusted denim jacket which has a new addition every two to three months. He has carried this heavy crystal armor with him for the past 4 years showing that this is nothing less than an undying tradition for a competitive yet united cause.

After a few turnabouts around the grandeur room and a rendezvous with a dinosaur-inspired look from the Henson Studios in New York, we couldn’t help but to notice the sense of unity in the room. Although the attendees were from many different walks of life, we were all there in remembrance and support for those that we have lost to HIV and AIDS.

Concluding our evening with just a glimpse of what is to come on May 2, curiosity still overwhelms us — how can DIFFA get any better? Prepare yourselves so that your eyes may feast on these delectable denim delicacies.

The DIFFA/Dallas 20th Anniversary Collection will be showing on May 2, 2009 at The Hilton Anatole Hotel at 5:30 pm. Details at www.DIFFADallas.org

EDITORS NOTE: This story was written by Joshua Little and Melvin Varughese. Both are contributing style writers for Pop Wired.