Luxury Jacket Auction hallmark of annual event

By Haley Davis

This spring, DIFFA Dallas invites the city to step behind closed doors. On May 9, the 34th Annual House of DIFFA transforms the Sheraton Dallas Hotel into Hotel Mystique — a cinematic world where fashion, identity and philanthropy intertwine. Running from 6-11 p.m., the fashion fundraising event gala raises critical funds for North Texas HIV/AIDS service organizations.  

 Co-chaired by David White and David Chadd, House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique explores the stories that unfold in private spaces — the hidden journeys, quiet resilience and transformations that often exist beyond public view. Inspired by the elegance and intrigue of a grand luxury hotel, the theme invites guests into thoughtfully designed spaces where each room reveals a new narrative. At Hotel Mystique, behind every door lies a story of identity and strength, reflecting the beauty and resilience that define the communities DIFFA serves. The evening promises to deliver one of the most visually striking and meaningful nights on Dallas’ social calendar.

“Hotel Mystique was inspired by the idea that behind every glamorous façade lies a deeper story,” said David Chadd, co-chair of House of DIFFA. “This theme allows us to blend high fashion, art and immersive storytelling while honoring the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of the communities DIFFA serves.”

 Throughout the evening, each runway segment unveils a different chapter of Hotel Mystique, guiding guests through an immersive fashion journey — from opulent public spaces to intimate, hidden rooms. The experience celebrates identities that have long existed behind closed doors and honors the power of self-expression, visibility and transformation — core values that mirror DIFFA’s mission and impact.

 A hallmark of the evening, the signature Live Luxury Jacket Auction returns, featuring one-of-a-kind, custom-designed jackets created exclusively for DIFFA Dallas. Each piece is a singular work of wearable art — never reproduced — crafted by visionary designers and offered only during the live auction. Additional auction highlights include luxury fashion, fine jewelry, original artwork and exclusive travel experiences. All proceeds directly benefit HIV/AIDS service organizations across North Texas.

 For more than three decades, House of DIFFA has stood as one of the nation’s most distinctive fashion fundraising galas, celebrated for its boundary-pushing creativity, bold production and powerful purpose.

 “House of DIFFA is often called the Met Gala of Dallas — and for good reason,” said David White, co-chair of House of DIFFA. “It’s a vibrant, high-energy night where fashion, entertainment and philanthropy come together in unforgettable ways, all in support of a mission that truly matters.”

 White and Chadd bring deep-rooted dedication and longstanding leadership to DIFFA Dallas. White celebrates 35 years of involvement with the organization, stepping into his role as co-chair after serving in numerous leadership capacities, including board chairman, treasurer, and young professional’s director. His commitment has also extended across key committees, including the Silent Auction, Burgers & Burgundy, and the Wreath Holiday Collection, reflecting decades of hands-on engagement and institutional knowledge.

Chadd marks eight years of involvement with DIFFA Dallas, first serving on the Style Council before joining the board. He has co-chaired both the Luxury Jacket Auction and the Wreath Holiday Collection, contributing to some of the organization’s most celebrated fundraising initiatives. 

He also walked the House of DIFFA runway during his first Style Council appearance in 2017 alongside his husband, becoming the first married same-sex couple to participate — a meaningful milestone that reflects the spirit of visibility and inclusion central to DIFFA’s mission.

 “I have always admired the board of DIFFA Dallas since my very first House of DIFFA in 2017,” Chadd said. “I saw how hard they worked to produce such an amazing event, and I wanted to be a part of that while also raising money for the HIV/AIDS community.”

 Hotel Mystique continues House of DIFFA’s tradition of creating immersive experiences that push creative boundaries while driving meaningful philanthropic impact. “Support of DIFFA Dallas enables the organization to provide unrestricted funds to North Texas Aids Service Organizations that are suffering from loss of so many Federal grants and funding,” said White. “The present economic situation only heightens the need for funding.” 

 The May 9 gala promises unexpected moments, dramatic visuals, and powerful storytelling—cementing House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique as a must-experience event on the Dallas social calendar where glamour meets purpose and fashion fuels impact.

For more information on the main event for sponsorships, visit diffadallas.org/hod. Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. 

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