Sure, event organizer and wedding planner extraordinaire Julian Leaver knows how to throw a memorable party. Sure, for this year’s DIFFA Dallas event in May he’s taken inspiration from just about every decade’s barrier-breaking cultural destination, from Studio 54 to London’s punk scene to Coachella. And, sure, he expects the fundraiser’s catwalk jacket auction to break records. But he and event co-chairs Richard Rivas and Haley Clark want to make something very clear: this isn’t just another exclusive black-tie-and-sequins, celebrity-shoulder-rubbing, Champagne-and-floral-party-wall fundraiser. DIFFA Dallas, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, wants you to put on your party frock because they want you to help save lives in North Texas.
Many people now think of H.I.V. and AIDS as pandemics of yesteryear, their deadly impact stymied by antiretroviral drug cocktails and preventative pills such as PrEP. But during 2021, thanks in part to COVID-19 disruptions, more than 1.5 million people were infected with H.I.V. worldwide, many of them young girls. According to U.N.AIDS, around 650,000 people died of AIDS that year, which works out to about one every minute.
Dallas isn’t immune. Dallas County HHS hasn’t provided data since 2017, says Rivas, but at that time the organization estimated that more than 18,000 people were living with H.I.V. in Dallas County alone.
“The biggest struggle of any organization like DIFFA working to create the first AIDS-free generation is stigma and public apathy towards H.I.V./AIDS,” Rivas says. “We thankfully live in a world where someone, when given proper care and treatment, will die with H.I.V. and not from it. However, that causes many to not think about protecting themselves.”
It also means many go without testing and treatment. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there were 735 new diagnoses of H.I.V. in Dallas County in 2019; nearly 28 percent of those people had gone so long without diagnosis or treatment that they were diagnosed with full-blown AIDS.
Even in the United States, access to prevention and treatment tends to be limited to privileged groups, which results in unequal distribution. In Dallas County, the vast majority of cases, more than 78 percent, impact Black and Hispanic individuals.
“One in eight people living with H.I.V. right now don’t know it,” Rivas says. “One in every four people diagnosed with H.I.V. or AIDS are not getting the medical care they need. We believe stigma plays a big part in that. People are afraid of what others, including their own doctors, might think of their H.I.V. diagnosis.”
DIFFA Dallas uses the funds raised to provide unearmarked dollars to 25 local organizations that provide direct care services to adults, children, and families impacted by H.I.V./AIDS. Combined, these organizations serve the more than 22,000 people across North Texas living with the diagnosed disease.
That’s why Leaver feels this year’s theme—The List—is important. “We want everyone to be involved,” he says. “We want everyone to feel included. Everyone is on The List.”
The fundraiser’s many events include a cocktail reception, seated dinner, couture runway show, and designer jacket auction. Here’s a preview.
Flair Play: Satin tank top, M.K.T.; pink wide-leg trousers, Elements
Andre Yabin moved to Dallas in 2005 to pursue a career in 3D architectural design. Shortly thereafter, he decided to dedicate himself to fashion, forming a luxury fashion house, Binzario Couture, with Luis Nazario. Although Yabin’s designs normally focus on one-of-a-kind wedding gowns and feminine ready-to-wear collections, this colorful rocker-style bolero is anything but bridal.
Power Pose: Maxi skirt, Elements; slingback sandals, Marni
Tiffany Forsberg, a Dallas-based designer at Skibell Fine Jewelry, took this wool blazer out of the boardroom and out on the town, upcycling it into a midriff-baring crop top with button tails down the front and a vintage rhinestone brooch on the lapel. It comes with a matching pencil skirt, or you can challenge the establishment with a bigger, bolder bottom line.
Film Noir: Black top with gold chain detail and leather leggings, M.K.T.
In the 1920s, Eugene Joseff left the Midwest for Los Angeles, where he designed jewelry for such films as The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind. This vintage 1950s rayon blazer features a 1930s lion head brooch designed by Joseff; a matching one was once worn by Olivia de Havilland. Joseff of Hollywood continues to outfit stars, from Westworld to the upcoming Bridgerton prequel.
Color Guard: White tank, Elements; asymmetrical button-fly denim, Nicole Kwon Concept Store
Here’s your chance to dress like a princess. Kate Middleton has often been spotted in blazers from Canadian fashion house Smythe. Connie Sigel of Elements on Lovers Lane donated this woven brocade Smythe jacket, which can be dressed up with a simple sheath dress for the C-suite or down with denim for brunch at Sadelle’s or Beverley’s.
For more information about HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment, and resources, contact the Resource Center, 5750 Cedar Springs Rd. 214-521-5124.
This story originally appeared in the April issue of D Magazine with the headline, “Life Jackets.” Write to [email protected].
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