DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Las Vegas, Las Vegas Fashion Council and Style Fashion Week have announced the local DIFFA chapter’s inaugural fashion show, HOUSE OF DIFFA, to be held on Friday, Dec. 1.
DIFFA Las Vegas, a local chapter of the national DIFFA organization, hosted an exclusive preview of its December show, in partnership with Neiman Marcus, at Fashion Show Mall on Thursday, Feb. 9. The event included a fashion show of Neiman Marcus spring trends; a raffle fundraiser; signature drinks by Barefoot Wine and Gas Monkey Tequila; and a display of pieces by HOUSE OF DIFFA designer, Jim McCoy. Nearly $7,000 was raised to support local HIV/AIDS organizations in Las Vegas, which included a $5,000 donation from sponsor, Neiman Marcus.
McCoy showcased several pieces from his personal collection, including: “Red Carpet,” created from the reclaimed fabric of event linens, vintage sequins, bead appliqué and gold vintage butterflies; “Steam Punk,” designed from recycled fur, a vintage theatrical hoop skirt and a handcrafted headpiece; and a two-piece design, “Couture,” made from theatrical drape with an embellished bodice and headpiece. McCoy’s designs will be included in the HOUSE OF DIFFA show in on Dec. 1.
A celebration of fashion, design and philanthropy, DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful service organizations in raising funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Since its formation in 1984, DIFFA has raised over $41 million to support hundreds of HIV/AIDS organizations.
Themed “Eden,” HOUSE OF DIFFA will bring together live performance, art and music for a high-fashion spectacular that tells the story of love, lust and temptation in Las Vegas. HOUSE OF DIFFA will feature pieces from local and regional designers, including: Stitched inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; Las Vegas-based Vasari at Tivoli Village; Dee Berkley of Dee Berkley Jewelry; San Diego-based GRACEDBYGRIT; and Reyna Herrera, Mina Kahn, Paul Redman, Joseph Charles Poli, Crystal Ball, Jim McCoy, Jeffrey deBarathy and Brenton Coon.
Funds raised from HOUSE OF DIFFA will benefit local nonprofit organizations including: AIDS Healthcare Foundation, The Center, Golden Rainbow, Huntridge Family Clinic, Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada, St. Therese Center and The Sin Sity Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
DIFFA Las Vegas flaunts a prominent line-up of style council ambassadors, an accomplished group of community, business and civic leaders committed to raising funds and awareness of behalf of Las Vegas HIV/AIDS service organizations. Style council ambassadors include: Leslie Frisbee, editor-in-chief of Luxury Las Vegas; Lynn Weidner, chairman of the Miss America board of directors; Jerry Metellus, legendary photographer; and Amanda Kouretas, former Mrs. Nevada America.
