Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/720648
— Clint Bradley, House of DIFFA Chair HOUSE OF DIFFA IS THE PERFECT WAY TO END THE SOCIAL SEASON. THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH By Jane Rozelle. Photography Thomas Garza, Rhi Lee, Mark Nelson. P urchasing a ticket to House of DIFFA guarantees a spectacular, show-stopping performance that raises both funds and eyebrows. This year, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS' Circo Rouge exceeded expectations. Chairman Clint Bradley welcomed more than 1,600 guests into a big top erected inside the Omni Dallas Hotel ballroom, where DIFFA board chair Justin Bundick proclaimed, "My friends, we gather tonight to experience one of the greatest combinations of fashion, design, theater, and philanthropy in the world." Then it was a no-holds-barred display that can only be described as freakish- chic. A three-foot-tall man in a top hat and red tails served as ringleader, aerialists twirled from ribbons, and circus performers dangled and contorted. Models in extravagant wigs and makeup stomped down a catwalk in designers from Forty Five Ten, Traffic Los Angeles, and Ten Over Six, followed by performers in bustiers and provocative skivvies who carried candy canes and lollipops; others brought out whips and chains for a "Here, kitty, kitty" moment. The zany eve concluded with a performance by Viktoria Modesta and an after-party that lasted well into the wee hours. DIFFA do- gooders: presenting sponsor Nancy Rogers; DIFFA Style Council Ambassadors Kurt Anderson, Kim Burgan, Steffi Burns, Tim Flannery, J.L. Forke, Bob Gibbs, Cearan Henley, Carinthia Kishaba, Jason Parker, Courtney Rider, Carmen Surgent, and Shelby Wagner; and show producers Brian Brothers, Jeffrey Horn, and Rhonda Sargent Chambers. LES FREAKS, C'EST CHIC James Campbell, Aaron Wolfe, Muffin and John Lemak, George Cameron Nash, Andrea Reich, Zach Ripp, Lainie Kritser, Bart Kieschnick, Cathy Vieth, Graeme Ross, John Phifer Marrs, Anne and Steve Stodghill, Shelby and Scott Kramer, Jody Stein, Josh Mayer, Braden Wayne, Javier Burkle, Mason McCleskey, Elaine Raffel, Simona Beal, John McCarley, Parker Williams, Brittanie and Jason Oleniczak, Jenifer Strauss, and Lexi Dennis. Anna-Sophia van Zweden Nancy Rogers Charles Smith II Circo Rouge Clint Bradley Darin Kunz Tim Flannery Nick Boulle Taylor Johnson Dallas Snadon Kathleen Hutchinson David & Tina Craig Mandy Austin Emily Ray-Porter Patrick Tichacek Carol Quist Jody Stein Josh Mayer Justin Bundick Chuck Steelman Scott Kehn Niven Morgan Shelby Wagner 130 Kurt Anderson Ross Blackstone Suzi Ellis Sami Abboud