Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Mad Hatter Shane Walker becomes the Masquerade Man



DIFFA/Dallas recently unveiled plans for the House of DIFFA 2014, the organization’s annual gala and largest fund raising event. Inspired by the legendary Carnival of Venice, House of DIFFA 2014’s theme is a black tie Masquerade ball. Patrons are encouraged to wear traditional Venetian masks. The best mask will be judged for originality, quality and design, and awarded during the course of the evening.  DIFFA's annual gala is always one of the most stylish and exciting annual charity events in Dallas and this year's soiree will take place at 6:00pm on Saturday, March 29th at the Omni Dallas Hotel and promises to be filled with the hottest fashions and attendees. Simona Beal will serve as this year’s honorary chair for House of DIFFA 2014. This year's Event Chairman is longtime DIFFA/Dallas board member Jim DiMarino.

Shane Walker
Floral designer Shane Walker is the genius behind many of the elaborate and over the top chapeau's at the annual Mad Hatter's Tea at the Dallas Arboretum, so it's no surprise that Walker has been inundated with calls to create masks for this event.

"I can give you a few hints about the people behind the mask and what they are wearing," says Walker. "There will be a mask that is made from sculpted black leather and encrusted with gold metal findings, chains and bling. Move over Ga Ga!

I also have a guy that is pretty over the top and his personality always shines just like his mask! His mask will be all silver and black and heavy on the Austrian Crystals. He also ordered a solid rhinestone bow tie to compliment the jeweled masterpiece!

 Oh, and let's not forget about the two guys from Florida arriving in for DIFFA. They will be sporting matching mask made of sculpted black leather and embellished with gold spikes of different sizes! Spikes don't always go on shoe's! I will be designing a mask to replicate a black raven! It will literally look as if he could take off in flight at any moment."

Any thoughts I had about buying a mask at Party City long since flew out the window...

What will Walker be wearing, I had to ask?  "My mask is inspired by the fabulous designer Jean Paul Gaultier. It will have lots of multiple chains, metal findings, and metal mesh. I couldn't resist the incredible blazer that I found at Traffic in Dallas. When I saw it I knew it would be perfect with the mask that wouldn't leave my mind. If you can dream it, I can make it! My designs are not for those who want to blend in! This year's DIFFA will showcase show much creativity! I just love a themed event as this one coming up. It gives people a reason to really show their personality and creative flair. You will see many Venetian inspired mask this year with lots of feathers and sparkle."

If you are now inspired/pressured to reach out to Walker for your mask, he's still taking orders. "I never run out of ideas as long as feathers, bling and a glue gun is laying around," Walker laughed. You can reach him at 214-335-7255 or shanewalkerdesign@hotmail.com.

The House of DIFFA 2014 is sure to dazzle patrons as they enjoy pre-dinner cocktails, an exotic silent auction featuring couture, custom jewelry, dining and travel packages, seated dinner and a provocative runway show featuring this year’s exclusive jacket collection and latest fashions from around the world. The evening’s festivities will be capped by the legendary House of DIFFA late night after party featuring cocktails and dancing. Event and ticket information can be found at www.diffadallas.org. Doors open at 6:00pm and tickets start at $375 per person.