Dynamite Denim -- Diffa's Charity Auction Of Wild And Crazy Levi Jackets Will Benefit Aids Patients

Author Tom Robbins "designed" his Levi denim jacket with red fringe on the sleeves and the portrait of a retro cowgirl on the back. Actor Tom Skerritt decorated his with a white picket fence around the torso. Children's author and illustrator Maurice Sendak painted Max and one of his monster friends on the back of his jacket and Senator Patty Murray decorated hers with appliqued red satin tennis shoes.

These and another 106 denim jackets decorated by professional and celebrity "designers" are part of a project by the national Design Industries Foundation for AIDS, DIFFA, to raise money for organizations that work with support services for AIDS patients. Seventh Avenue designers, entertainment stars and local celebrities have been given denim jackets donated by Levi Strauss & Co. to decorate. Afterwards, they're auctioned. In Dallas, where the local DIFFA Chapter organized a jacket auction in October, more than $1 million was raised; individual jackets sold for up to $15,000.

Lissa Gruman, in charge of the Seattle chapter's auction, says she expects to raise more than $100,000 to donate to local AIDS support organizations. Starting bids for the jackets will be $100.

Of the jackets to be auctioned here, 25 are from Seventh Avenue design houses, including Tommy Hilfiger, Anne Klein, Ellen Tracy, Nicole Miller and Claude Montana. The most inventive jackets in the Seattle group come from locals.

Seattle designers Darbury Stenderu, Janelle DeVarona and Robin De Vick, all known for their hand-painted fabrics, added their signature silks and velvets to the jackets.

The 110 jackets will be on public display May 9-18 at downtown businesses, including Rainier Square, The Westin Hotel, The Bon Marche, and Nordstrom, then auctioned on May 20 at the Westin Hotel. For tickets to the auction, call 344-8404.