The scene backstage at most fashion shows is exactly what you’d expect: makeup artists and hair stylists looking serious and working hard, a handful of snapping photographers, and lots of super skinny models who seem bored, exhausted, and maybe a bit hungry too.
Not at The Heart Truth, the annual show that’s held to raise awareness of the prevalence of heart disease in American women. Instead of models, celebrities walk in this show; instead of one designer looking for good reviews and retail orders, many of this country’s top names in fashion — like Donna Karan, Michael Kors and Vera Wang — donate a red dress each to go down the runway. And this season, for the first time, you can actually own one of these dresses. A selection of them are on auction at www.clothesoffourback.org through Feb. 27, with proceeds going to children’s charities.
The audience at The Heart Truth was also not typical for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: it was filled with many happy “civilians,” most wearing red in support of the cause. And instead of wearing big black sunglasses and dour poker faces, many guests applauded and cheered, particularly at the site of smiling “models” like actress Cicely Tyson (who wore b. michael) and Jane Kacmarek (who wore Michael Kors). Other celebrities that walked the runway included Amanda Bynes, Hilary Duff, Valerie Bertinelli, Jennie Garth and Katie Couric. The spirit was upbeat and supportive — more like a happy celebration than a heavy-duty fashion show.
Couric, who’s been a fervent supporter of causes like colon cancer prevention, wore a dress by Carmen Marc Valvo. Backstage before the show, the designer explained why he participated in the show.
“I support The Heart Truth because it’s a little-known fact that heart attacks are the number one killer of women in this country,” he said. “It’s just about getting the information out there. I think a lot of these health issues could be helped along more dramatically if we talked about them. I think conversation is the key in finding cures.”
Bobbi Brown works with the show’s celebrities every year and even created a limited edition lip gloss set in its honor this year (which, alas, has already quickly sold out.) She is a vocal supporter of women’s heart health. “Heart disease is evil,” she said. “As a makeup artist and beauty expert, I empower women to look good, and I’ve always said, ‘What you put in your body is more important than what you put on your skin.’ So eat healthy, no smoking, and don’t do things that are not good for you and hurt your heart.”
For more information on this excellent cause, go to hearttruth.gov.
Photos of Susan Lucci (top) and Hilary Duff (bottom) by Ali Goldstein.