The majority of women in America don’t likely identify with the gals that come galloping down the average runway. Even if you’ve never been to a fashion show, you know you will see some incarnation of very tall, very thin, very young models fashioned to look like one another and demonstrating little personality. Now, imagine the opposite of that and you’ll start to get a sense of The Heart Truth‘s Red Dress Collection Fashion Show.
On Thursday evening during New York Fashion Week, 17 gorgeous women of varying talents, shapes, sizes, colors and personalities came down the runway on behalf of the national awareness campaign for women’s heart health. Unlike the other shows going under the tents at Bryant Park, there was nothing uniform about this set.
Apart from the fact they the were each draped in one-of-a-kind designer red gowns from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Donna Karan and Michael Kors, refreshingly, they all celebrated their individuality — and were given the entire length of the runway and a personal love-themed song to do it. What better way to get women to consider their own individuality, and hopefully in turn, the importance of their own heart health.
A Lot to Live For
In over-the-top Broadway fashion, Kristin Chenoweth opened the show in a Daniel Swarovski bejeweled gown, waving and blowing kisses to a genius mash-up of Les Miserables’ “I Dreamed a Dream” and Lady Gaga‘s “Bad Romance.” (Must get download.) A timid-at-first Felicity Huffman wearing an Oscar de la Renta, hit her stride after her scruffily handsome husband, William H. Macy, caught her attention from the first row and scored himself a kiss. The crowd went wild. Wearing Tadashi Shoji, Raven-Symone punctuated her walk with head whips and hands on hips. And, in recovering a near stumble, she fearlessly kicked off her Bryan Atwood stilettos.
Robin Roberts of ABC’s Good Morning America brought confidence and grace to a J. Crew Collection gown, while Bethenny Frankel came out to Diana Ross’ “Baby Love.” She playfully showed off her baby-bump in a snug Isabella Oliver gown, which she had to shimmy down a few times. Dana Torres wore Rachel Roy, but made no assumptions that she could walk in a strappy heel. The Olympic swimmer stayed true to herself and opted to carry them instead.
Then there were the divas who seemed more at home on the runway. Kim Kardashian in a Marchesa; epitome of glamour Joan Collins flaunted her Stephane Rolland; Kimora Lee wore one of her own designs and the ever-adored Valerie Harper glided in a flowing Pamella Roland.
And, of course to close the show, model-mogul-philanthropist and Diet Coke’s Heart Health Ambassador, Heidi Klum, looked fierce in a spectacular John Galliano. All 17 women joined the Project Runway host for a final lap, red confetti overhead.
So Why All the Fuss?
Since declaring the Red Dress as a symbol of women’s heart health in 2002, with the help of over 60 design houses and 107 celebrities, The Heart Truth has carried an important message to millions. Nearly 70 percent of American women now know that heart disease is their No.1 killer. And, studies indicate that educated women are 35 percent more likely to be physically active and 47 percent more likely to watch weight gain.
That’s great progress, but there’s still a way to go. At least 30-percent of women remain unaware, and there are new generations to educate. But the real problem is that many women continue to underestimate their own risk.
The startling truth: One risk factor can double chances of developing heart disease; two risk factors increase odds fourfold.
Risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Being physically inactive
- Having a family history of early heart disease
- Age (55 or older for women)
Four Simple Ways to a Healthy Heart
First and foremost women should consult their doctors to determine if they are at risk. Although certain factors such as family history are out of one’s control, here are four simple things to help ensure a healthy heart:
- Healthy eating habits
- Don’t smoke (duh!)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular physical activity
A selection of the 2010 Red Dress Collection will be auctioned by Clothes Off Our Back. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health on behalf of The Heart Truth.
Photos courtesy Getty Images; logo courtesy The Heart Truth