THE HEART TRUTH’S RED DRESS COLLECTION 2012

I’m honored to have had the opportunity to attend The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection again this year, the 10th anniversary of the National Institute of Health’s commitment to women’s heart health.

While heart disease remains the #1 killer of women, it’s encouraging to learn that over the past 10 years, the number of heart disease deaths in women has been steadily declining.  More women are finding out their personal risk for developing heart disease and taking the necessary steps to maintain a healthy heart, which include: not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, eating right, and having a physician evaluate personal risk factors.

Like previous years, the 2012 Red Dress Collection was a star-studded collaboration of designers and 18 celebrities who walked the runway showcasing the red dresses, symbolizing women and heart disease awareness.

Chatting with the ladies on the red carpet, I learned that most of them have been personally affected by heart disease, like so many of us have, and they’re watching their diets and exercising not only to look good but to live an optimal lifestyle. Linda Evans, of Dynasty fame, said she walks one hour every single day. Patti Stanger, the Millionaire Matchmaker, “lives at Whole Foods” and makes eating heart healthy a priority.

Rebecca Romijin opened the show in Marchesa, followed by Aisha Tyler in Badgley Mischka, Chaka Khan in Project Runway fave Chris March, Christie Brinkley in Pamella Roland, Cindi Leive in Jason Wu, Debbie Phelps in Adrianna Papell, Elisabeth Röhm in Nicole Miller, Giselle Blondet in Oscar de la Renta, Gloria Estefan in Narcisso Rodriguez, Jeanette Torres-Alvarez in Carols Miele, Jenna Elfman in Alberta Ferretti, Jennifer Nettles in David Meister, LaLa Anthony in Rachel Roy, Linda Evans in Tadashi Shoji, Minka Kelly in DVF, Patti Stanger in Marc Bouwer, and Rose McGowan in Donna Karen.

My favorite dress by far was the DVF sequin wrap number worn by Minka Kelly.  Oh, and there was almost fashion roadkill with veteran Christie Brinkley and Rose McGowan getting caught up in their gowns.  But like true pros, they recovered gracefully to a roaring crowd of supporters.

{I was not compensated in any way for this post.}