Style, Exuberance & Purpose: Go Red For Women's Red Dress Collection 2019 

By Tenlie Mourning 
February 8, 2019

Kicking off 2019 New York Fashion week was the star-studded Go Red for Women's Red Dress Collection 2019 Runway Show hosted by the American Heart Association. Organized in support of spreading awareness and preventing heart disease in women, the show brought together top celebrities from music, movies, and fashion, and featured survivors of heart disease. Notable names include Brooke Burke, Jordyn Woods, and Nicole Ari Parker. The ladies dawned a varied set of oh-so-red gowns by household name designers like Christian Siriano and smaller eco-focused brands alike.

Hosted by Food Network’s Padma Lakshmi, each woman walked to a song of her choice, and strutted down the runway with exuberance and power. This was not a typical straight-faced fashion show, and the celebs flaunted their true personalities, dancing, singing to the music, and connecting with audience members. Highlights included: Bo Derek adorably accompanied by Flynn, a recent winner of the Westminster Dog Show Best in Show Award. Susan Lucci appeared in a gorgeous cupcake gown, but took a spill on the catwalk, though it was overwhelmingly applauded as she graciously made her way back to standing.  

In an exclusive interview with UM, Brooke Burke commented on her purpose for participating in this year’s Red Dress Gala, saying:  “It’s very personal to me as my mom had a stroke and had open heart surgery last year,” echoing the comments of many of the celebrity models who were there to lead by example for their mothers and daughters.

As 1 in 3 women lose their lives to heart disease, this event invites celebrities and donors to take a stand in support of healthier lifestyle choices for women of all ages. Their new campaign #WatchMe spreads the message of young, millenial women setting a healthy example for their mothers and grandmothers, teaching them to eat better and exercise more.  
However, the campaign does not leave out the fact that geography is often the biggest factor of heart disease, with many women being forced to choose between paying their rent and making healthy food choices. 

This fact was the precursor to a stunning performance by folk band @warandtreaty. A former Iraqi veteran and victim of homelessness was joined by his wife to sing an original song “Hearts” inspiring the audience, and filling all hearts in the room for the benefit of this cause.

​For more information on the Red Dress Collection or to learn more about heart disease visit: www.goredforwomen.org