The first day of New York Fashion Week was extraordinary as usual, especially due to the 15th Annual Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. The collection, inspired by the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® initiative, was showcased at a VIP event that united fashion, entertainment, and philanthropy aficionados to shed light on female heart health. According to the AHA, cardiovascular diseases kill one woman about every 80 seconds—but 80% of those illnesses can be prevented.

This year’s fashion show, which took place at The Manhattan Center, featured a myriad of celebrities who modeled red gowns to show support: Jordyn Woods, Skai Jackson, Ashleigh Murray, Becky G, Amy Robach, the Bella Twins, Brooke Burke, Laurie Hernandez, Danica McKellar, Chloe Lukasiak, Dorit Kemsley, and more. Some of the designers who contributed garments to the evening include Naeem Khan, Carolina Herrera, CD Greene, Tarik Ediz, and Moon Choi.

As celebrities sat down in the “Ready Room” for hair, makeup, and manicures, I caught up with them about why they were so eager to show support:


Why did you decide to participate in the American Heart Association’s Red Dress Collection Fashion Show this evening?

“Heart disease is incredibly rampant, and a lot of people don’t know about it. There is a lot of heart disease in my own family, and I think it’s important not only for the generations before us but the generations after us to talk about it. We have to be aware of our health so we’re not losing so many people.”—Ashleigh Murray, Actress from Riverdale

“I decided to support this amazing organization because I feel like it’s a disease that people don’t speak about enough. I want to do anything I can to help. I’m just so excited to be a part of the show with my fellow peers tonight.” —Skai Jackson, Disney Actress

“I have a few direct links to heart disease in my family. My mom has it and my grandparents have had it, so I think it’s really important. If I can help spread the word about it, then I would love to do so.” —Laurie Hernandez, Olympic Gymnast

“I’m a huge health nut and I’m all about wellness and healthy lifestyles. The American Heart Association is a great match for me because I want to encourage women to take care of themselves. I’m just excited to get up there and strut my stuff and educate women about heart health.”—Danica McKellar, Actress from The Wonder Years

“I was really surprised to hear that heart disease is the number one killer of females—one out of three women die of heart disease. I think this fashion show is so important because it brings awareness. I’ve had some heart disease in my family, so it really hits home, and I feel like we really need to educate everyone.” —Brie Bella, Professional WWE Wrestler

“I love how they raise awareness for American heart disease. There are so many of us that don’t realize that it’s the number one killer of women. I really wanted to be here to support because I’ve lost people to heart disease, and it’s important to use my platform to raise more awareness.” —Nikki Bella, Professional WWE Wrestler


What are you most excited for tonight?

“I’m most excited to not fall into the audience!”—Murray

“I’m excited to walk! This is my third time doing it. I’m nervous every time, but I love the experience.”—Jackson

“Tonight, I’m definitely most excited to walk the runway! I know my dad is going to be there, too, so it’ll be a lot of fun to see if I can try and find him.” —Hernandez

“I’m excited to walk the runway! I’m not a model at all, though, so I hope I don’t trip. I can’t wait to look at all the smiling faces below. It’s going to be great to see women empowering and encouraging each other to be healthy.” —McKellar

“I‘m really excited to dance to our song going down the runway. It’s really cool! Being in a beautiful dress but having a powerful song really represents who my sister and I are.” —Bella (Brie)

“I’m so excited to walk the catwalk with my sister. Not only is this such an amazing foundation, considering everything they do for American heart disease, but this is the start of New York Fashion Week! We’re here in New York City with so many amazing, well-known women, and the fact that I get to share the catwalk with them and be a part of this is such an honor. It’s so exciting.” —Bella (Nikki)

Learn more about Go Red For Women at www.goredforwomen.org.


Photo Credit: Getty Images