From the Heart

Who said Fashion Week is all about the clothes? Me, durrr. A true fashionista, I can appreciate well-made tailored clothing like anybody’s business, namely the menswear inspiration heralding from Richard Chai‘s collection. But I can also vibe right along to the women and celebrities who participated in The Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show 2013 at the Hammerstein Ballroom the other night. A night of 1,000 philanthropic stars all decked out in red was the name of the game. The show was truly enjoyable, I made some new friends, and it sure was a break from all the ass-kissing that goes along with the protocol of Fashion Week. Here are the top reasons why I loved the show.

Photo courtesy of Diet Coke®

What I’m wearing: Dannijo Melody necklace, Zadig and Voltaire jacket, Zara tiger top

The celebs. Seventeen stars including Kelly Osbourne, Gabby Douglas, Minka Kelly, Jillian Michaels and the Jenner stars, all channeled their inner models, walked the walk, and wore sexy vibrant red dresses for the cause. Watching Minka Kelly, natch, was proof enough for me. Strutting the runway in a heartbeat for heart healthy choices.

The cause. From the mouth of Minka Kelly, “it made sense to get involved and to inspire other women to take care of their hearts. This was a very lucky opportunity for me.” And she works out with a personal trainer upwards of four times per week. No wonder she looks so amazing.

The crowd. P”Trique, chic to the next lev, sitting front row next to US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, right across the aisle from Miss J of America’s Next Top Model. That is unreal. Love. It.

The catwalk. The sexy designs from the likes of Carlos Miele, Marc Bouwer, Tadashi Shoji, worn by all those celebs sparkled and danced on the runway with major sass. Some salsa danced, while others sang down the runway. Flashing more than just the clothes, the designers and celebs contributed their time and talent to help raise awareness, each with a personal story attached to their strut.

The continuation. Throughout the month of February, not just for Valentine’s Day and NYFW, post a heart photo on Twitter or Instagram using #ShowYourHeart anytime, and Diet Coke has pledged to donate $1 for every picture to heart health programs. The beverage company wants to  reach its goal of raising $100,000, so why not contribute to this fantastic cause? I did. And while you’re at it, put on your own red dress and share photos of yourself (C’mon everyone looks good in red!)  Even if its a tube of lipstick

Although this post is sponsored by Diet Coke, the thoughts, comments and views are my own.