Heart health goes haute couture

The Heart Truth campaign, which raises awareness of heart disease and stroke for women, uses the Red Dress as its national symbol. The show presented the creations of 20 Canadian designers, who each gave their interpretation of the Red Dress.

On Tuesday night, 20 notable Canadian women acted as the models for the crimson pa-rade. The host of Fashion Television, Jeanne Beker started the show with a stunning strapless number by Joeffer Caoc. Other highlights included Mary Walsh in a cherry dress and jacket combo by M Siamo by Marisa Minicucci and Olympian Charmaine Crooks in a ruffled, floor length Romona Keveza design. The executive director of L'Oreal Fasion Week, Robin Kay, made her playful appearance wearing a dress by Lucian Matis, a finalist on Project Runway Canada.

But the last woman down the runway, comedian Catherine O'Hara sporting an evening gown by Thien Le, stole the show. Channeling her inner-model diva, she mastered the fierce strut down the catwalk, complete with haughty glares at those in the front row. A dramatic fall at the far end of the runway inspired O'Hara to fake another fall before she made her exit.

The designers will be donating or lending these original creations to The Heart Truth for auction or display. The styles by Baia and Tavan & Mitto will also be available at select Bay stores across the country, with 10 per cent of the proceeds going to the campaign.

A project of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the goal of the Heart Truth campaign is to inform women about the risks and warning signs of heart disease and stroke. It pro-motes lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk by as much as 80 per cent.

So next time you reach for the LBD, think about the glamour and the importance of the Red Dress.