ABOVE, FROM TOP: Liya Kebede for Proenza Schouler. Vanessa Williams for Carmen Marc Valvo. Natalia Vodianova for Calvin Klein. Alexandra Richards for Zac Posen. Angela Lindvall for Marc Jacobs. Alek Wek for Diane von Furstenberg. INSET: Ai Tominaga for Badgley Mischka.

‘By spreading vital information, this campaign will save women’s lives’
—President George W. Bush

   The line-up of fashion models that donated their time includes some of the most recognizable faces in the industry. Super­stars Alek Wek, Ai Tominaga, Frankie Rayder, Liya Kebede, Angela Lindvall, Trish Goff were joined by rising stars Hana Soukupova, Eugenia Volodina, Daria Werbowy, Natalia Vodia­nova, Ujjwala Raut, Jessica Miller, Linda Vojtova and Leti­cia Birkheuer. Guest celebrity models include singer–actress Vanessa Williams, the legendary Beverly Johnson, socialite Amanda Hearst and Alexandra and Theodora Richards (daughters of Keith, the equally legendary guitarist for the Rolling Stones).
   ’The fashion industry is well aware of its power to influence women and wants to harness the power behind the Red Dress to help save women's lives,’ said Fern Mallis, Executive Director of 7th on Sixth. ‘We need to reach out to women in a variety of ways to truly make a difference, and by using the fashion industry’s collective talents; we hope women will hear these life-saving messages.’
   Oscar de la Renta, participating for the second consecutive year, contributed a strapless crinkle chiffon gown modelled by Tiiu Kuik. Nicole Miller’s design, a festive gown with a ruffled bottom and Swarovski jewelled cowl neckline, enlisted fashion legend, Beverley Johnson, in her first appearance on a runway in over a decade. And she positively glowed.
   Proenza Schouler’s Lazaro Hernandez and Jack M’Collough took a wrap dress from their fall 2004 collection and recreated it in red exclusively for Liya Kebede to wear in the show, while Angela Lindvall showcased a rag tweed coatdress from Marc Jacobs’ spring 2004 line, and Erin Wasson wore a beautiful jersey knotted dress from Donna Karan’s spring 2004 line.
   Rising star Mariacarla Boscono heated up the room in her crinkle silk georgette gown (with ruffle neck) from Carolina Herrera’s resort 2004 collection and Vera Wang contributed a georgette gown with sunburst pleat insets that was worn with great élan by model Kamila Szcawinska. Alexandra and Theodora Richards did their mother, Patty Hansen, ’70s supermodel and hostess of the event, proud in their chiffon gown by Zac Posen and cocktail dress created by Alice Roi.
   In his second year as a participant in the Red Dress Collection, Carmen Marc Valvo designed a dazzling creation exclusively for the show, which was worn by Vanessa Williams. Ms Williams is a paid spokesperson for Radio Shack Corp., and LifeWise by RadioShack is one of the national sponsors of the corresponding 2004 The Heart Truth Road Show.
   On February 2, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation designating February to be American Heart Month, and remarked that ‘by spreading vital information, this campaign will save women’s lives. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women—and men—so it’s important that we send this heart truth message to all our citizens, to all Americans. It’s also important for people to know that the risk of heart disease can be greatly reduced with good diet and regular exercise. Whatever our age or physical condition, or however busy we may be, we can all do something to stay healthy. And that’s important.’ •

For more information about the Heart Truth, the Red Dress Collection 2004, the Red Dress Symbol designed by jewellery designer Angela Cummings, or women and heart disease, please visit www.hearttruth.gov. Johnson & Johnson and its affiliated companies, with the support of members of the fashion and entertainment industries and 7th on Sixth, made the Red Dress Collection 2004 Fashion Show possible.

Phillip D. Johnson is features’ editor of Lucire.