Thursday I wrote about National Wear Red Day, an initiative to raise awareness for American Heart Month. Later that evening, the American Heart Association’s hosted the annual Heart Truth Red Dress Collection fashion show.
Held in conjunction with national sponsor Macy’s, the event promised a star-studded catwalk. Celebs would include Gina Torres, Kat Graham, Alicia Quarles, and Anika Noni Rose. Anika asked me to tune in if I could. I did, so I did.
The fashion show, streamed online, began fashionably late. The women sported gorgeous designer gowns, some of them strutting, dancing, and bouncing down the runway.
Although the online stream played some strange techno mix, I later discovered the live audience was treated to upbeat songs. Anika shimmied and sashayed to Dreamgirls hit One Night Only. I’ll admit bias, but she was my favorite with Bella Thorne not too far behind.
As some of the women appeared on the catwalk, messages projected behind them. The sayings included their names, their featured designer, and why they walk. I walk to empower women, for instance. Later on in the evening, Anika shared why she walks:
I walked 4 #VictoriaCollier mother of my friend @ndcollier who was lost far too early to #HeartDisease @GoRedForWomen pic.twitter.com/b2PPXxDKyF— Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) February 7, 2014
That was very sweet, and completely unexpected. Sending love to my mother, to Anika, and to everyone impacted by heart disease.
You were so beautiful, @AnikaNoniRose. Thank you mami. Love you. xoxo @GoRedForWomen— nicole means victory (@ndcollier) February 7, 2014