Stars in red dresses kick off New York fashion week

NEW YORK—A song called “Strip Me” may seem an ironic choice for a fashion show, but Natasha Bedingfield worked the mike—and got the crowd waving with her—after walking the runway at the Heart Truth Red Dress Show in the Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York City Thursday.

Bedingfield and 21 other celebrities (including burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese) modeled red dresses, each by a different top designer, in this popular annual event that raises awareness about heart disease in women, but also starts the fall-collection fashion shows off on a fun note.

Against a backdrop that mimicked a vintage TV screen, the models kept the crowd clapping. Patti LaBelle sashayed to “New Attitude,” swinging her arms wide in a Zang Toi robe with billowing sleeves. (The outfit looked like something former Vogue bon vivant Andre Leon Talley might want.)

Von Teese looked stunning and completely in her skin in a form-fitting satin gown by Zac Posen, one of the night’s best designs. (She teased the audience before her exit by slipping one strap down.)

Actress Taraji P. Henson, with a little help from Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel,” was sassy in a gorgeous Naeem Khan sequin number split way up to there.

Susan Sarandon sat front-row to support daughter Eva Amurri, who wore a sophisticated Chris Benz day dress and looked the most like a runway model. Matthew McConaughey was there for Camila Alves, the mother of his two children, who wore an open-backed dress by Kaufman Franco.

Up for grabs: Some of the dresses worn Wednesday will be auctioned online to benefit the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. Bidding ends March 4 at clothesoffourback.org
source:http://www.thestar.com/living/fashion/article/936561--stars-in-red-dresses-kick-off-new-york-fashion-week