Recap: Inside American Heart Association’s 2023 Red Dress Show

Source: Getty Images For The American Heart Association

Heart disease definitely doesn’t discriminate — it can literally affect any age, race and/or gender — yet at the same time we as African Americans experience it at alarmingly higher rates compared to others. Putting that number into perspective, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released data that confirmed African Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites.

With that said, heart health should be at the top of everyone’s priority, especially our people!  That’s why we were honored to attend The American Heart Association’s annual “Go Red For Women” Red Dress Collection Concert this past Wednesday night (Feb. 1) in — no pun intended! — the heart of New York City.

Getty Images For The American Heart Association

RELATED: Go Red: How To Make Sure You Have Heart Health

The elegant night capped off at NYC’s Jazz At The Lincoln Center, specifically the venue’s astounding Appel Room. The glass window that gives view to the 59th Street entrance of Central Park made for a perfect backdrop to the many, many red dresses on display. Prominent women from all parts of the industry walked the show, including Anika Noni Rose-Dirden, India de Beaufort, Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke, Chrishell Stause, Melissa Fumero, Ashley Greene, Kyle Richards, Folake Olowofoyeku, Melba Moore, Danielle Moné Truitt, Teri Hatcher, Cara Buono, Dylan Dreyer, Tisha Campbell, Amanda Warren, Ginger Gonzaga, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Paulina Alexis, Hena Doba and Phoebe Robinson. Many attendees of the night matched the ladies’ flyness, with most of the room dressed to the nines in their best red outfit and/or accessories.

Music of the night was handled by UK pop sensation Rita Ora and an acoustic headlining set by rock/country legend Sheryl Crow. At the young age of 60, which she proudly boasted in-between hits, the “Steve McQueen” guitar queen commanded the night with conviction and an abundance of grace.

Star Jones, America Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown and Susan Lucci played hosts for the night, and special guests included Nina Hamlin and Mario Hamlin, parents of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin who recently put heart health on the map in a big way following his in-game cardiac arrest while playing against the Cincinnati Bengals last month (Jan. 2) at Paycor Stadium. Joined onstage by Elisabeth Röhm, Mrs. Hamlin showed strength as she discussed easily the scariest moment of her son’s life as well as her own.

We send a very special thank you to The American Heart Association for extending an invite to be part of such an initiative, which was made possible with respect to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s The Heart Truth program. Until next year!

Take a look at a photo recap of The American Heart Association’s 2023 “Go Red For Women” Red Dress Collection Concert below, in addition to exclusive quotes from Melba Moore, Danielle Moné Truitt, Star Jones and Tisha Campbell. Click here to learn more about how you can get better informed on heart disease as well as involved in global prevention:

1. The American Heart Association 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

2. Celebrity Women Walking The Runway At The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

3. Nina Hamlin and Elisabeth Röhm

4. AHA VIP 2023 Miss America Grace Stanke

5. Opening Performer Rita Ora

6. Headlining Performer Sheryl Crow

7. Ashley Greene

Designer: Rita Vinieris

8. Dylan Dreyer

Designer: Jay Godfrey

9. Tisha Campbell

Designer: Alexander by Daymor

10. Phoebe Robinson

Designer: FouyChov Couture

11. Chrishell Stause

Designer: Galia Lahav

12. Gina Gershon

Designer: Marc Bouwer

13. Paulina Alexis

Designer: Hervé Léger

14. Ginger Gonzaga

Designer: Gustavo Cadile

15. Amanda Warren

Designer: Anne Barge

16. Danielle Moné Truitt

Designer: AGGI

17. Cara Buono

Designer: Alex Teih

18. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Designer: Cavanagh Baker

19. India de Beaufort

Designer: Tarik Ediz

20. Melba Moore

Designer: Rene Ruiz

21. Folake Olowofoyeku

Designer: Teuta Matoshi

22. Melissa Fumero

Designer: NARCES

23. Teri Hatcher

Designer: Rubin Singer

24. Anika Noni Rose-Dirden

Designer: Catherine Regehr

25. Kyle Richards

Designer: Pamella Roland

26. Rita Ora

27. DJ Kiss

28. Folake Olowofoyeku Greets A Heart Disease Survivor

29. Star Jones And Associates Enjoy Time At The 2023 "Go Red For Women" Reception

30. Christian Siriano For The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

31. Oscar De La Renta For The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

32. Melba Moore Says:

“I’ve been seeing some of the ads that [AHA] has been doing, and they’re very informative and serious in letting people know things, like getting pregnant isn’t such a simple thing — it can give you heart problems! It’s information you should know, and to invite me to be part of it is such a great honor.

I’ve been ill, but now well, but also lost people in my family to stroke and heart disease. It helps me to take better care of myself, and to also give a good example — no fatbacks; avocados! [Laughs]

It’s a great honor for me to be part of what [AHA] is doing. Afrocentric people unfortunately suffer the greatest in society, and heart disease is no different. It’s the greatest killer amongst all women, but for Black women the rate is even higher — for poor people, it’s higher than that! Being that person to say, ‘You can prevent it,’ is an honor.”

33. Zac Posen For The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

34. Donna Karan For The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

35. Danielle Moné Truitt Says:

“I’m honored to have been asked to be part of this event. My mom actually has heart disease, and she has a pacemaker. I’ve seen the changes that she had to go through in her life due to her heart health. It’s made me very cautious of the stress that I take in, my eating. diet, activeness and working out. I’m doing all that I can to make sure that my heart stays healthy. 

I didn’t realize that women, especially Black women, are less likely to be given CPR from a bystander. If something happened to us on the street, we’re the least likely for someone to help us! I think it’s important for us to know how to do that, just in case i see one of my fellow sisters and she’s struggling. I’ll be able to help her.”

36. Badgley Mischka For The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

37. Pamella Roland For The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

38. Tisha Campbell Says:

“I’m surprised I haven’t worked with [AHA] before this! It’s very personal to me because a lot of the women in my family all have heart disease, and even passed away from heart disease like my own grandmother. My mother has cardiomyopathy currently, and worked really hard to get it from 20% to 55%, maybe even 60% now. She’s working really hard to be conscious of her physical and mental health.  I, too, have my own cardio issues. I have a cardiologist that is working with me to get me healthier. 

It was easy [to say ‘Yes’] when they asked me. I was like, ‘Oh my God – always wanted to!’ Never walked a catwalk before, so I’m a little nervous. If I trip, I’ll just dance it off [Laughs].

These kind of shows put [heart disease] to the forefront. For the African American community, especially our women who carry so much on their backs, we have to put ourselves first. How can you give to anybody when you well is dry? Us first!”

39. Rubin Singer For The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

40. Jenny Packham For The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert

41. Star Jones Says:

“I’m the national volunteer for the American Heart Association after being a heart disease survivor for the past 12 years. I’m always here — they know that if it’s a Red Dress event, I’m there!”

42. Sheryl Crow With Women Of The American Heart Association’s 2023 "Go Red For Women" Red Dress Collection Concert