The Heart Truth Fall 2012 Runway Show [Video/Slideshow]

Last night’s The Heart Truth® Red Dress fashion show marked the first major New York Fashion Week event and spirits were high. Most of the crowd was wearing red in support of the night’s cause, which was to raise awareness for heart disease. This season’s show was particularly meaningful, in fact, because it marked the 10th anniversary of the runway event. Every February, the campaign comes to life on the catwalk thanks to celebrities who generously donate their time and designers who generously donate red dresses from their archives. This year, the event took place at Hammerstein Ballroom in front of the likes of Miss J, Jay Alexander, and Michael Phelps.

With the exception of Jeannette Torres-Alvarez who walked the runway in a rusty red Carlos Miele gown and La La Anthony who paraded out in an orange-red Rachel Roy look, all of the celebrities opted for popping red dresses. Among the stand-outs were Minka Kelly in a glimmering floor-sweeping Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, Patti Stanger in a structured Marc Bower gown, Rebecca Romijn, who opened the show, in a flower accented Marchesa look, and Giselle Blondet who paraded out in a bow accented Oscar de la Renta number.

Hair styles ranged from the punk-y (Cindi Leive) to the prom-like (Gloria Estefan) to the refined (Christie Brinkley). While we can’t blame them given many of those that participated in the show have never walked a runway, it was surprising how many of the women fumbled – including Christie Brinkley.

Fashions aside, one of the highlights of the show was when Debbie Phelps reached the end of the runway and bend down to hug her son, Michael Phelps, who was seated front row.

As a reminder of the continued fight to improve heart health for women, all guests took home a gift bag with artwork created by Donna Karan printed on it and a few goodies, including a book of celebrity sketches, created in partnership with The Fashion Spot, where notables were asked to draw what red means to them.

Check out our exclusive backstage coverage of the Red Dress fashion show.

Images: WENN