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What Is The Heart Truth?

THE RED DRESS PROJECT

The Red Dress, the centerpiece of The Heart Truth, is a red alert that inspires women to take action to protect their heart health.  The primary message driving The Heart Truth campaign is:  "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear—It's the #1 Killer of Women."

Why a Red Dress?

The Red Dress was designed to build awareness that women are at risk for heart disease, and motivate them to take action to reduce their risk.  As an icon, the Red Dress tested well with women across the country who cited its ability to get attention, convey the seriousness of heart disease, and change the perception that it is only a man's issue.

The Heart Truth introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness at the campaign's launch in 2002.

National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day supports the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness.  On the first Friday in February each year, women and men across the country can unite in the national movement to give women a personal and urgent wake up call about their risk of heart disease.  Everyone can participate by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, or tie, or by wearing the Red Dress Pin.

Learn more about National Wear Red Day.

Red Dress Collection 2008

On National Wear Red Day—February 1, 2008—The Heart Truth returned to New York's Fashion Week, and rolled out the red carpet for 15 of today's celebrated women donning one-of-a-kind Red Dresses by America's top designers.  This year's show featured opening remarks by Mrs. Laura Bush, campaign ambassador, and a show-stopping finale sung by Liza Minnelli.  The Red Dress Collection 2008 Fashion Show was made possible by presenting sponsor Diet Coke; national sponsors Johnson & Johnson, and Swarovski; and make-up partner Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Visit Fashion Week 2008 for more information.

Red Dress Collection 2007

The Heart Truth celebrated its fifth year at New York's Fashion Week on National Wear Red Day—February 2, 2007—by commemorating its groundbreaking partnership with America's fashion industry to bring the Red Dress to life in the national effort to raise awareness about women and heart disease.  Top designers and celebrated women from all walks of life—entertainment, sports, business, and media united on one runway to debut Red Dresses created for The Heart Truth.  The Red Dress Collection 2007 Fashion Show was made possible by presenting sponsor Johnson & Johnson and affiliated companies, national sponsors Celestial Seasonings and Swarovski, media partner Lifetime, and make-up partner Bobbi Brown.

Visit Fashion Week 2007 for more information.

Red Dress Collection 2006

Female artists representing all music genres—from rock and opera to Broadway and hip-hop—graced the runway to showcase the fourth collection of red dresses created by top designers for The Heart Truth.  The musically-inspired fashion show took place on the third annual National Wear Red Day—February 3, 2006.  The Red Dress Collection 2006 Fashion Show was made possible by Johnson & Johnson and affiliated companies, and Celestial Seasonings, and Swarovski.  Media Planners were Woman's Day and ELLE.

Red Dress Collection 2005

In February of 2005, The Heart Truth's groundbreaking partnership with America's fashion industry continued as fashion leaders—including top designers and celebrities—united on one runway to debut the third collection of red dresses created exclusively for The Heart Truth campaign. The Red Dress Collection 2005 Fashion Show was made possible by Johnson & Johnson, Celestial Seasonings, and Swarovski.

Red Dress Collection 2004

The Heart Truth celebrated the first anniversary of its Red Dress with the debut of the Red Dress Collection 2004 at Olympus Fashion Week on February 6.  This one-of-a-kind, star-studded fashion show brought together 26 of America's most influential designers paired with elite models on one runway for the first time ever.  Made possible by Johnson & Johnson and affiliated companies, the collection of Red Dresses was created exclusively for The Heart Truth to raise awareness about women and heart disease.

Red Dress Collection 2003

The Red Dress debut included 19 Red Dresses from leading designers showcased at Fashion Week; a Red Dress Pin designed by leading accessory designer Angela Cummings; a PSA featuring Angela Lindvall wearing a Donna Karan Red Dress, photographed by David LaChapelle; and a national media tour by Mrs. Laura Bush to officially unveil The Heart Truth's Red Dress.

Download Red Dress photos and graphics from The Heart Truth campaign in the Image Library.

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Image of the Red Dress Pin

The Red Dress Pin, the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness, serves as a red alert for women—
reminding them of The Heart Truth message:  "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear—It's the #1 Killer of Women."

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