The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2009, which opened New York fashion week last Friday morning, is not your typical fashion show. Celebrities from the likes of Hilary Duff to Susan Lucci don red dresses from 20 different designers, including our own Jenny Packham, to  promote raising awareness about heart disease, the number one killer of women.

“It’s a great way to kick off fashion week by reminding women about having a healthy heart and what the symptoms of heart disease are, and how to prevent them,” says Fern Mallis, Sr. VP, IMG Fashion. “Because without healthy customers, there are no customers. You can’t look beautiful on the outside without being healthy on the inside.” The Heart Truth raises awareness that heart disease is largely preventable, and risk can be greatly reduced through healthy eating, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, being at a healthy weight, not smoking, and reducing stress.

“The symbol of the red dress is that you care about the heart,” says Vivica A. Fox, who dazzled in a gown by Jenny Packham. “And especially because in the African American community, heart disease is prevalent.” In fact, not only do women of color have higher risk factors for heart disease, but they are also more likely to die of the disease. “I’m working the runway for my sisters,” says Fox.

Click here to see other celebrities wearing Jenny Packham eveningwear, or click here for the Jenny Packham website.