I was so excited to be invited yet again to the Red Dress Collection Concert & Fashion Show took place at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City as part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® initiative. The two greatest moments for me were seeing my favorite actor Edie Falco strutting her stuff in a glamorous red Badgley Mischka gown and hearing Nicole Scherzinger (sporting a strapless sequined Nicole + Felicia gown) channel Shirley Bassey with a stunning version of “Diamonds Are Forever.” I have to add that the food was top notch as well—the Blackberry Cheesecake bites at the post party were truly remarkable and unique.
The evening opened with a vibrant red carpet that doubled as a style moment and statement of purpose: celebrities, advocates, and fashion insiders arrived wearing red — from dramatic ball gowns to sleek couture silhouettes — symbolizing unity in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of women. A-list figures like Selma Blair, Uzo Aduba, Normani, Christina Chang, and Susan Lucci turned heads in bespoke red ensembles that ranged from structured couture to flowing chiffon, all underscoring the night’s message of strength, visibility, and awareness.
Once inside the elegant Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the show melded runway theatrics, performances, and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning actress Laura Linney, the event blended fashion and heart advocacy, with models — many of them prominent names from film, television, and music — showcasing a parade of striking red looks from top designers. Among the standouts on the runway was Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan, who walked in bold designs, adding pageant-poise to the evening’s fashion narrative.
Interspersed with fashion moments were powerful musical performances that elevated the emotional energy of the night. Nicole Scherzinger delivered a standout set that included renditions of classic hits and musical theater favorites, while Amy Grant offered heartfelt performances that tied personal resilience to the evening’s theme of heart health. Their performances weren’t just entertainment — they served as connective tissue between style and the deeper mission of saving lives through awareness and education.
What set the 2026 show apart was its blend of advocacy and art. Beyond the glittering gowns and music, several participants shared personal stories related to heart disease — whether as survivors themselves or through family experiences — turning what could have been a typical charity fashion show into a poignant platform for health dialogue. These real-life narratives gave emotional resonance to the glamorous visuals, reminding the audience why the Go Red for Women® movement remains vital. I was proud to toast with a couple of these survivors with the signature cocktail for the event in hand!
The finale was a collective celebration: models and performers gathered on stage in an array of red silhouettes, symbolizing solidarity in women’s health. Designers, celebrities, and advocates alike received applause not just for their fashion contributions but for helping shine a spotlight on cardiovascular disease prevention.
(Miss America Cassie Donegan and Nicole Scherzinger pictures by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images.)
