By Doshka Harvey

The Heart Truth's Red Dress took place on Wednesday, February 9th officially opening Mercedes-Benz NYFall 2011 Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.

A bevy of beautiful celebrities participate every year in this particular show sporting amazing red dress styles by top designers and helping to bring greater awareness to the issue of heart disease -- the number one health threat for women.

Not only was the runway star-studded, but so was the audience. Matthew McConaughey was there to support partner Camila Alves.  I was surprised upon spotting Nigel Barker from America's Next Top Model, who has decided to grow his hair out.  He was there along with Miss J (J. Alexander) and Jay Manuel also from America's Next Top Model.  Bill Rancic was  in attendance to support wife and E! News host Giuliana Rancic walking in the show as well.  Ice skater Johnny Weir was looking fashionable, as always.  Bravo's Watch What Happens Live host, Andy Cohen, was cool and collected.

Take a look at the red dresses worn by the ladies in the slideshow below.

 

Participating celebrities and designers included:

Alison Sweeney in Tadashi Shoji
Ann Curry in Carmen Marc Valvo
Archie Panjabi in J. Mendel
Audrina Patridge in Badgley Mischka
Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco
Cat Deeley in Alberta Ferretti
Dania Ramirez in Catherine Malandrino
Denise Richards in Matthew Williamson
Dita Von Teese in Zac Posen
Eva Amurri in Chris Benz
Eve in David Meister
Garcelle Beauvais in Monique Lhuiller
Gayle King in Donna Karan
Giuliana Rancic in Notte by Marchesa
Julianne Hough in Swarovski
Katrina Bowden in Oscar de la Renta
Laila Ali in A Pea in the Pod
Linda Gray in Pamella Roland
Natasha Bedingfield in Nicole Miller
Patti LaBelle in Zang Toi
Suzanne Somers in Ina Soltani
Taraji P. Henson in Naeem Khan

Remember to always protect your heart health.  To learn more, visit www.hearttruth.gov

Images courtesy of The Heart Truth