Red Dress Collection warms hearts at the Graves

The Heart Truth’s annual Red Dress Collection fashion show has been a New York Fashion Week staple since it debuted 11 years ago. The event pairs big-name designers with celebrity models in one-of-a-kind red dresses to raise awareness of heart disease in women during the month of February.

On Sunday night, the second-annual local edition came to the Graves Hotel as part of the ongoing Minneapolis-St. Paul Fashion Week festivities, with many of last year’s returning designers (Christopher Straub, Emma Berg, Laura Fulk and Samantha Rei) as well as some newer names (Caroline Hayden, Marissa Bridges, Lindsey Hopkins and Richard Beckel).

Following an introduction by the CW’s Carly Aplin — dressed in a black gown with slits up-to-there and saucy lace insets — and a heartfelt speech from heart disease survivor Maria Legatt and an appearance from young survivor Erin Weness (in designs by Thom Navarro), the show went off without a hitch, with local notables doing their best runway walk dressed fiery-hued creations ranging from sweet to sultry.

Highlights included Lindsey Hopkins’ one-shoulder, Halston-esque silk charmeuse cocktail dress sported by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine shopping and style senior editor Allison Kaplan, striking a perfect balance between Hopkins’ modern, chic aesthetic and her client’s personal style. Another highlight was Caroline Hayden’s silver-embroidered, off-the-shoulder sheath with attached silk charmeuse cape (as worn by KARE-11's Rena Sarigianopoloulos), which was "Dynasty"-fabulous without veering too far into kitsch.

Samantha Rei’s ringleader-esque look (as worn by Miss Minnesota International 2012 and heart disease survivor Krista Wanous) perfectly showcased her Lolita/steampunk aesthetic. Another bright spot was Richard Beckel’s glamorous design for WCCO’s Amelia Santaniello, who rocked the runway with as much aplomb as she does the anchor seat.

Krista Wanous in Samantha Rei

Allison Kaplan in Lindsey Hopkins

Rena Sarigianopoulos in Caroline Hayden

KDWB host Falen in Christopher Straub

Pam Mondale in Emma Berg