By Julia Eskins
Photography by Kareen Mallon
The Heath Truth Fashion Show’s iconic red dress will once again make its mark on the runway at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto.
Now in its sixth year, the annual showcase will bring together Canadian celebrities and fashion designers in an event that supports women’s heart health. Celebrities from the worlds of sports, film, television and media will wear one-of-a-kind creations by top designers; resulting in a high-energy show that unites the fashion industry for an incredible cause.
This year’s ladies in red include Olympic gold medallist Jamie Salé, Emmy-nominated choreographer Stacey Tookey, actress Lauren Holly, HGTV host Sandra Rinomato and women’s national ice hockey team captain Hayley Wickenheiser.
“I jumped at the occasion because of the red dress and what it stands for. It’s really an honour and a right of passage to be involved,” says Tookey, who is most recognized for her role as a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance.
Tookey will be wearing a dress by Toronto-based bridal gown designer Ines Di Santo. Other contributing designers include David Dixon, Farley Chatto, Pink Tartan, Ashtiani, Stephan Caras, Ross Mayer, MOMO and TOMÉ. All the designers donate their time, resources and artistic vision to create original red dresses for the show. Following the event, their creations will continue to be used to raise awareness of The Heart Truth campaign in ongoing displays.
This year, celebrity figures will be joined by winning nominees of The Heart Truth’s Models of Health program, and a limited number of tickets to the show will be available for purchase. Proceeds will be donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s The Heart Truth campaign.
“A lot of people don’t know that heart disease and stroke are the number one cause of death for women,” says Tookey. “Being a dancer and a choreographer, my body is my instrument. When I got approached for this fashion show, I thought, ‘What a great connection!’ I’m going to have fun with it and enjoy wearing an amazing dress for such an amazing cause.”
The Heart Truth campaign will also be streaming the show live across the country on Mar.21 at 9 p.m. EST at www.thehearttruth.ca/livefashionshow and www.facebook.com/TheHeartTruth.
To view the photos and article from last year’s show, please click here.
Join In On The Conversation!