UC Davis Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program
Red Dress Collection 2013

Designer’s statement: The design of my red dress was first inspired by fish, as their natural oils help prevent heart disease by slowing down the growth of plaque in the arteries and reducing inflammation in our bodies. From a fish to its imaginary figure, I created this mermaid dress. Red sateen fabric was used to mimic the sheen of wet scales on the body, and a flared train in the skirt is a reflection of its tail. By wearing the dress, I wanted the person to feel elegant, beautiful and loved. This is what I believe that every woman should be able to feel in order to be strong and overcome heart disease.

Designer’s statement: At a young age, every child is taught the shape of a heart and how it symbolizes love, life and strength. The story of “Little Red Riding Hood” was my inspiration for the red dress. Little Red was an ambitious and brave young girl who defeated all of the difficulties that came her way. She symbolized strength as well as joyfulness similar to my idea of the heart. Inspired be the life of youth, I chose to create a very playful gown that would address the necessity of living a stress free and laughter filled life. Little Red’s bravery conquered her struggles, but her spirit encouraged others to never give up. Recently, my grandfather has been suffering from heart problems and I would give anything to be his Little Red. Everyone deserves a “happily ever after."

Designer’s statement: While sifting through images that might inspire my red dress, one caught my eye: a classic tattoo of a heart, bearing a scroll reading “mom." The vivid red color, leather bodice, studding and draped sash of my dress echo elements of the tattoo. The girl who wears my dress is aptly confident, feminine and edgy — an ideal women’s heart health campaign advocate. She celebrates her vibrant femininity, but also stands tough in the face of heart disease by understanding its risk factors and prevention. I hope that my design inspires other women to do the same.

Designer’s statement: The human heart is strong yet fragile, similar to a beautiful butterfly. Butterflies are able to travel hundreds of miles in order to migrate but can fall to the ground in the blink of an eye. Hearts are similar in that effect. They beat strong and hard like the wings of a butterfly to power us through our busy lives. However, both can easily succumb to pain and strife. Because of this, it is important to take care of your heart. Eat well, exercise often and be healthy. After all, your heart is simply a small fluttering butterfly locked within your chest.

Designer’s statement: This red dress shows the dynamism of the women who battle heart disease and its complications. The short, sweetheart neckline and satin bustier dress represent the young, courageous woman. In contrast, the long sheer chiffon train and shoulder strap stand for the mature, strong female. Ruffle accents throughout the dress show the dramatic nature of heart disease while still being lively with movement and energy, much like those affected by heart health issues. Even though it is a serious matter, heart health can be looked at with optimism. My dress demonstrates that heart health is an important matter that affects women both young and mature, and celebrates the supporter, the survivor and the woman.

Designer’s statement: Relaxation is a great way to lower blood pressure and keep the heart healthy. This dress uses lace and flowing lines to represent a healthy blood flow. The aorta near the top of the heart is represented by the shoulder strap on the left side of the body, over the torso. The strips of lace that flow over the dress characterize the veins that run throughout the body. The sweetheart neckline mimics the symbol of a heart. Since heart disease can affect women of all ages, this dress is designed to appeal to all ages with the high-low silhouette.

Designer’s statement: This dress is a hybrid. It has a classic simple silhouette; however, the sheer top with slit on the back ads controversy to it, which draws attention to admire a healthy metaphor. The style of the dress serves women of different age groups — from those in their 20s to those in their 50s.

The heart placed on the front of the dress symbolizes female awareness of the heart disease problems. It’s made to emphasize feminine strength and beauty as a statement that every woman is beautiful and sexy, and that every woman is able to survive and stay strong even after a heart surgery.