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WCCO Women Take To The Runway For 'Go Red For Women'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Heart disease among women is more deadly than all forms of cancer. That's a big reason why Go Red for Women has turned into a national movement.

This weekend a local event hits the runway to help with the cause. In it, local "celebrities" are paired with local designers for the show to help raise money and awareness for heart disease.

Last year, WCCO This Morning's Jamie Yuccas did a little shimmy walking down the runway wearing a dress designed by Laura Fulk. This year, Fulk will design a dress for Kat Perkins, who was featured on "The Voice."

Our own Amelia Santaniello also walked the runway to join the fight a few years ago. Richard Beckel designed her dress that year. Amelia describes his taste, Primeau, as a collection of designs that are true pieces of art with a classic appeal and timeless style.

WCCO This Morning's Ali Lucia is teamed up with Christopher Straub, you may know him from his Season 6 win of "Project Runway."

Straub was just recently featured by Jennifer Mayerle for his signature collection of Yoplait Yogurt offered at Target. Ali served up as his muse for his RedDressMN (reddressmn.com) design this year

In between attending New York City's fashion week and self-publishing this Albert the Manatee Children's book, local designer Christopher Straub adds one more thing to his to-do list:

"This year I really wanted to go for a true evening look," Straub said. "This is definitely a dress that's on trend and can be seen in New York socialite."

After all he is in his fourth year donating his creative talents to the cause, so he's pretty much got this thing down. His sketch is ball gown meets Met Gala.

"It's a great way to give back and I like making dresses anyway, so might as well do it for a good cause," Straub said during the final fitting before the event.

Straub stitches and sews most of his ideas from his Shakopee-based studio and it's where our crews met him to do one final preview.

"The print I chose is kind of a floral taffeta, it's woven in … that's not a print, it's actually threads woven into the fabric," Straub said.

What's a gown without some ruby red jewels ready to walk the red carpet? Local artist Jennifer Scheffler made the signature pieces for all the models in this year's show, which includes 14 carat gold and sterling silver bangles.

Like Straub, her Realia By Jen jewelry line been supporting heart disease since the beginning.

"I created 100 extra pieces to sell to offer people around the opportunity and option to buy a piece like this and support this organization as well," said Scheffler.

Whatever the reason, the men and women behind this growing event are ready to help rock the runway.

"I think with every year I get to meet so many amazing, inspiring women, and what this show is all about. It's about educating and advocating for women's health," said Jennifer.

"Some designers do more playful things. Some take it very seriously, and it's great to see how the personalities of the models play into how they are represented on the runway," Straub said.

You can see Liz Collin, Natalie Nyhus and Ali Lucia walk on the runway. It all takes place at Loews Hotel in downtown Minneapolis Saturday evening. If you go, you won't just see a fashion show, but there's a silent auction, on-site boutique shopping, hors d'oeuvres, and cocktails.

Tickets are available for purchase at RedDressMN.com.

WCCO Interview: Creator & Founder Of Minnesota's Red Dress Collection

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