More on Models

[Missy]

NEW YORK -- New York Fashion Week opened amid an international debate about too-thin models, yet the first major runway show of the event featured women of all shapes, sizes, ages and colours.

And the crowd loved it.

The Heart Truth show, part of the Red Dress project, a federal initiative spearheaded by first lady Laura Bush, is an annual event at the Bryant Park tents to raise awareness about heart disease. Famous designers pair with famous faces, who then wear red dresses on the catwalk.

It's not a fashion show by traditional standards, but the standing ovation that tennis great Billie Jean King received might be a sign that fashion industry insiders are more willing to accept women who exceed the size 0s that have become the standard.