Clothing & music sizzle in EPIC Rocks show

A model sports menswear.

EPIC Rocks Fasion Show Sept. 25, 2010" rel="storyimage1" title="Clothing-music-sizzle-in-EPIC-Rocks-show.jpg"/>
Models wear local fashions at the EPIC Rocks event.<b> <img src=http://www.toledoblade.com/graphics/icons/photo.gif> <font color=red><b>VIEW GALLERY:</b></font> <a href="/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=TO&Dato=20101002&Kategori=COLUMNIST10&Lopenr=100209528&Ref=PH"> <b> EPIC Rocks Fasion Show</b></a> Sept. 25, 2010

Lights, cameras, action! The EPIC Rocks Fashion show presented by Dillard's rocked all night long with hot fashions and music.

"The Ultimate Runway, a New York style fashion event brought to you by EPIC Toledo and The Blade" was Sept. 25 in the Grand Aire Hangar at Toledo Express Airport.

Community and professional models, with pep in their steps, were in the spotlight as the band in theory, two-time winner of The Blade's Battle of the Bands contest, played sizzling tunes.

Fashions, all presented in segments, were provided by local stores including Bella Brie, Dillard's, Elegant Rags, Francesca's Collections, Meig, Roth Furs and Leathers, Sophie's Sister, Ticknors, V Couture, Vivian Kate, and White House/Black Market.

Hair and makeup by Salon Hazelton was a segment all of its own too.

Models were hot in over-the-knee boots, military-inspired jackets, and jean leggings. There was everything from casual wear to cocktail and formal attire. There were hats and accessories and hair styles, all for one's choosing. The male models were cool no matter what they wore, but the classy threads added extra appeal.

In the spirit of breast-cancer month, 17 breast cancer survivors rocked the runway: Mary Chris Skeldon, Amy Thorpe, Barb Hupp, Judi Gould, Jill Sheperd, Linda Andrus, Carole Jo Grice, Carol Hill, Gail Harrison, Sara Light, Joyce Micheaux, Gayle Millinger, Brenda Nichols, Michelle Nordhaus, Christa Russell, Rita Sheely, and Amy Weaver.

A model sports menswear.

The 18-and-over crowd of 1,400 was also dressed in its stylish best. Many were members of EPIC, which created the fall fashion show three years ago. EPIC is an organization started by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce that focuses on attracting and retaining young professional talent, striving to develop business and community leaders for the region.

A VIP reception sponsored by Gladieux Catering was for those who paid $100 each. The top four winners of the Runway Rivalry modeling competition were presented with their checks of $500 each along with makeovers from Salon Hazleton. The people's choice winners were Kate McComb and Justin Greenwood and the judges' choice winners were Crystal Wood and Frank LaPoint. The judges' choice winners will be going to Miami with the SB Entertainment group to be scouted by international modeling agencies.

In the crowd were Jim and Erin Walrod, Mike and Brenda Kerr, Matt and Kati Yarder, Jeff Williams and Alex Parrish, Paul and Ginny Toth, Nate and Dana Syrek, Paul and Lisa Gunther, Fifi Berry, Dan Kory and Elaine Canning, Paula and Bill Fall, Trent and Lori Smith, and Cyndi and Jack Sculfort.

Any proceeds go into the pot for next year's event. The show was all about the promotion of local talent and retailers and to create a positive cosmopolitan image in Toledo, said Wendy Gramza of the chamber. For more information on EPIC, go to www.epictoledo.com.