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Lights, camera, action! The weather cleared Saturday for a beautiful moonlit night, just in time for the second annual EPIC Rocks Fashion: Culture and Couture at Levis Commons. And ooo, la la! Beautiful female models strolled the catwalk shared with handsome young male models from northwest Ohio.

It was a night of sophistication and beyond. European flair with a touch of New York. Hot and sexy, unique, bold, and elegant with lots of attitude.

The fast-paced show of human mannequins was simply dramatic. From lots of female legs to men with bare chests, it was an entertaining, forward-looking fashion show of the latest in attire and hair for the younger-minded. Entertaining too were some of the extreme and exotic hairstyles and makeup.

Adding culture to the mix was modern dance by Company C dancers and ballet.

Emcee Sashem Brey of WTVG-TV, Channel 13, looked mighty fine in a short black dress from Elegant Rags with bling from C. Sterling Jewelers and hair all done up by Salon Hazelton.

The Runway Rivalry local modeling competition in August provided the runway fuel, or, in other words, the models, needed for the show. The two first-place winners, Ashley Kynard of Toledo and Max Devolder of Perrysburg, were presented with scholarships on show night.

To view the models, go to starboundnyc.com.

The more than 100 classy and dynamite threads were from 12 Toledo-area retailers, including Meig, Elegant Rags, Red Envy, Francesca's, Bella Brie, Gallippos, C Sterling Jewelers, Michael David, Jos A Bank, White House/Black Market, Guess, and Chico's. Local designer Lauren Gilmore showed off her formal gowns.

The trendy tresses were created by five local salons, which dazzled the audience with custom choreographed runway routines. The salons included Soto Salon, Results Salon and Spa, Attitudes — A Salon, Salon Hazelton, and the David Broadway Salon and Spa.

Cheryl Hardy, event chairman, said, “The collision of culture and couture set the stage for future shows” with regards to the use of money spent and raised staying in the community. The estimated $10,000 netted will benefit The Sight Center along with smaller amounts for other selected nonprofits involved in the show.

Wendy Gramza, executive vice president of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, the home of EPIC Toledo — Engaging People, Inspiring Change — is the person responsible for bringing the show to northwest Ohio. She said, “This year, we've accomplished some important goals for creating a truly local event benefiting many local companies and charities, not to mention the community as a whole, while keeping with the initial intent of the show to create a great event that is exciting and affordable. …”

Also quite fashionable was the audience. Stilettos were the in footwear for female guests, that and short skirts or slim pants and the bodies to go with them.

Before the show, a clear tent let in the lights of the Town Center. The tent was set with black covered bistro tables and hot pink-and-white flowers. Guests sipped cocktails and nibbled tasty foods by LaScola. Seen were Bryan and Bev Bucher, Barbara Steele and Alan Kimple, Joey Skaff and Lindsay Greene, Kathy Ayers Gummow and Bob Gummow, Tom Schlachter, Randy and Kris Jones, Veeba Soram, Jim and Pam Pitzen, Brian Epstein, Mike Bell and Karen Jarosz, and the only guest under 21, Katy “Crumbcake” James, 8, a budding model who participates in pageants.

Meanwhile, PhotoBoothLive provided a fun time for guests to pose for the camera.

DJ Rob Sample wrapped things up at the after party, with pizza provided by Lucas County's “Weight-Loss Czar” Andrew Zepeda of 92.5 Kiss FM. His new Sportz Pizzeria is set to open this week in Levis Commons.

The event, presented by ProMedica Health System, was sponsored by The Blade, WTVG-TV, Channel 13, and Clear Channel; OnLetterhead.com, LaScola Italian Grill, Ketel One Vodka, The Perrysburg Messenger Journal, Hylant Group, Perrysburg Flooring, Adam Rossi Photography, H.O.T. Graphics, Toledo Tent, Great Lakes Sound, Bartz Viviano, Downtown Deco and Toledo.com.

The executive planning committee included Ms. Hardy, Hardy Communications and Lauren Gilmore, assistant chairman, assisted by Wendi Davis, Starbound NYC; David Broadway; EPIC Chair Paulette Cousino; Ms. Gramza, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce; Moussa Salloukh, LaScola Italian Grill; Casey Pogan, The Town Center at Levis Commons; Melani Wittenmyer, Uppercase Living; Ms. Ayers Gummow, Cousino Harris Co.; Wyla Brown, Hardy Communications; Cheryl Nicolaidis, Etc. Clothing; and Rita Allen, The David Broadway Salon.

Yes, it was definitely the chic place to be. Bravo to the models of Northwest Ohio and to EPIC of the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce.

In command
Looking regal is Charlesena Harrison Smith of Toledo, the 42nd Imperial Commandress of the Imperial Court Daughters of Isis. The native Toledoan is a member of the local Mecca Court No. 73 and has been a member of the Daughters of Isis for more than 30 years.

The national organization has more than 10,000 members, which Imperial Commandress Smith will lead during her tenure. She started her journey to this position in 1993 and has moved through the ranks to the top position, to which she was installed Aug. 20 in Atlanta.

Smoking good time
No “no smoking” signs at this event: Outdoors under a giant tent Thursday in the Toledo Club's parking lot was The Cigar Affair.

The third annual event, presented with the club by the Cigar Affair shop, drew about 160 gentlemen. Joining them were store owners John and Linda Swemba. Adding a touch of scenery was Playboy's Miss June, Candice Cassidy, who gladly signed her photos.

But what the men really enjoyed was the camaraderie as they puffed away on cigars made by old stogies such as General Cigar Co., Rocky Patel Cigars, Oliva Cigars, CAO, Davidoff of Geneva, Cusano Cigars, Drew Estate, JC Newman Cigars, La Flor Dominicana, SAG Imports, Ashton, Torano, Miami Cigars, STC Cigars, Arganesse, Tabacalera Perdomo, Puros Indios Cigars, Padron, Camacho, Altadis USA, and others as the Bob Rex Trio played soft background tunes.

Supporting the cause — Assistance Dogs of America — were those who bid on the live-auction items, which included cigars and humidors and more. And what better way to enjoy a stogie than after a dinner of ribeye steak marinated in cocoa and coffee beans or Amish herb-roasted chicken? Complementing that was a sampling of single malt scotch.

Local cardiologist Dr. Dan Cassovar was there handing out his business cards. Gadding about were Randy Hunt, Scott Prephan, Judd Johnson, Tom Clark, Phil Rudolph, Jr., Tim Wade, Dave Wehrmeister, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs, Doug Andrews, Dave Quinn, Mike Goetz, and Dennis Light.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor.

Contact her at: bhendel@theblade.comor 419-724-6124.