Think the runway is only for New York and Paris? Think again! Toledo is making its name on the fashion map, and will be showing off this season’s latest style trends with the Toledo Opera Guild’s Phashion of the Opera, a clever mash-up of fashion and The Phantom of the Opera.
Hitting the runway
The Toledo Opera Guild is a local non-profit organization that helps to promote opera in Northwest Ohio. According to committee member Rebecca Conklin Kleiboemer, “The guild raises funds primarily through three major events each year; a gala in the fall, a celebrity wait night in the winter, and a fashion show in the spring.” For over a decade, the Opera Guild has been organizing and hosting the fashion show, and this year is no exception.
Emceed by local WTOL 11 news anchor Emilie Voss, Phashion of the Opera will feature local professional models from Studio K, displaying dramatic fashion from many local boutiques. And of course, since it is the Phashion of the Opera, guests can expect models to wear theatrical masks and dramatic makeup that are reminiscent of the Broadway musical.
While some of the models might not necessarily be professionals, they could be recognized from their role in the community. In addition to seasoned models, the Opera Guild’s VIPs (Very Important Patrons) have the opportunity to strut their stuff on the runway, or sponsor someone else to rock the catwalk. At the end of the show, audience members have the chance to cast a paid vote for their favorite VIP model.
Funds raised by this year’s vogue event will help to financially support local opera. Committee member, Kleiboemer, stated, “To date, this year we have given the Toledo Opera Association a contribution of $52,000, and the Toledo Opera Guild will be listed as a major sponsor of the upcoming ‘Romeo et Juliette’ opera.”
Supporting local businesses
What makes Phashion of the Opera even more exciting is that all the looks on the runway can be found in local boutiques. There’s no need to order anything from Paris to get the spring style you want; everything is local. Some of the boutiques that will be participating this year include Ragazza, Vivian Kate, and Elegant Rags which are all located in Perrysburg, Blue By Atlas Bridal Shop on Monroe Street, and Toledo’s Sophie’s Sister and Sophie Lustig.
The boutiques, as well as many other local businesses, will also be selling their products prior to the fashion show, from 10:30am to noon.
Keeping with the local aspect, special guest and the fourteen-year old winner of Project Runway Jr., Toledo’s own Maya Ramirez, will be speak about her experience on the popular Lifetime Network reality show.
10:30am Friday, April 27. $50. The Toledo Club, 235 14th St. 419-255-7464.
brownpapertickets.com/event/2502833, toledooperaguild.org
Ragazza, 103 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-872-4850. ragazzaboutique.com
Vivian Kate, 102 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-872-5070. viviankateshop.com
Elegant Rags, 109 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg.419-873-7247. myelegantrags.com
Blue By Atlas Bridal Shop, 4895 Monroe St. 419-474-3314. bluebyatlasbridal.com
Sophie’s Sister, 133 N Michigan St. 419-241-1500. Sophialustigshops.com
Sophie Lustig, 124 10th St. 419-243-5131. Sophialustigshops.com
