Behind the Scenes with the 2006 40+ Model Search Winners

The 10 finalists pose for a jeans-clad group shot on fitting day.

The ladies line up by height.

Pamela Leitzell, 56, practices her strut with a runway coach.

Stephanie Allen, 54, tries a pleated Carmen Marc Valvo evening gown on for size.

Melissa Moore, 43, holds still while designer Carmen Marc Valvo makes adjustments.

Day two — shoot day — begins with an early-morning hair and makeup session.

Michele Griffith Hilliard, 42, sits patiently in the stylist’s chair.

The models break for a few laughs before donning their gowns.

Ursula Liebowitz-Johnson, 43, turns on the charm for the television news cameras.

After a quick touchup, Paula O’Connor, 41, is ready for the camera.

Donning their Carmen Marc Valvo gowns, the models spend the day posing for cameras big and small.

The women take their places for the glam shot.

A television camera crew films a glowing Victoria Gardner-Smith, 41.

Who says models don’t eat? The women enjoy a quick meal before the final judging.

After a few hours in heels, the models start to feel those stilettos.

Moments away from the final judging, Steffi Jo Chapin, 42, waits anxiously.

One by one, each finalist faces the line of judges.

Lisa Robinson, 42, displays perfect poise as the judging panel interviews her.

Winner Patricia Neville, 50, captures the day’s celebratory tone with a brilliant smile.

Originally published on MORE.com, May 2007.