Lights, Cameras, Models. The Mint in Scottsdale was the scene of this swank event where Phoenix Fashion Week announced who made the top 40 for the Smartwater Model of the Year contest. After narrowing down the individuals from over 200 talented hopefuls and putting them through a fabulous beauty regime (see our “behind-the-scenes” story here), the secrecy was over. Each model was announced to the crowd and strutted their stuff down the elevated catwalk.

Brian Hill, the executive director of Phoenix Fashion Week, then called the top 3 finalists from Model of the Year Challenge 1 – the headshot challenge – to center stage. The top 3 males were Brandon Short, Lonnie Weisgerber, and Nick Koester. We have to say, we were having a hard time choosing just one favorite. The top 3 females were Cassie Brooks, Kimberly Lopez, and Madison Brown. Congratulations Nick and Madison on winning the first challenge! We have no doubt that you two rockstars will continue to shine in the Model of the Year competition.

With 3 other challenges left, the journey is far from over for these top 40 models. Don’t worry fashionistas, we got ya covered. Expect more model madness August 10th when our Phoenix favorites go head to head on the catwalk for Challenge 2: Runway. For now, indulge your model cravings by visiting phoenixfashionweek.com and following “The Experiment.”