Event co-hostess and actress Angela Bassett [left] narrates the runway walk of More model search finalist Paula O'Connor, who went on to win a Wilhemina modeling contract as a runner-up

Never let it be said that women over 40 lose touch with some of the hottest issues of the day: STDs were just one of the torrid topics we overheard being discussed by women our mom's age at the opulent More/Wilhemina 40+ Model Search event Tuesday at Cipriani 42nd Street. In addition to a ridiculous number of lobster salad-stocked buffet stations, the sprawling space housed a proper catwalk on which the 10 40+ candidates for three Wilhemina modeling contracts strutted their mature stuff.

Women of all ages love lobster

Clad in Carmen Marc Valvo, the women paraded their looks as they were described to the crowd by event co-hostess, actress Angela Bassett, in dulcet tones. More editor-in-chief Peggy Northrop introduced Bassett to the crowd, citing her as "someone our readers adore for her amazing arms," among other qualities (in a strapless gown, Bassett didn't disappoint). For her part, Bassett came off as an aging enthusiast: "I love my 40s. You just don't have to work so hard to be confident." Too bad the woman behind us, hollering into her cellphone, "Just so you know, we service the money people," didn't take that one more to heart.

For the record: This blue walker [left] was the only one we saw all night