Click here for photos from Monday night's model rehearsal.

Last night, a CFW photographer said it best when he laughed, “I knew Fashion Week was really here when I saw all the ‘beautiful people’ rushing around Marion Square!” As he spoke, loud beats pulsated out the doors of the tents, the energetic vibe of this last night of model rehearsals spilling out onto King Street.

Inside on the runway, five-and-a-half-inch stilettos stomped in perfect time to Spaced Invaders’ mixes while CFW creative director Ayoka Lucas—seated next to CFW special guest and designer Mychael Knight—called out pointers. While a number of veteran CFW models could be spotted, the crowd was mostly comprised of fresh faces, all eager to be named one of the 20 finalists in the Rock the Runway competition; each grand prize—for one woman and one man—being $1,000 and a fashion spread in Charleston magazine or another GulfStream Communications publication.

When the last of 187 models stepped off the runway, CFW model coach Michelle Wood called out her support and Ayoka Lucas announced the finalists. Lucas Atkins, Briar Ball, Nigel Brown, Brandon Cox, Irmantas Dragunas, Justin Hingleton, Chris Horton, Kyle Peeler, Noel Poff, and Chelsie Ravenell will battle it out on the runway to be the winning man in Saturday night’s competition. And as for the women, Rouge Apker, Cathleen Mae Callison, Emily Elizabeth Cash, Rebecca Dupree, Brandy Eargle, Savannah Gibson, Marissa Heins, Lauren Long, Ajong Mayok, and Sandra West will bring their fiercest walks. After the cheers were quelled, models, photographers, and CFW staff made their way out into the crisp spring night to rest up for Tuesday.

Tonight’s kickoff promises to be fantastic, with shows from Rapport Fine Clothing and Furs, Copper Penny, and Copper Penny Shooz; the fall collections of featured designers Barbara Beach and Jamie Lin Snider; and Emerging Designer: East semifinalists Marie Cordella, Van Hoang, Veritee Hill, and Sarah Parrott competing to move on to Saturday night’s finals. Don’t miss it! In addition to the runway action, the introduction of our Fashion Panel, and entertainment by Quiana Parler and Benjamin Starr, it’s Center for Women night, with the Style Lounge pre-party (6-7 p.m.) featuring DJs Joycette and K-Flo$$y Sister Duo and complimentary Grey Goose flavored-vodka martinis. After-parties will be at Social and Torch.

For tickets to tonight’s show, click here.

For the full schedule of events, click here.