By Amanda Gram
Last year, 11-year-old Emely Stepanenko from Phoenix made her professional modeling debut at the Young Fashion Show, participating in runway shows in Chicago, New York, and Miami. Known for her interest in fashion and creative style, Emely showcased her own solo looks on the runway and also joined her mother, Svitlana Vande, for a special family-look appearance in Chicago. Since 2025, the tour has given young participants hands-on experience through rehearsals, runway shows, and collaborations with designers and brands.
Emely’s connection to the Young Fashion Show began unexpectedly. Her mother spotted an open call for models in Chicago and shared it with her daughter. Emely didn’t hesitate to apply, she had long dreamed of walking a professional runway. The application process was simple and straightforward.
In Chicago, Emely had the exciting opportunity to showcase a design from the luxury bridal boutique LVA Bride. As the boutique’s very first runway presentation, she had the unique honor of being the face of their debut show, making the moment truly unforgettable. She appeared in a soft pink ball gown-inspired gown featuring a fitted bodice, delicate draping, and a full pleated skirt adorned with floral appliqués. The silhouette created a classic, elegant look, and Emely posed confidently on the runway. LVA Bride is known for its carefully curated collection of premium gowns, including exclusive designs by Milla Nova. For Emely, walking the runway for LVA Bride marked a meaningful milestone in her early modeling journey and added a special highlight to her Young Fashion Show experience.
Another memorable moment came when Emely stepped onto the runway alongside her mother, Svitlana Vande, showcasing a family look from ANNABO, a design house that honors family traditions. The brand is recognized for its boho-inspired style, natural fabrics, linen textures, and intricate floral embroidery. For Emely, walking alongside her mother in these designs was a special moment, linking her debut at the Young Fashion Show to creativity and personal expression.
After her participation in the Chicago edition of the Young Fashion Show, Emely joined the YFS model database and later received the exciting news that she had been selected once again. When Young Fashion Show confirmed its second production in New York, she didn’t hesitate for a second. She was thrilled to learn she had been chosen to represent Petite Maison Kids, a luxury children’s brand from Connecticut and a strong partner of Young Fashion Show.
From the first fitting, it was clear the collaboration was a perfect match. Petite Maison Kids is known for blending European tradition with modern elegance, creating handmade pieces for both special occasions and everyday wear. Inspired by Victorian fashion and timeless elegance, the brand creates small-batch designs that reflect a commitment to quality and exclusivity.
On the runway at Cipriani 25 Broadway, Emely brought that vision to life. She wore a delicate white dress made from airy, lightweight fabric that moved beautifully with every step. The look felt like spring against the crisp autumn air outside. Confident and poised, she embodied the romance and grace that define Petite Maison Kids. For Emely, the opportunity to represent such a respected brand on the runway was the fulfillment of a long-held dream. She felt proud and happy to bring their designs to life, walking with confidence and grace.
A representative of Petite Maison Kids shared:
“We were proud to be represented by Emely Stepanenko during the fashion show. At Petite Maison Kids, each design by our founder and creative director, Katerina Azarova, reflects timeless elegance and confidence, and she embodied that vision effortlessly on the runway. Her poise, charm, and natural presence truly brought the collection to life and added something special to the show”.
Emely was also selected by New York-based brand Stella M’lia to showcase its designs during the Young Fashion Show, wrapping up her runway appearances in a strapless Stella M’lia brocade dress with a pleated waist and bubble skirt, creating a graceful and elegant silhouette. Stella M’lia creates refined yet age-appropriate designs for girls in a transitional age group, offering elegant styles for special occasions and celebrations. Being chosen to model for Stella M’lia was an incredible thrill for Emely. After her Chicago experience, she stepped onto the New York runway with growing confidence, ready to present designs she admired.
In April, as a returning and more experienced participant of the Young Fashion Show, Emely stepped onto the Miami runway with greater confidence and ease, presenting designs from BÍARA BRAND, a luxury label created by the founders of the boutique BUNDI. The show also marked the official runway debut of BÍARA’s BRAND newly launched children’s collection, which was presented to the public for the very first time at Young Fashion Show.
Emely wore a soft pink silk top paired with a flowing long chiffon skirt in the same delicate shade of pink, creating an airy, graceful silhouette. The look evoked the image of an Eastern princess, blending elegance, softness, and a sense of timeless beauty as she moved confidently down the runway.
Across each look, Emely’s creativity and confidence shone through, showing not just her talent, but the possibilities the Young Fashion Show provides for young participants to explore style, expression, and poise on a runway.
Emely and her mother, Svitlana Vande, shared the story of their Young Fashion Show experience. From submitting the application to stepping onto the runway, they described the rehearsals, preparation and backstage moments that marked the beginning of Emely’s modeling journey.
How would you describe your daughter? What qualities make her stand out, and how have her hobbies or interests influenced the way she carries herself on the runway?
Svitlana Vande, mother:
My daughter is incredibly creative. Painting, sculpting, and even creating nail art. She also plays the piano and the xylophone. She’s extremely kind and empathetic, especially toward animals. A couple of years ago, she and her older brothers found a white duck egg. When it hatched, Emely cared for the little duckling like it was her own child, feeding it, walking it, and then eventually released it back into the lake. She still goes back on weekends, and the duck even comes to her when she calls.
What really stands out is how naturally she carries herself in her ballet classes. The training has given her control over her body, and now she’s instinctive in front of the camera, she knows exactly how to pose, how to position her legs, fold her arms, or tilt her head. It’s a real gift, and that’s why we decided to have her participate in the Young Fashion Show, to give her a chance to explore that talent.
What first drew your attention to the Young Fashion Show, and why did you choose to sign up?
Svitlana Vande, mother:
We had been posting photos of Emely on social media, some were from everyday life, and others showed her modeling clothes from local designers here in Phoenix. I came across an open call for models for the Young Fashion Show in Chicago and shared the opportunity with my daughter. Emely agreed right away, as she had long dreamed of walking a professional runway and was eager to take part.
Emely, can you tell us how the preparation went, from the selection process to rehearsals? What kind of support did the YFS team provide during your preparation?
From the moment we sent in our application to the rehearsals and the show itself, everything was really well organized. A professional team from the Young Fashion Show was always on hand to guide us and explain each step of the process, with different coaches in Chicago, New York, and Miami. I took something valuable from each of them, gaining new insights and experience in every city. They even showed me how to pose for a professional photographer, which was completely new to me. It wasn’t my first time doing something like this, but I still learned a lot from the experience. What I enjoyed most was talking and working with both the adult and child participants. On the backstage, I made a lot of friends and I still keep in touch with them.
What impressed you most about the organization, atmosphere, and professionalism?
Mother:
Of course, three locations were impressive. But the Chicago event was especially memorable as it was our first experience with the Young Fashion Show. It took place at The Canvas and was produced with a true sense of professionalism and attention to detail. From the atmosphere to the overall execution, everything felt thoughtfully designed and high-level.
What truly stood out was the organization itself. Every aspect of the experience was carefully planned with the children in mind, creating a supportive and well-structured environment. As a mother, I felt completely at ease knowing my daughter was in the care of experienced professionals.
Emely Stepanenko:
Both my mom and I were still nervous, as it was my debut walking a professional runway, and in heels. Before the show, she gave me some advice: if anything happened to my heels, like they broke, I should just keep walking like nothing happened. That’s what professional models do, she said. Luckily, the heels held up!
What was it like to walk the runway wearing the family look?
Mother:
To be honest, I had no idea how challenging it would be. You’d think walking the runway only lasts a minute, but it feels much longer. The bright spotlights made the moment feel thrilling and alive, putting all the focus on us as we walked. The coaches from the Young Fashion Show gave lessons to parents as well, showing us how to walk and pose on the runway. My daughter, however, had already given me a few tips of her own—and it was clear she could pose and carry herself on the runway far more naturally and confidently than I ever could.
Emely Stepanenko:
I was really happy to walk the podium with my mom. My dad was among the audience, cheering us on. Overall, my parents are my biggest support; they encourage me in everything I do.
Emely, after your experience in the Young Fashion Show, what are your hopes and plans for the future?
I still really want to continue modeling. I even joined a modeling agency in Phoenix and have begun working as a model, earning my first paycheck. I love modeling, and I would also love to start my own nail business and try acting in the future.
My dad has always been my biggest supporter and has done everything he can to help me pursue my dreams. He has been by my side at every fashion show, encouraging and supporting me every step of the way. He also accompanied me to professional photoshoots to build my portfolio for The Young Agency in Phoenix, helping me gain confidence and grow in the modeling industry.
Today, he continues to support me by working on creating my own studio/club in Phoenix for my friends, peers, and supporters. It will be a special place where children and teenagers can develop their talents, build self-confidence, make new friends, and express their creativity in a positive, inspiring, and supportive environment.
I’d love to try acting in the future, but for now I’m fully focused on preparing for the next Young Fashion Show in Los Angeles this August, where I will be a VIP model and will be showcasing two new brands.
The Young Fashion Show provides young models with confidence, creativity, and real runway experience in a professional and supportive environment. For Emely, each show has been an opportunity to grow and develop her passion for fashion. The upcoming Los Angeles show this August will be another opportunity for young models to showcase their talents, make new connections, and continue their fashion journey.
