By: Elithabeth Wire

This fall, at the Young Fashion Show in New York, 12-year-old Jonathan Tkachenko made his modeling debut, taking the runway with calm confidence. The event, which has grown into a national platform set to redefine how America views children’s fashion events, brought together young talent. Among dozens of participants, Jonathan stood out for his composed walk and focused presence under the lights.

Dressed in a contemporary look, Jonathan moved comfortably down the catwalk, reflecting a growing interest in fashion and modeling. He sees opportunities like the Young Fashion Show as a way to gain experience, build confidence, and develop professional skills. His appearance was met with warm applause, marking a meaningful moment in his early journey within the fashion industry.

With his parents’ support, Jonathan took his first step into the world of fashion. Coming from a creative family, he approached the experience with curiosity rather than a long-held ambition to model. It was his very first time on the runway, and the experience marked a turning point, sparking a new interest in modeling. Following the show, Jonathan began receiving professional runway coaching, further fueling his passion for the industry.

One of the standout moments of the Young Fashion Show in New York was the opportunity for participants to take the runway, as the event showcased 23 fashion brands. Each model gained invaluable insight into the professional fashion world. For Jonathan, it was a true honor to represent SOW Kids, a brand rooted in a meaningful philosophy. “SOW” symbolizes planting seeds that grow into something significant. The label merges sustainability, through organic and recycled materials, with contemporary, comfortable designs that inspire awareness and responsibility. This experience added to Jonathan’s growing kids modeling experience, helping him understand the broader impact of fashion on both style and the environment.

Jonathan also represented HOOLA, a sustainable business specialising in high-quality preloved kids’ fashion brands. HOOLA offers carefully curated drops designed to extend garment life, reduce waste, and encourage a more mindful approach to children’s fashion consumption.

Representative of the brand HOOLA

“Seeing Jonathan on the New York runway was a true pleasure. He carried our design with a natural confidence and ease that felt effortless, allowing the garment to truly come to life. His calm presence, focus, and genuine joy for the runway made the moment feel authentic and special. It was an honor to have him represent our brand, and his performance left a lasting impression. We are excited to watch his journey continue and wish him many beautiful moments ahead.”

We spoke with Jonathan and his mother, Yuliya Lukina, about how their interest in fashion began. They shared their story, starting with applying to the Young Fashion Show for kids. They described Jonathan’s first time walking on the runway. They also talked about what happened behind the scenes. The experience gave Jonathan new motivation after the show. One crucial day changed how he saw modeling. It turned his first runway experience into a genuine interest in the industry.

How did your son first learn about the Young Fashion Show, and what motivated your family to apply? Can you walk us through the preparation process—from the selection stage to rehearsals—and what that experience was like for your child?

Mother, Yuliya:

Our dance studio has a professional stylist who told us about the Young Fashion Show and suggested that we apply. In a way, it felt inevitable that Jonathan and this show would cross paths. He has strong body awareness and movement control, developed through ballroom dancing, which he has practiced since the age of eight. In addition, he is involved in several sports, including gymnastics, soccer, and Thai boxing.

Jonathan is also highly communicative and connects easily with people. He has natural charisma, which we believe is an important quality in modeling. These qualities helped him feel confident on the runway and made the experience a natural extension of his creative and athletic background.

Jonathan Tkachenko:

From the moment we sent in the application to the rehearsals and the show itself, everything was really well organized. People were always there to help and explain things to us. They even showed me how to pose for a professional photographer, which was completely new for me. It was my first time doing something like this, and I learned a lot from the experience.

What impressed you the most about the organization, the atmosphere, and how professional everything felt at the Young Fashion Show?

Mother:

Honestly, the atmosphere impressed me the most. Everything looked high-level and beautiful. It truly felt like a major fashion event. There were many photographers, makeup artists, and designers. This showed how professionally the show was organized. You could feel how serious and well planned everything was. I also loved that children are introduced to this level of organization and discipline at such a young age. It is an incredible experience for them and very inspiring to see.

Jonathan Tkachenko:

I really liked that the kids were the main focus of the show. I also made a bunch of new friends, which was really fun.

How has participating in the Young Fashion Show affected Jonathan? Have you noticed any changes in his confidence, how he sees himself, or his interest in fashion and creativity?

Mother:

Oh, the changes are visible even in his face! Jonathan seems more mature, and seeing him on the runway really showed that. He also pays more attention to his body. Even though he is already very athletic, he started doing more push-ups and ab exercises after the show. He is more careful about what he wears and makes sure his outfits look good. When he started his Instagram, he got a lot of female followers. All of these positive changes make me very proud and happy as a mother.

Jonathan, now that you’ve been part of the Young Fashion Show, what are your dreams? What would you like to do next?

I still really want to try modeling. I even signed up with a modeling agency in Connecticut. I used the portfolio I made at the show to get started. I don’t just want to do runway shows. I would also like to try acting in ads and other creative projects. The Young Fashion Show gave me a big boost. It made me excited to try new things and see what I can do.

Overall, the Young Fashion Show was more than a runway event. It was a carefully planned platform that helped young talent build confidence, creativity, and professionalism. The event was well organized and offered a warm and supportive atmosphere. It showed a strong commitment to helping children feel empowered and inspired in a safe and professional setting. For participants like Jonathan Tkachenko, the experience was not only a memorable debut but also an important first step into the fashion industry. As the Young Fashion Show continues to grow across the country, it is reshaping children’s fashion events by focusing on growth and opportunity. The show leaves a lasting impression on both young models and their families.