By: Amanda Gram

What turns a moment of curiosity into a defining runway experience? For 18-year-old Andrii Samoilenko, that journey began with the Young Fashion Show, which took place in Chicago and New York. From its earliest editions, the Young Fashion Show has been a large-scale, high-impact production, reflecting the energy and professionalism of major fashion weeks, while establishing itself as a widely recognized platform for emerging kids and teens in fashion within the United States and serving as a notable space for the next generation of fashion talent.

A Journey That Began with Curiosity

Andrii’s connection to the Young Fashion Show began unexpectedly. His mother, Inna Samoilenko, came across an open call for models for the Young Fashion Show in New York and shared the opportunity with her son. At the time, Andrii had recently moved to the United States in 2023 and was still discovering new paths and possibilities. Chicago held particular significance for him, as it was one of the cities he hoped to experience after arriving in the U.S. Learning that the Young Fashion Show would also take place there added a personal layer of meaning to the opportunity.

What started as a moment of curiosity gradually evolved into an important early milestone. After submitting his application and going through the selection process, Andrii received his acceptance and was officially invited to begin preparing for his runway debut.

From Preparation to Performance

Taking part in the Young Fashion Show demanded concentration, consistency, and resilience. The experience spanned multiple days of rehearsals, collaboration with a large and diverse group of participants, and stepping onto the runway before a full-scale audience. While Andrii already had prior runway experience, including participation in an ethno-inspired Ukrainian fashion show in Poland, the scope and pace of the Young Fashion Show introduced a higher level of complexity and challenge.

Guided by experienced coaches and show curators, Andrii sharpened his runway technique and further developed his stage awareness. When the show began, he entered the runway with a composed and focused presence, delivering a presentation that balanced precision with emotional discipline.

Versatility on the Runway

Throughout the Chicago show, Andrii revealed a broader range of expression, appearing assured and at ease in designs by ANNABO.

Deeply rooted in cultural heritage and family legacy, ANNABO is recognized for blending tradition with contemporary design. The brand draws on generations of craftsmanship and historical influence, translating them into a modern visual language. With a clear mission to preserve cultural identity while shaping thoughtfully constructed pieces for modern life, ANNABO bridges tradition and present-day design with intention and depth.

New York: A Defining Moment

When Young Fashion Show confirmed its second production in New York, Andrii responded without hesitation. Motivated by the progress he had made in Chicago, he welcomed the opportunity to return to a city that carries strong personal significance. New York was where his American chapter first took shape, a place he knows well and moves through with confidence.

The show took place at Cipriani 25 Broadway, a venue known for its architectural character, refined atmosphere, and history of hosting high-profile events. For Andrii, a long-time admirer of the city, the setting added depth to the experience. Often associated with prestigious gatherings, Cipriani provided a compelling stage for an evening centered on fashion, artistry, and creative energy.

A Focused Presence on the Runway

Andrii drew the attention of two distinct brands, Akimota and Mirracul Denim. That recognition led to an invitation to represent both labels during the New York show. For Andrii, the opportunity to walk for Akimota carried particular significance, as he had previously followed the brand’s presence at major fashion events and admired its artistic direction and craftsmanship.

One of the most memorable moments came when he modeled a limited-edition kimono by Akimota, crafted from carefully selected, high-quality fabrics. Walking for a brand known for its bold silhouettes and expressive visual language marked a meaningful moment in Andrii’s early runway experience.

Akimota has established a visible presence on the fashion scene, with appearances at Florida Men’s Fashion Week, Houston Fashion Week, and Miami Swim Week. Specializing in statement kimonos that merge artistic expression with refined construction, the brand allowed Andrii to interpret its designs with confidence and individuality, contributing to his continued development on the runway.

Representing a New Generation of Designers

In New York, Andrii also took to the runway for Mirracul Denim, a young, emerging label united by a shared devotion to denim. Founded by a group of teenagers, the brand is deeply personal in its origins, shaped by a family heritage of craftsmanship. Its story draws from an award-winning jewelry designer grandfather in Ukraine and a grandmother with more than four decades of experience in garment making, influences that continue to inform the label’s creative direction.

The brand originated with a single pair of handmade jeans created two years ago, an experiment that gradually grew into a deeper exploration of denim design. After forming connections with like-minded creatives in the United States, the team went on to establish Mirracul Denim, bringing together traditional techniques with a youthful point of view and contemporary design thinking.

An invitation from the Young Fashion Show to present the brand’s first collection on a large-scale runway became an important opportunity, allowing a new generation of designers to introduce their vision within a professional fashion setting.

Representative of the Brand MirraculDenim

“Andrii Samoilenko is a confident and promising young model with a strong runway presence and expressive features. He caught our eye in Chicago, and MirraculDenim invited him to the Young Fashion Show in New York, where a custom look was curated to showcase his unique style. With a confident runway presence and striking, expressive features, Andrii is a young model positioned to continue developing within the fashion industry.

We were delighted to have him take part in our show. During shows and photoshoots, Andrii demonstrates strong focus and discipline, follows directions with ease, and carries himself with confidence on the runway. He adapts quickly to different styles and concepts, moves naturally, and maintains a positive, professional attitude.

A rising talent with notable potential in both fashion and commercial modelling.”

Looking Ahead

With modeling taking shape as a clear focus for the future, Andrii is now preparing for the next Young Fashion Show in Miami this April. He continues to refine his skills at a modeling school in Philadelphia, where he was recently recognized as the most promising student, a distinction that reflects his consistent effort and progress.

According to his mother, Inna Samoilenko, Andrii’s experience with the Young Fashion Show played a formative role in his development. Beyond runway exposure, the event offered behind-the-scenes insight into the fashion industry, expanded his professional connections, and provided a clearer understanding of how large-scale fashion productions are structured and executed.

As an experienced event organizer herself, Inna was particularly struck by the level of coordination behind the Young Fashion Show. What may have initially seemed complex ultimately unfolded as a carefully organized national production, an approach she views as both impressive and instructive.

YFS as a Platform for What Comes Next

Andrii Samoilenko’s experience with the Young Fashion Show illustrates how preparation, consistency, and opportunity can align. From his initial runway appearances in Chicago to a more assured presence in New York, he continues to progress both creatively and personally, building confidence through each stage of participation.

The Young Fashion Show continues to function as a valuable entry point for emerging talent, offering young models hands-on runway experience, exposure to professional standards, and access to industry networks. For Andrii and many others, the event extends beyond a single appearance, supporting ongoing interest and engagement with fashion.

For those seeking a well-structured introduction to the fashion industry, the Young Fashion Show is often regarded as a strong starting point. The scope of the production, the atmosphere created by the team, and the quality of the venues contribute to an experience that feels professional and formative. The event’s scale and execution reflect the level at which it operates, leaving a clear impression on those who take part.