By: Elithabeth Wire
In a world where children’s dreams often sparkle brighter than runway lights, some moments feel truly cinematic. This fall, at the Young Fashion Show in Chicago, six-year-old Diana had one of those moments. A little girl with big, sincere dreams of a future in modeling, she loves dresses that twirl. And her smile lit up the entire catwalk.
With the support of her parents and a big, loving family behind her, Diana took her first step into the world of fashion. What began as a childhood dream became a real runway moment when she debuted in looks from the renowned brands Sandra & Sabrina and Lola + The Boys. It was her very first time on the runway, so the Young Fashion Show became her entry ticket into the world of fashion. Young Fashion Show is rapidly emerging as a national platform where children and teens gain real runway experience, step into the professional spotlight, and discover their own spark. The well-known mentors, runways, and leading brands — a whole new level of children’s fashion shows!
We spoke with Diana and her mother, Nataliia Pohonchuk, about how their love for fashion began. They shared how the journey unfolded — from submitting the application for the Young Fashion Show to finally stepping onto the runway. We also talked about what happened behind the scenes and how one magical day reshaped a young girl’s dreams.
When did you first become interested in the world of fashion, and how did you decide to apply for the Young Fashion Show?
Mother, Nataliia:
“It’s actually a very sweet story. The very first time Diana started talking to me about fashion and dresses was the day after we watched a cartoon about a panda designer — Panda Millionaire. After that, we began watching different fashion shows together. It quickly became clear how deeply this world fascinated her. Then came the moment that changed everything: one dress on the runway completely enchanted her. Diana instantly knew she wanted to walk in a similar look — on a runway filled with light, as she described it. So my husband and I decided to give her that ‘magical day in a beautiful dress,’ and we submitted an application to the Young Fashion Show.”
Diana Rodych:
“I used to watch adult models on the runway — and suddenly I could be one of them!”
Anyone who loves fashion always wants to know what happens behind the scenes. How did the preparation go?
Mother:
“Unforgettable! We’re so grateful for how smoothly everything was organized. Since this was Diana’s debut in the modeling world, it was important that every detail went perfectly — and with the Young Fashion Show, it did. From day one, the team guided us all the way to Diana’s first walk on the runway. Rehearsals, preparation, and the show itself turned into a truly memorable experience for her.”
The Young Fashion Show in Chicago had a large team of 45 makeup and hair artists. What was your experience working with them?
Diana Rodych:
“It was amazing to try on the outfits and get my hair and makeup done. The stylist was like a real fairy!”
Stylist YFS Tatyana Yakovchyk:
“It was such a pleasure to watch and create a hairstyle for young beauty Diana. She looked so bright, sincere, and inspired. She moved on the runway with such natural grace and confidence. I could feel how much joy and emotion the show gave her — it was visible in every step. I’m truly happy that Diana was among the young models in this wonderful event, and I had the pleasure of being her hairstylist for this amazing debut.”
Photo Courtesy: Yuriy Reva
Mother:
“I was so happy to watch the connection between Diana and Tatyana, the hairstylist from the Young Fashion Show beauty team!”
Such a big event! So much excitement and emotion. How did Diana manage to handle it all?
Mother:
“A lot of it was thanks to the curators. They were professional, attentive, and incredibly warm. They took such good care of Diana that I knew she was in safe hands. The coaches, meanwhile, offered her practical advice on how to hold her posture, walk gracefully, and feel the rhythm of the runway. At the same time, they shared inspiring tips that eased her nerves and boosted her confidence. Because of this guidance, Diana didn’t worry about anything unnecessary during the show and simply enjoyed her moment.”
So, it looks like Diana got to have a ‘magical day in a beautiful dress’ and walk on a runway filled with light’ from her dreams?
Diana Rodych:
“Oh yes! I really wanted a princess-style dress — long and magical. Young Fashion Show made my dream come true!”
Mother:
“We are sincerely grateful to the wonderful brand, Sandra & Sabrina, for allowing us to walk the runway in their handmade dresses — a moment that made my daughter’s dream come true. When I learned that Sandra began creating dresses in honor of her daughter Sabrina’s birth in 2014, it truly touched me.
Photo Courtesy: Yuriy Reva
A beautiful surprise was that the designer suggested we present a family look. The dresses we walked the runway in were crafted with the finest details. I felt proud walking beside my daughter on the runway, knowing how meaningful this moment was for her.
We are also grateful to another brand that noticed Diana — Lola + The Boys. That is truly what their brand represents: bold, joyful, expressive children’s fashion, always created with heart. On the day of the show, they gave Diana the chance to shine for real. When she walked the runway, it wasn’t just a dress — it was emotion, confidence, and a little celebration.”
Absolutely a stunning debut! What emotions came afterward? Did you want to do it again?
Diana Rodych:
“I REALLY want to walk again!”
Mother:
“We’ll definitely participate again, because projects like this simply can’t be missed. For a young aspiring model, it’s a chance to learn about the fashion industry and make a bright first statement. Young Fashion Show changes how young talents see themselves — there’s a ‘before’ and an ‘after.”
A few days after the show, when we looked through Diana’s photos and video, we were deeply moved. It was not only touching but also exciting to see how much confidence, courage, taste, and professional skills this experience gave her. It revealed a new side of her. On top of that, she found new friends — other kids who are also passionate about fashion.”
With such support, Diana has every chance to go far! How did the family react?
Mother:
“Incredibly proud! We — as her parents and her brother — all supported our young model. And we’re certain that the Young Fashion Show marked a grand beginning for her journey. She’s creative, resilient, disciplined, energetic, and able to multitask — all qualities that turned out to be important during the preparation.
She also loves decorating and painting, enjoys dancing, and naturally picks up the rhythm of music, which definitely helps in modeling too.”
After participating in the Young Fashion Show, what does the young model Diana Rodych dream about now?
Diana Rodych:
“I dream of walking on the runway again and AGAIN! I also want a big wardrobe full of beautiful dresses. When I grow up, I hope to have my own clothing store, where girls can come in and I can help them find the perfect dress for their special day. For now, I’m practicing on my dolls.”
Mother:
“She styles them every day with new outfits and accessories. Who knows — maybe one day her name will appear on clothing labels worn by famous people!”
With such passion and clearly set goals, Diana is bound to succeed! What would you say to the new young faces joining the project?
Mother:
“If you’re looking for a powerful start — Young Fashion Show is the place! We’re sincerely grateful to the organizers for the unforgettable emotions, the choice of venue, the excellent planning, the atmosphere, the portfolio content, and the overall experience we received. The scale of this event is truly impressive!”
