By: Nancy Pierce

Seven-year-old Ariya Grace Hurwitz from New York is already making confident steps in the world of runway modeling. She made her professional debut at the Young Fashion Show in New York in the fall of 2025 – an experience that marked the beginning of her journey in the fashion industry.

The Young Fashion Show celebrates creativity, confidence, and a new generation of runway talent as they take their first steps into the professional modeling world. It has become a prominent event for young models in the United States, known for setting a high standard for those entering the industry.

Since her debut, Ariya has grown more confident with each appearance. Her connection with Young Fashion Show feels natural and intuitive. Years of ballroom dancing have helped develop her body control and posture, while sports such as skiing and archery have strengthened her focus, balance, and agility. Supported by the YFS team’s guidance, Ariya steps onto the runway with ease, confidence, and a distinct sense of presence.

Back To The Moment That Started It All

Ariya Hurwitz’s mother, Yuliya Kopychko, first learned about the Young Fashion Show while exploring casting opportunities for its upcoming New York edition. Curious, she shared the information with her daughter. Drawing on her own understanding of the professional modeling world, Yuliya explained what the experience would involve, from performing at Manhattan’s historic Cipriani 25 Broadway to walking a real runway in front of an audience of more than 600 guests. She also described the scale of the show, which featured 23 brands, professional runway lighting, and live music, offering Ariya the opportunity to present one or more collections.

Despite her young age, Ariya approached the experience with confidence and enthusiasm. Ballroom dancing, which she has practiced since the age of four, has given her early exposure to performing on large stages and working with makeup artists and hairstylists. Her natural love for fashion and experimenting with different looks further fueled her excitement, making her eager to take part in the Young Fashion Show.

Full of excitement, Ariya Hurwitz and her mother submitted their application to the Young Fashion Show. The waiting period felt long, but it ended with the confirmation that Ariya had been accepted. Soon after, she received her official invitation to begin runway preparations—an important step toward the professional world she had long been eager to explore. Every rehearsal, fitting, and workshop was organized by the Young Fashion Show, offering Ariya a structured introduction to life behind the runway.

With a strong emphasis on preparation, the Young Fashion Show guided Ariya through an intensive training process. In the weeks leading up to the event, she participated in a series of master classes focused on runway technique, posture, movement, and on-camera posing. These sessions provided hands-on experience and clear guidance, helping her build confidence, refine her stage presence, and deepen her understanding of professional runway standards. Each step of the process brought Ariya closer to her goal of developing as a young model.

Mother and daughter could hardly contain their excitement as they stepped into Cipriani 25 Broadway. The historic venue, renowned for its Italian elegance, grand architecture, and refined interiors, has long been a destination for high-profile events. Yuliya had once attended a wedding there and vividly remembered being captivated by the space. This time, seeing it transformed into a professional runway – complete with striking lighting, music, and a meticulously designed catwalk – left an equally strong impression. Every detail reflected sophistication, creating a powerful setting for Ariya Hurwitz’s runway moment.

Photo Courtesy: Yuriy Reva / Oleksiy Ponezhda

For a young model, being selected to walk for Mia Belle Girls was a defining experience. Ariya Hurwitz stepped onto the runway in the brand’s sparkling New Year’s collection, delivering a confident, joyful performance that captured the show’s energy. The moment became even more meaningful when the brand gifted her the very outfit she wore, marking a memorable milestone early in her modeling journey.

Based in Miami, Mia Belle Girls is a well-known name in children’s fashion, with a strong social media following and recognition among growing companies in the industry. Known for bold, expressive designs paired with everyday comfort, the brand has earned the trust of parents and young fashion enthusiasts alike. Each collection is created to help children feel confident and expressive, on the runway and beyond. solidifying Mia Belle Girls’ position as a standout force in kids’ fashion.

A representative of Mia Belle Girls shared:

“Ariya Hurwitz looked radiant on the runway wearing Mia Belle Girls. She presented our designs with confidence and a sense of playful elegance that immediately stood out. Her movement, expression, and stage presence highlighted the versatility and spirit of our pieces. It was inspiring to see how naturally she connected with the collection, delivering a runway moment that truly reflected the heart of our brand.”

In addition to Mia Belle Girls, Ariya also represented Lysychka, a brand that blends heritage-inspired motifs with a modern aesthetic. Known for its dresses, embroidered shirts, and aprons, Lysychka places great emphasis on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to encourage self-expression while celebrating individuality through timeless design.

Photo Courtesy: Yuriy Reva

Ariya Hurwitz appeared composed and focused as she walked the runway at the Young Fashion Show. Her performance carried a quiet spark—shaped by new friendships, thoughtfully designed pieces, the energy of the stage, and the confidence gained from an important early milestone in her modeling journey.

“We came to the show as a family, and seeing Ariya on the runway filled us with pride,” recalls her mother, Yuliya Kopychko. “My mother saw in her granddaughter a reflection of my own early curiosity for fashion, while my husband was simply amazed at how quickly our little girl is growing up.”

Balancing school, sports, and music, Ariya has not yet decided whether modeling will become part of her long-term future. Still, taking part in a major event like the Young Fashion Show has already left a lasting impact. The experience helped her build confidence, move beyond her natural shyness, and feel more at ease in front of an audience.

The Young Fashion Show offers young talent an opportunity to gain real-world runway experience in a professional setting. By bringing together emerging models, their peers, and industry professionals, the event creates an environment where participants can take meaningful first steps in the fashion industry.

For those just beginning their journey, the Young Fashion Show provides a strong introduction to the world of fashion. From the carefully chosen venue and smooth production to the collaborative atmosphere and portfolio-building opportunities, every element is designed to support young models at an early stage. The scale and energy of the event leave a lasting impression, making it a memorable starting point for new talent.