Representing Mom Bloggers United, the official Blogging Partner for Junior’s Fashion Week, I attended as a Blogger Associate alongside Shubhreet from Raising Karma, Nayantara from MommyingBabyt, and Mahak from Baby & Beyond. As someone new to the world of children’s fashion events and fashion shows in general, Junior Fashion Week was an exciting first experience. It was also a personal milestone, marking my first full day away from my child and my inaugural fashion show. Leading up to the event, anticipation filled my days as I prepared with new outfits and a pair of heels, eagerly wondering what Junior Fashion Week had in store. Little did I know, it would be an experience far beyond just a fashion show.
Day 1 – Developing Runway Ready Skills
Saturday, September 30th, was dedicated to empowering workshops designed to prepare the young participants for the main Junior Fashion Week showcases. With around 140 children involved, the workshops were thoughtfully divided into three groups. Jessica, the Event Director, skillfully guided the children through ramp walking techniques and posing, creating a supportive and fun environment. Her gentle approach was particularly impressive as she managed to train over 40 children in each session, ensuring every child felt comfortable and confident.
While “training” might suggest a rigid atmosphere, the workshops were incredibly relaxed and enjoyable for the kids. They learned the basics of runway walking, including designated stopping points, but with Jessica’s encouragement, each child was free to express their unique personality. Some children confidently blew kisses to an imaginary audience, others adopted model-like strides, and some were adorably shy. Jessica met each child’s individual style with a warm smile, fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere. The upbeat music further enhanced the workshop’s party-like ambiance, making it feel far from a formal classroom setting, which the children clearly loved.
Before their training sessions, the young stars were treated to delicious meals. Parents were not permitted inside the event hall during workshops, but the children were exceptionally well cared for. Beyond meals, staff members ensured they washed their hands and used the restrooms, providing a true celebrity experience – fitting, as they were the stars of Junior Fashion Week.
Day 2 – The Grand Fashion Showcases
Sunday, October 1st, marked the main event day of Junior Fashion Week. Mirroring the workshop day, the fashion showcases were also organized into three segments. Each group of children started with a pre-show meal, followed by practice sessions both backstage and on the main stage. Stage rehearsals were crucial, allowing the children to familiarize themselves with the runway and performance space before the actual Junior Fashion Week show.
Post rehearsals, it was time for the exciting transformation! The children were dressed in stunning outfits from top children’s fashion brands, complete with professional hair styling and light makeup. Matching shoes and accessories completed their looks, making them absolutely adorable and runway-ready for Junior Fashion Week.
Marks & Spencer, London Showcase
The first showcase of Junior Fashion Week featured the Autumn Winter Collection by Marks & Spencer, London. Their 2017 Mumbai collection presented a diverse range of creatively designed jumpers and bomber jackets in rich greens, cozy blues, and vibrant yellows. Embracing the seasonal change, the iconic British brand showcased innovative and trendy layering options perfect for cooler days. Highlights included sweatshirt hoodies with ‘keep warm’ technology and thermal wear made from BCI cotton for maximum comfort. Chic storm wear coats with StormwearTM technology ensured children stayed both comfortable and stylish even when the weather turned chilly, perfect for the autumn winter season.
Allen Solly Junior Showcase
Next on the Junior Fashion Week runway was Allen Solly Junior, unveiling three distinct looks: ‘Sport the Adventure,’ drawing inspiration from military and jungle aesthetics, ‘Athleisure,’ featuring specialized fabrics and trims, and ‘Party Squad,’ a collection designed for special events and parties. Each line showcased the versatility and style of Allen Solly Junior’s children’s wear.
US Polo Assn. Kids Showcase
Finally, US Polo Assn. Kids, the title sponsor of Junior’s Fashion Week, presented a collection characterized by traditional, preppy, and contemporary styles. Their showcase at Junior Fashion Week embodied contemporary elegance, rich heritage, and a playful spirit, reflecting the brand’s premium positioning. Rooted in American origins and polo heritage, the collection featured a vibrant palette of bright colors alongside classic reds, blues, and whites, accentuated with stars, stripes, and playful dot prints, perfectly capturing the brand’s essence in children’s fashion.
My Reflections on Junior’s Fashion Week
Junior Fashion Week exceeded my expectations, proving to be more than just a showcase of Autumn Winter collections. For the participating children, it was truly a joyous and memorable experience. Every child I observed was visibly excited and fully engaged in having fun. The event felt like a grand celebration for them, and their enthusiasm was contagious.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Junior Fashion Week was witnessing even the youngest children confidently follow directions and command the runway. While some children naturally possess stage presence, it was remarkable to see the growth in confidence across such a diverse group, ranging from 4 to 14 years old. Many initially shy children transformed by the show day.
By Day 2 of Junior Fashion Week, it was impossible to distinguish first-timers from seasoned performers. The children’s fashion event was a powerful learning experience, far beyond just runway walking. They developed confidence, learned to perform before a large audience, forged new friendships, and acquired valuable new skills. Most importantly, they discovered their ability to achieve amazing feats, even when initially daunting and away from parental comfort. Junior Fashion Week was a platform for these young stars to truly shine.
