New York Rising Stars runway show spotlights young models and debut collections

The New York Rising Stars Runway Show took over Midtown Manhattan on Sept. 27, 2026, featuring 60 young models, six designer brands and about 200 looks. The event doubled as the runway debut for founder Yujing Feng’s children’s label, AnnaE Selects, and was framed as a platform for confidence, cultural exchange and community support.

Why it matters: - The New York Rising Stars Runway Show put young models, emerging talent and children’s fashion on the same stage in Midtown Manhattan. - The event was designed to build confidence, encourage cultural exchange and give children a live runway experience during New York’s September fashion season. - AnnaE Selects used the show as its runway debut, turning the event into both a showcase and a brand launch.

What happened: - The New York Rising Stars Runway Show was held on Sept. 27, 2026, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. - The event brought together young models, designers, performers, fashion buyers, press members, community leaders, families and guests from diverse cultural backgrounds. - Yujing (Eugena) Feng served as founder, executive producer and show director. - Feng led the concept, designer coordination, model management, performance programming and on-site production. - The show was produced in about two months, marking Feng’s first runway production in those roles. - The production featured 60 models ages 3 to 18, six designer brands, seven collections, about 200 runway looks, more than 120 audience members and 15 performers.

The details: - AnnaE Selects opened and closed the runway. - The brand’s Cyber Glam Collection presented about 30 looks. - The Princess & Prince Collection closed the show with about 70 looks. - The other five participating brands presented about 100 additional looks. - Featured brands included Roidelys, House of Tinkabell, Kalokuma, Babykingclothing and Glam2Glo. - Some designers attended in person. - Designers based outside New York or overseas were represented by brand representatives and ambassadors. - Models were chosen through in-person and virtual auditions. - About two-thirds of the models had prior professional modeling experience. - About one-third had little or no runway experience. - Training and rehearsals prepared the models for the show. - Every model received a complimentary outfit from AnnaE Selects to take home. - The audience response included cheering, applause and ongoing encouragement for the young models. - The event was hosted by Karena Chen. - Xian Wang served as model coach and runway coordinator. - DJ Soju King provided music. - Sean and Jrace handled rapid post-event photo delivery, with the full photo set available by the following day.

Between the lines: - The show mixed fashion with music, dance and cultural performances to broaden its appeal beyond a standard runway format. - The emphasis on young participants, including first-time runway models, suggests the event was built as much around confidence-building as commerce. - The debut of AnnaE Selects tied the founder’s personal family story directly to the brand’s identity and presentation. - Feng said she wanted the runway to help children feel proud of who they are and carry that confidence into everyday life. - Feng also linked the project to her broader goal of getting children to engage more with the real world in an era shaped by AI, digital technology and screen-based communication.

What's next: - The next New York Rising Stars Runway Show is being planned for early 2027, after New York’s February fashion season. - Additional details will be announced later. - Feng plans to keep building opportunities for young models, designers, performers, families and creative professionals through the runway platform.

The bottom line: - The show was part fashion event, part youth development platform, and part brand launch, with confidence and cultural connection at the center.