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Chicago · Holiday Edition

YFS returns to Chicago this December.

December 13, 2026 · Palmer House Hilton

Young participants 3–18

Applications open

Show facts

December 13, 2026
Date
Palmer House Hilton
Venue
Young 3–18
Participation
Applications open
Status

An industry perspective

What a talent-agency president saw at YFS

Attending the Chicago show in person with her team

“The event is spectacular. The level of talent and beautiful children absolutely superseded my expectations.”

Susan Lunetta President, Exxcel Model & Talent, Inc. New York, USA

115+Participants selected by scouts & brandsDuring the last YFS tour

Who can join the Chicago edition

Kids and teens ages 3–18 take part in three age groups.

The participant experience

What the Chicago experience includes

The runway is the moment everyone sees. The experience starts before the first walk — with preparation, rehearsal, styling, backstage and the live show around it.

  • Fitting and runway look
  • Hair and makeup
  • Backstage
  • Professional photos and video
  • Live runway
  • Family on the red carpet
  • Runway preparation

    The walk, posture, turns and the show order with runway coaches.

  • Rehearsal

    Guided rehearsals before show day.

  • Fitting & look

    A look from participating designers’ collections, chosen for size, age and style.

  • Hair & makeup

    Professional, age-appropriate styling to complete the look.

  • Backstage support

    Stylists, designers, photographers and the YFS team throughout.

  • Live show production

    Professional lighting, music, production and a live audience.

  • Professional photos & video

    Runway photography and video coverage by the show’s media team.

  • Show-day information & YFS app

    Rehearsal booking, what to bring and the show details in one app.

  • Family & post-show moments

    A red-carpet photo together with your family after the show.

Vincent De Paul hosting the YFS runway

Your host in Chicago

Vincent De Paul

Official YFS Brand Ambassador & Celebrity Host

Two-time Emmy Award winner · 180+ film & television credits

Actor, producer and former international fashion model, Vincent will be at the Chicago show in person — hosting the runway and inspiring participants before they walk.

Masterclasses with Vincent for participants during show weekend.

FollowVincent

The YFS app home screen: current participation with journey progress, and highlights such as the show-day scheduleEvent settings in the YFS app: rehearsal booking, what to bring, brand requirements and meal selection

The YFS app

Why download the YFS app?

Before you’re a participant

  • Find out your selection result fastest
  • Get YFS notifications and updates
  • Keep up with upcoming YFS shows

Once you’re a participant

  • Follow your participation
  • Book your rehearsal time
  • Keep organiser information and show preparation in one place
  • Download the YFS app on the App Store
  • Get the YFS app on Google Play
QR code to download the YFS app

Scan to download

The venue

Palmer House Hilton

A landmark Chicago setting for the Holiday Edition.

The December 13 YFS Holiday Edition takes place at Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago, pairing the live runway experience with the hotel’s historic interiors and evening atmosphere.

An icon of downtown Chicago for over 150 years, Palmer House is the longest continuously operating hotel in North America.

Address
17 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603
Date
December 13, 2026
View location (opens in a new tab)
A Palmer House Hilton ballroom lit in violet under gilded ceilings, Chicago
Arches and chandeliers on the Palmer House mezzanine
Chicago’s lit-up downtown towers at dusk

YFS, live

The atmosphere around the runway — from preparation and backstage to the audience and the walk itself.

  • A YFS show night: the audience under chandeliers, young models on the runway, an adult runway walk and the venue red carpet

    YFS Chicago · Show night

  • A sequence of YFS participant photos: runway looks, red-carpet family moments, backstage make-up and editorial portraits

    YFS Chicago · The runway

  • A YFS show from arrival to runway: the venue, hosts on stage, families on the red carpet, models walking and the designer line-up

    YFS Chicago · Finale & backstage

Brands on the YFS runway

The collections that shape the show.

See brands previously featured at YFS — and the designers behind the collections.

Showcase your collection
  • A mother and two daughters in coordinated Mini Me and Mama looks
    Mini Me and Mama Chicago · Holiday Edition A premier multi-brand showroom with luxurious clothes from renowned European designers.
  • A girl in an ivory satin Petite Maison Kids dress with a black bow on the YFS runway
    Seen at YFS · New York · Miami · Chicago Exquisite children’s couture defined by luxurious fabrics, refined craftsmanship, and captivating designs.
  • A girl in a black sparkling Lola + The Boys look on the YFS runway
    Seen at YFS · Chicago An iconic American celebrity-loved childrenswear brand known for bold, statement-making designs.
  • Two girls in Mia Belle Girls tennis-inspired looks
    Seen at YFS · Chicago · Miami · New York Miami family brand, Inc. 5000 — collections for girls and their moms.
  • Two models in HINKELMAN waist accessories on a marble staircase
    HINKELMAN Seen at YFS · New York · Los Angeles A niche brand redefining waist accessories.
  • A model in a black leather BUNDI coat, corset top and leather trousers on the YFS runway
    Seen at YFS · New York A luxury multi-brand fashion showroom on Los Angeles’ iconic Melrose Avenue.
  • 20 brands in total, more coming

37 fashion brands & designers on previous YFS runways

  • Petite Maison Kids
  • Milana Loren Couture
  • LVA Bride
  • Lola + The Boys
  • Mia Belle Girls
  • Solmar
  • ANNABO
  • BUNDI
  • La Magnetique
  • Stella M’Lia
  • POELLE
  • Akimota
  • Faeella
  • SOW
  • HKM
  • Mama Luma
  • Twin Archives
  • Elevated Faith
See more brand stories

Partners behind YFS

YFS editions bring together venues, production partners, brands and collaborators around the live show.

  • The Biltmore Los Angeles
  • Exxcel Management Group
  • Prime Line AV
  • Print Renegades
  • Instadives
  • Your Dispatch24

Partner with the Chicago edition

Bring your brand into the live YFS experience through partnership, activation and content opportunities around the Chicago edition.

About YFS

What is Young Fashion Show?

Young Fashion Show creates memorable, high-impact runway experiences for kids, teens and adults — moments designed to stay with participants long after the show itself. Across New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago, YFS brings participants into a live fashion environment alongside designers, media and industry professionals.

Discover YFS
Runway under a chandelier and stage lights at a YFS show
Runway finale under stage lights at a YFS show
Group of young models on the runway

Chicago FAQ

Who can participate in the Chicago Holiday Edition?

Kids and teens ages 3–18, in three age groups: Little 3–6, Junior 7–11 and Teens 12–18.

Does my child need modeling experience?

No. First-time and experienced participants can apply. Rehearsals and show preparation are part of the YFS experience.

What happens after I apply?

Applying is the first step. The YFS team reviews the application and follows up with the participant or parent about availability and next steps. An application does not automatically confirm participation.

What does the Chicago experience include?

The experience includes rehearsal and runway preparation, fitting, styling, hair and makeup, backstage support, the live runway, and professional photography and video. Confirmed participants receive the practical show information before the day.

Where is the Chicago Holiday Edition?

The Chicago Holiday Edition takes place on December 13, 2026 at Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

Are scouting or brand opportunities guaranteed?

No. Agencies, scouts, brands and other fashion-industry professionals may take part in YFS editions, but participation does not guarantee selection, representation, bookings or contracts.

Can family or guests attend?

Guest and attendance information is provided for each edition.
View all FAQs

Chicago · December 13, 2026

Holiday Edition

Palmer House Hilton · Kids & teens 3–18

Applications open

Apply today More questions? Contact YFS

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