Thank You for Being Part of This Journey

To everyone who participated — whether by nominating, voting, supporting, or cheering from afar — thank you. Your enthusiasm and belief in this initiative are the driving forces behind its success.

We listened to our expert judging panel, made up of industry professionals from diverse backgrounds. We listened to our global community, whose voices and votes mattered deeply. And most importantly, we listened to those for whom we create — the kids themselves.

Celebrating Youth Voices

In 2025, we introduced something new and deeply meaningful:
Six inspiring kid ambassadors joined the voting process and helped shape the final outcome.

Because at Junior Style, we believe that giving children a voice and a seat at the table is not just important — it’s essential. Our mission is to inspire the next generation and make sure they feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

Aleksandra Ataca

Aleksandra Ataca, a visionary leader and the founder of this prestigious initiative. As the Editor-in-Chief and Owner of Junior Style, Aleksandra has spent over a decade shaping the landscape of children’s fashion, offering unmatched exposure and creative direction to emerging and established brands alike.

Her journey began at just 17, rooted in a deep passion for fashion, journalism, and storytelling. Today, she is recognized as one of the most influential voices in the kids’ fashion industry. Under her leadership, Junior Style has grown into the largest global platform dedicated to children’s fashion, celebrating individuality, innovation, and community.

Beyond her editorial work, Aleksandra is the founder of Alexandra Concept Corp, a boutique marketing agency specializing in the kids’ fashion and lifestyle niche. Her multifaceted expertise spans image-making, styling, brand consulting, fashion photography, and event production—making her a driving force in shaping trends and elevating young talent around the world.

Through the Junior Style Awards, Aleksandra continues her mission to spotlight excellence, empower creativity, and foster meaningful connections across the global children’s fashion community.

Samia Khan

With over 30 years at the forefront of the global FMCG industry, Samia Khan is a brand architect and growth strategist renowned for her instinctive eye for standout brands and commercial opportunities. She has built, launched, and revitalized businesses through a unique blend of creative vision, sharp market insight, and hands on leadership. Her passion for mentoring and empowering teams consistently drives exceptional results and breakthrough growth—always with a focus on what’s next and what’s possible.

Virginia Zingone

Virginia Zingone is the founder and director of Children’s Show, an international trade show held twice a year in New York. The show features elevated kids’ fashion and lifestyle brands across various categories. Virginia comes from a distinguished lineage of entrepreneurs in the children’s fashion realm, representing the fourth generation of a family legacy that began in Naples and flourished in Rome, with multi-brand stores spanning Italy and the globe since 1896. Italian at heart, Virginia finds her inspiration in New York, where she lives today.

Erin Rechner

Erin Rechner is the Head of Kids’ Content at WGSN, the world’s leading consumer trend forecaster. Her accurate forecasts provide global trend insights, expertly curated data, and industry expertise, helping clients in the kids’ fashion sector understand consumer behavior and lifestyles. This enables them to create products with confidence and trade at the right time.

Anastasia Gotsis

Anastasia Gotsis is a visionary retail buyer with nearly seven years of experience driving growth and innovation across both luxury and off-price sectors. As the leader of the Kids’ Shoes, Toys, and Gifting categories at Bloomingdale’s, she has not only revitalized legacy assortments but also championed sustainability in the retail space. With a sharp eye for product and a deep commitment to conscious consumption, Anastasia is at the forefront of bringing circular and ethically minded brands to a new generation of Bloomingdale’s customers — reshaping what responsible retail looks like in a modern luxury environment.

Cynthia O’Keefe

Cynthia O’Keefe is a cultural advocate, hospitality expert, connector, and fierce supporter of women. With more than 25 years in hotel operations and a foundation in classical theatre, she brings a rare blend of precision, warmth, and creative vision to every endeavor. As the founder of O’Keefe Hospitality, Cynthia consults on luxury experiences, cultural initiatives, and brand development – helping clients design spaces that are as intentional as they are unforgettable. A proud AAPI entrepreneur, she also serves as the founding chair of the Bass Museum’s Women’s Circle and is a developer in The Moore Miami, a dynamic new destination at the intersection of art and innovation. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in mentorship and community: “When you get to where you’re going, turn around and help the girl behind you.” Whether nurturing emerging talent or amplifying new creative voices, Cynthia leads with generosity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.

Patricia Fleischer

Patricia Fleischer is the visionary founder of Generation Model Management, established in 1984 with a mission to represent children who reflect the beauty and diversity of the world around us. Under her leadership, Generation has become a trusted name in the industry, known for discovering and nurturing uniquely beautiful young talent. Patti’s passion for inclusivity and excellence continues to shape a legacy of multicultural representation seen in top magazines, global campaigns, and catalogs. Her agency is equally recognized for its experienced team and unwavering dedication to both models and clients alike.