At just 11 years old, Eva Leah is already showing the world what talent, courage and vision are all about. Over the past year, she has combined her passions for dancing, modeling, and acting to embark on a bold new journey into the world of fashion.
collaboration with her John Richmond We bring her artistic voice to life through collections that are as confident, playful and inspiring as she is. From London studio session to launch Saks Fifth AvenueEva has shown us that dreams become reality when creativity, dedication and courage come together.
This interview is even more special for Junior Style. We’ve watched Eva grow, shine, and boldly step into new opportunities, and we’re proud to call her our ambassador. At Junior Style, we champion young talent and celebrate the voices of children. Because that is our future. In this conversation, Eva shares her growth, creative discoveries, and lessons she hopes will inspire every young dreamer to follow her own path.
1. Eva, we last spoke with you about a year ago. Looking back, how would you describe the past year in your own words?
The past year has felt like acceleration. Everything I had worked for – the training, the discipline, the long hours – began to connect in ways I could never have imagined. It wasn’t just about big moments. It was about the invisible things: early mornings, rehearsals when you were exhausted, balancing school and travel. That was my most formative moment. When you remain consistent, your dreams unfold like magic.
2. What was a moment in the past year that felt like a real turning point for you?
Launching my collection with John Richmond was a defining moment. I have always balanced dancing, modeling, acting and school, but this collaboration has put me on a bigger platform. It wasn’t just about performing or showing up professionally. It was about entering a space where my thoughts and perspectives mattered. The moment preparation met opportunity changed the way I saw myself and what I was capable of.
3. Since the last interview, how have you grown professionally and personally?
I have become more confident in trusting my intuition. When you’re young, it’s easy to find reassurance. This year I learned to stand behind my decisions and embrace my individuality. That confidence has transformed the way I move on stage, on set, and in everyday life. I am focusing on improving myself.
4. Last year you shared your dreams with us. How did they evolve?
They have become more intentional. This year has been transformative and has given me the opportunity to see the results of all my dedication and hard work. My dedication to my craft and ongoing training helped me find my artistic voice as a dancer, and bring that voice to life through the incredible choreography I perform on stage. The same training prepared me for one of the most exciting moments of my career to date: walking the runway for John Richmond at London Fashion Week. I loved every moment of the show and the creative process that went along with it, and I felt confident the whole time thanks to my amazing dance teachers, Angel Armas and Victor Smalley.
5. With so many opportunities coming your way, how do you decide which one feels right?
I am truly grateful for every opportunity that comes my way, and I believe that each opportunity can teach me something new, provide perspective, and provide an experience from which I can learn. When something new and exciting comes up, I try to follow what aligns with my artistic and personal values and ask my team for support. I also learned to always follow my intuition.
6. One of the highlights of the year was our collaboration with John Richmond. How did this partnership come about?
This collection is truly a dream come true, and I’m so excited to share it with everyone soon. The John Richmond team first saw me perform on The Children’s Show and the conversation started from there. This process has taken almost a year, and I feel very grateful to have been able to work with such talented and inspiring people, including John himself. It was truly an honor.
7. What drew you to John Richmond’s creative world?
I was 10 years old and just turned 11 in January. This is a very special age for most girls, between childhood and teenage years. It’s still about the whimsical magic of being a princess, but it’s about finding and discovering your own voice. I love how John embodies and celebrates individuality and creativity in his collections, and I wanted to collaborate with a brand that shares these values. During the design phase and collaboration process, it was really important for me that this collection represented my personal values as a dancer, model, and actor, and that through my personal journey, I would inspire other girls to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.
8. What did you learn from participating in the entire creative process?
I learned how much intention lies behind a single piece of clothing. From the first sketch to the final fitting, every detail has meaning: fabric selection, cut, movement and styling. Being in London and watching ideas develop into finished pieces completely changed the way I view fashion. It’s not just about looks. It’s about storytelling and craftsmanship.
I admire John’s work and creativity so much that I always knew this collaboration would be special. This process allowed me to be involved in every step, from design to studio collaboration, fabric selection, and on-site styling. I learned so much and am very proud of this collection. Each piece is very close to my heart. Above all, I hope that this will be an opportunity for girls to dream big, have confidence, be active, and always practice gratitude. The most unexpected part was that I felt like I had gained a new family on the Richmond team. They were some of the kindest, hardest working, and most inspiring people I’ve ever met. I will always be grateful to them.
9. How did this collaboration take you out of your comfort zone?
Speaking creatively was new to me. On stage, I express myself through movement. Design meetings required expressing ideas clearly and confidently. It challenged me in different ways and helped me grow.
10. Having your own event at Saks Fifth Avenue, a true fashion landmark, is a dream for many designers. What did that moment mean to you?
This is truly one of the biggest moments of my life. It means the world to me, and I’m so honored that Saks can share its amazing stage with John and me to celebrate the fashion, creativity, and individuality of kids. Being in a space that many designers dream of standing in is surreal and hard to believe is real. I am very excited to see what happens next and where this collaboration and journey will take us.
11. What message did you want to express through this collection?
Faith – Belief in yourself. I included the line “Gratitude is the sign of a noble soul” because gratitude keeps you grounded as you grow. Ambition is important, but without gratitude it feels incomplete.
12. Your personal style continues to evolve. How would you describe your aesthetic today?
I would describe my aesthetic today as cool and edgy. And this John Richmond collection reflects that perfectly. At the same time, I love pink. It makes you feel happy, energetic and attractive. I wanted the collection to represent all aspects of my personality with pieces that would be perfect for the runway, a special piece for an event, or a casual day out with friends.
We also have fun, comfortable, and inspiring everyday essentials for spring and summer. One of my favorite elements is the athleisure piece, which ties into my foundation as a dancer. You can wear it for dancing, practicing, warming up, or other athletic activities. This collection is truly for every woman. I can’t wait to see how she makes it her own!
13. After this experience, do you see yourself creating your own brand one day?
One day I can see myself creating my own brand, and this experience has been truly inspiring. Working with such a great team gives me the opportunity to bring my own voice and identity to every piece. Wearing the collection gives you confidence and courage, and I hope everyone who experiences the collection feels the same energy and joy.
14. What are you most eager to explore and discover in the next chapter of your journey?
I am excited to explore this next chapter as an artist. This collection has strengthened my voice and confidence, and I can’t wait to see how it inspires me in my journey as a model, actor, and dancer. Because I truly believe that all arts inspire and inform one another.
15. Lastly, what advice would you give to juniors who dream of a meaningful career in the fashion industry?
To all the children, teenagers, and adults reading this, I encourage you to always follow your dreams and believe in yourself. The most important thing is to have fun in the process. You have to love the process as much as the end result. I hope this collection shows that anything is possible and that if you can dream it, you can make it happen.
Photo: Alexandra Ataka
Read our interview with JOHN RICHMOND here.
Shop the collection here
