INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Zoe and Kai Turner may be just 3 and 4 years old, but the Indianapolis siblings are already gaining experience on the runway.
For the second consecutive year, the siblings participated in the Rookie Kids Runway on Broadway show presented by Macy’s in New York City. This year’s event was hosted by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
The siblings also have a connection to New York sports. Their uncle is Indianapolis native and New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Zoe and Kai walked for Nike during the show. Zoe briefly became nervous after seeing the Lola Bunny mascot in the front row, but she continued with the show.
The trip was also a first for both children, who flew on an airplane for the first time. When asked about their favorite part of the trip, both Zoe and Kai gave the same answer: riding the airplane.
Their father, Charles Turner, said watching his children participate in the event was especially meaningful because he once dreamed of becoming a model himself.
“I had aspirations to be like a model,” Turner said. “So, you know, to be 29 now and have my own kids and see what I wanted to do is something that they are doing.”
The event also gave the young siblings a chance to interact with celebrities and professional athletes. Turner said DJ Khaled’s wife waved to Kai from the front row, while several NBA players recorded the children as they walked.
The show featured celebrities including DJ Khaled, DaBaby, A Boogie, Ice-T, Coco and Lil’ Kim, along with several New York Knicks players.
Turner said the experience has also helped his children learn that modeling involves more than walking a runway. They have practiced proper walking techniques, smiling and posing.
If Zoe and Kai decide to pursue modeling as they get older, Turner said he will support them.
“If they continue on with the opportunities that are in front of them and they actually really like it and enjoy it, as their dad, I’ll definitely support them 100%,” Turner said.
For now, Zoe and Kai are enjoying another opportunity to represent Indianapolis on a major fashion stage — and making memories along the way.