Elton Ilirjani, globally recognized by his model name HANKO, a tribute to his Albanian mother, continues to redefine the landscape of high fashion. More than just a runway staple, Ilirjani is a performance artist and ardent advocate for genderless modeling and inclusiveness. His latest ventures in Japan underscore this multifaceted identity, merging cutting-edge performance art with a profound commitment to environmental consciousness through sustainable fashion. The Zero Gravity Box was created with the cooperation of TOPPAN and Shimadzu Corporation.
Ilirjani’s recent presence in Japan was marked by a compelling performance art piece at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
The World Expo, themed ‘Designing Future Society for our Lives,’ focuses on global collaboration to address social challenges and foster sustainable living. For this significant event, Ilirjani collaborated with renowned artist Naoka Tosa. Inside the “Zero Gravity Box,” Ilirjani delivered a captivating performance, suited in an outfit custom-designed by Tosa. His striking appearance, featuring a face painted white adorned with blue crystals, evoked an “other-worldly species,” symbolizing a vision of future existence aligned with the Expo’s forward-thinking themes. This act was not merely a display but a powerful statement, utilizing the runway as a stage to share a narrative of inclusive modeling and universal beauty, a signature element of Ilirjani’s work.
Beyond the Expo, Ilirjani further demonstrated his commitment to sustainable practices during a breathtaking photoshoot in Kyoto’s famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This iconic natural landmark, known also as the Sagano Bamboo Forest and considered a part of the soundscape of Japan by the Ministry of the Environment, provided a serene and powerful backdrop for his fashion statement. For the shoot, Ilirjani donned a unique dress crafted by Yoshiko Kitano, a designer celebrated for her creations utilizing upcycled kimonos. Complementing the sartorial elegance was an intricate headpiece designed by Japanese film director and flower stylist Kazuhiro Ito, with makeup expertly applied by Yuka Taniwaki, all captured by photographer Arun Nevader. This collaboration showcased not only the beauty of sustainable design but also Ilirjani’s active promotion of eco-conscious fashion choices.
Ilirjani’s remarkable journey into the fashion world began relatively recently in 2019. It was during his visits to 3NY, a fashion boutique in New York City specializing in unique Asian designers, that his path diverged. A renowned human rights activist from Albania with a substantial Instagram following of 12 million (@Eilirjani), Ilirjani began showcasing these distinctive designs on his popular platform, tagging the creators. This organic engagement blossomed into friendships with designers, leading to invitations to walk for them at prestigious fashion weeks. His first foray onto the runway was for BESFXXK, a South Korean brand, quickly followed by other designers from the region.
Since then, Elton Ilirjani has become a ubiquitous presence on international catwalks, gracing New York, Milan, Paris, London, Athens, Costa Rica, Miami, and Tokyo Fashion Weeks. He has lent his unique presence to acclaimed designers such as Malan Breton, Ema Savahl, Jemma Russo, and Naoka Tosa, whom he recently walked for at the latest New York Fashion Week. What truly sets Ilirjani apart, however, is his philosophy. For him, a runway show is an opportunity for performance art. Influenced by trailblazing artists like Yoko Ono, Marina Abramović, and Michèle Lamy, Elton is known for opening runway shows with his distinctive approach. He transforms the catwalk into a stage, moving slowly and deliberately, captivating audiences not just with the clothes but with a deeper narrative about inclusive modeling and universal beauty. His dedication to genderless modeling is a pivotal aspect of his identity, continuously challenging traditional fashion norms.
Elton Ilirjani, or HANKO, stands as a powerful figure in contemporary fashion, seamlessly blending the worlds of high-end modeling, performance art, and human rights advocacy. His recent engagements in Japan, from the futuristic stages of Expo 2025 to the serene beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, exemplify his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries – both creatively and socially. As he continues to enthrall viewers and challenge conventions, Ilirjani remains a leading voice for inclusivity and sustainability within the global fashion industry.
Photos by Arun Nevader
