Elton Ilirjani is accustomed to elevating a runway show–adding a theatrical sense of drama to fashion. The New York-based, Albanian model has over 12 million followers on Instagram, and only started modeling a few years ago. In a short period of time, he has already taken the fashion world by storm, as the first-ever genderless model to ever walk Seoul Fashion Week. He has also modeled at global fashion events like Tokyo Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, among others.
Elton is a trailblazer of genderless modeling, and promotes equality through his modeling; fashion is for everyone. He is a fashion icon, pioneering a statement style to the runway that is unique and fearless, and has walked for designers like Malan Breton, Greedelious, Tripleroot, and dozens of others.
Images provided by Arun Nevader
Now, Ilirjani aka HANKO just wrapped up his latest runway show held in Miami with Albanian fashion designer, Ema Savahl. The event was held on December 5 at Dua Miami, Autograph Collection, presented with Project Zed during Miami Art Week 2024 as part of the fourth annual Project Zed, a celebration of culture, art design and sustainability.
Ema Savahl’s runway show had Elton strutting down the runway wearing an emerald green outfit that celebrated the spirit of the forest. He wore a handcrafted, leaf-painted corset encrusted with emerald gemstones, alongside a skirt, a green skirt veil and a headpiece made of moss.
Elton’s makeup and hair was done by Mirandaaaa Glam Studio. The supermodel wore long, green pieces of fabric wrapped around each of his fingers, like the long branches of a willow tree. As he walked down the runway, he raised his hands and made sweeping motions towards the photographers.
Images provided by Arun Nevader
Elton is no stranger to innovating on the runway – he has brought a camera on the runway, shooting photographers while he was a model. He raises his arms, looks around and uses spins and motions to make the audience feel seen. Elton stands out as a runway model because he refuses to be uniform and blend into the clothes–he always makes a statement with any designer he works with.
“I was happy to collaborate with fashion designer Ema Savahl, dressed in couture that represented the spirit of a forest,” said Elton. “It reminds us to return to nature as an essence of who we are as people, and that we need to take care of Mother Earth.”
He adds: “It felt like I was a mini-forest installation.”
It was a dazzling affair that brought together several Albanian talents to the runway. Ema Savahl was founded in 1996 by Albanian fashion designer Ema Koja. She considers every woman to be an individual work of art, who deserves to be framed in an equally original work of art. Each garment is still handmade and intricately hand painted. From cocktail dresses to bridal parties, Ema Savahl Couture is worn by women of every age. All garments are proudly made in the USA, pack easily, travel well and are hand washable.
Images provided by Arun Nevader
This was an Albanian affair; an Albanian designer, Albanian model and Albanian-owned hotel. As of late, Albanian culture is growing in the US. “It was a true Albanian fairytale,” said Elton.
“Ema and I are two spiritually-connected artists; we believe in the energy of the earth and in this runway, it brought the warm energy of earth and the opening of all chakras.”
He adds: “It was all Albanian, an Albanian spirit in the heart of Miami. Albanians are the fastest. adaptive people and we are just meshing our existence with American beauty.”
This isn’t the first time Elton has walked a runway show in Miami, he previously worked with the House of Mua Mua in 2022, among other shows.
“Miami is always special,” he said, “especially during Art Basel Miami Beach. It’s one of the must-see arts cities in the world. Miami is always beautiful and full of light, wonderful energy and powerful energy.”
Images provided by Arun Nevader
Presented by APG
