Elton Ilirjani: A Global Runway Star and Advocate for Diversity
Elton Ilirjani, an Albanian American supermodel and businessman with over 12 million followers on Instagram, is making waves at this year’s New York Fashion Week. Known in the industry as HANKO, he is currently walking for ten different runway shows across Manhattan. On Day 2 of NYFW, he graced the catwalk for Ashlyn So, wearing a striking red dress, and for Ravishing Couture, showcasing a beautifully detailed garment. The photos from these events were captured by Arun Nevader.
The Rise of a Fashion Icon
Elton’s journey into the world of fashion began in 2019 when he discovered Sam & Marvin’s fashion boutique 3NY in New York City. This store specializes in Asian designers who are not commonly found in mainstream retail stores in the city. The unique designs caught his attention, and he started posting images of himself wearing their clothes on Instagram, which quickly gained traction among his large following.
His posts not only showcased the designers’ work but also helped build relationships with them. As a result, several designers began inviting him to walk for them at major fashion events, including New York Fashion Week and Seoul Fashion Week. His first modeling gig was for BESFXXK, and since then, he has walked for numerous South Korean designers.
From 2022 onward, Elton has expanded his presence to fashion weeks in New York, Milan, Paris, London, Athens, Costa Rica, Miami, and Tokyo. At the most recent New York Fashion Week 2025, he walked for Jemma Russo and Naoka Tosa. He has also worked with renowned designers such as Greedelious and Malan Breton. Recently, he walked for Ema Savahl at Miami Swim Week, further solidifying his status as a global fashion icon.
Supporting Emerging Designers
Elton is passionate about supporting independent and up-and-coming couture designers. By walking for international fashion houses, he aims to highlight the power of art and culture through fashion. He believes that fashion brings people together and allows for the expression of identity and creativity. With his massive social media following, he continues to be a vital bridge between emerging designers and a global audience.
Ashlyn So: A Young Visionary in Fashion
Ashlyn So is a young and talented fashion designer known for her avant-garde style and commitment to social causes. Her passion for design began at a young age when she returned from a sewing camp at just six years old. She became obsessed with creating and draping fabric, eventually learning to sew and design her own pieces.
Beyond her artistic talents, Ashlyn is deeply empathetic and has used her platform to help others. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she started making masks for frontline workers, addressing the shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Her efforts earned her the title of “People’s Hero” by E! People’s Choice award in 2020, presented by Demi Lovato. She has since made over 1,000 masks.
A Voice for Change
Ashlyn’s dedication to social justice is evident in her activism. In 2021, she organized two rallies under the #standforasians and Stop AAPI Hate campaigns to combat racism against Asian Americans. She has spoken at various rallies and conferences, using her voice to promote love, unity, and equality.
Her designs often reflect her values. For example, her collection titled “Beneath the Surface” encourages people to look beyond skin color, while her Paris Fashion Week collection inspired by Bruce Lee’s “Be Water” emphasizes fluidity and multidimensionality. Ashlyn also shared her mental health journey in her 2023 solo show at NYFW, titled “Unseen,” highlighting the importance of self-empowerment and healing.
Ravishing Couture: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Ravishing Couture, founded by fashion designer Henna P Aswani, offers custom-designed garments that blend traditional ethnic styles with contemporary aesthetics. The brand focuses on meeting the individual needs of each client, adding a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to every piece.
Conclusion
Elton Ilirjani and Ashlyn So represent the evolving landscape of fashion, where artistry, activism, and cultural expression intersect. Their contributions continue to inspire and shape the industry, proving that fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a powerful tool for change and connection.
