Genderless Fashion Icon Elton Ilirjani Dazzles at Vogue Taiwan's Fashion's Night Out Finale in Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan – Global supermodel and genderless advocate Elton Ilirjani, known professionally as HANKO, made a significant splash at Vogue Taiwan's Fashion's Night Out finale, a key public event of Taipei Fashion Week SS 26. Posing prominently on the vibrant Chianti Avenue Fashion Boulevard in Taipei's Xinyi District, Ilirjani's magnetic presence underscored the week's theme of "Fashion Romantasy" and its commitment to diverse, boundary-pushing style.

Ilirjani, a fixture on international runways from Paris to Milan, brought his signature performance art style to the Taipei event. Renowned for transcending traditional gender binaries in modeling, he uses captivating facial expressions, intricate poses, and dynamic movement to transform runway walks into an artistic expression. His involvement highlights Taipei Fashion Week's embrace of global talent and progressive fashion narratives, resonating with the event's goal of integrating fashion into daily life.

The 2025 Taipei Fashion Week, a collaborative effort by the Taipei City Government, Ministry of Culture, and Ministry of Economic Affairs, captivated audiences with its "Fashion Romantasy" theme. While a cross-disciplinary fashion show on October 24 showcased six prominent Taiwanese brands—Claudia .W, PCES, JUST IN XX, TANGTSUNGCHIEN, CHIA, and UUIN—at the Taipei Music Center, the public-facing Fashion's Night Out on October 18 and 19 at Xiangti Avenue Plaza served as a dynamic platform for both local and international fashion figures. Stylish shops in the East District and the Zhongshan and Xinyi shopping districts also participated, creating a city-wide celebration of style.

Hailing from Albania, Ilirjani's journey to global superstardom began in 2019 after discovering 3NY, a New York boutique featuring Asian designers. Already a prominent figure in Albanian media for being the first openly gay businessman in the conservative country in 2016, Ilirjani transitioned his advocacy into the fashion world. His influential social media presence, boasting over 12 million followers, initially as a human rights activist, quickly became a platform to champion these burgeoning talents.

From New York to Seoul, and now Taipei, Elton – or HANKO – has become a sought-after model for both established names like Greedilous and Malan Breton, and a crucial supporter for independent and up-and-coming couture designers. His recent work alongside Japanese multimedia artist Naoko Tosa, Manuel Tiscareno, and Jemma Russo, among others, exemplifies his inclusive ethos. Ilirjani's appearance in Taipei not only added international glamour to the Fashion's Night Out but also amplified the message that fashion is a powerful art form capable of bringing people and cultures together.

"I was so happy to walk the runway for Taipei Fashion Week because Asian fashion is the future of fashion," said Elton. "I was happy to wear Malan Breton's blue suit as a representation of freedom, style and the future of fashion." Next up, Elton plans to walk forthcoming shows for fashion designers at London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Seoul Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, among others. Follow him @eilirjani. Photos taken in Taipei by Arun Nevader, a renowned fashion photographer and documentary photographer who has shot various fashion weeks and global film festivals.