Acclaimed Model Elton Ilirjani aka HANKO Weaves Sustainable Style and Performance Art in Japan

The acclaimed model, human rights activist, and performance artist Elton Ilirjani, best known by his model name HANKO (@Eilirjani), is making significant waves in Japan, seamlessly blending high fashion with a profound commitment to sustainability and avant-garde artistry. From a serene bamboo forest photo shoot in Kyoto to a groundbreaking performance at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Ilirjani's multifaceted approach to fashion is redefining industry norms.

In a powerful fusion of natural beauty and eco-conscious design, Ilirjani recently captivated audiences in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto. For a stunning photo shoot captured by renowned photographer Arun Nevader, Ilirjani donned a bespoke dress crafted by Japanese designer Yoshiko Kitano, celebrated for her exquisite work with upcycled kimonos.

This choice underscored Ilirjani's dedication to sustainable fashion, transforming pre-loved garments into contemporary art. The ensemble was completed with an ethereal headpiece created by Japanese film director and flower stylist Kazuhiro Ito, while makeup artist Yuka Taniwaki perfected Ilirjani's distinctive look. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, known for its towering mōsō bamboo and designation as a "soundscape of Japan," provided a breathtaking and symbolic backdrop for this celebration of environmental responsibility and artistic expression.

Ilirjani's presence in Japan extends beyond the serene settings of Kyoto, delving into cutting-edge performance art at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. As a crucial part of the "Designing Future Society for our Lives" initiative, which focuses on developing global best practices for a sustainable society and embracing emerging technologies, Ilirjani collaborated with designer Naoko Tosa (whom he also walked for at the most recent New York Fashion Week).

For this unique project, Ilirjani entered the "Zero Gravity Box" for a striking performance, encased in an outfit designed by Tosa. The Zero Gravity Box was created with the cooperation of TOPPAN and Shimadzu Corporation. His face, painted stark white and adorned with shimmering blue crystals, evoked an "otherworldly species," serving as a potent visual metaphor for the future of humanity and our place within a rapidly evolving world. The World Expo, running until October 13, 2025, provides an unparalleled platform for Ilirjani to showcase his vision.

While these recent Japanese endeavors highlight Ilirjani's contemporary relevance, they are but a testament to a career built on breaking boundaries. Known by his model name HANKO, which is a tribute to his Albanian mother, Ilirjani's journey into the fashion world began serendipitously in 2019. A renowned human rights activist from Albania with a substantial Instagram following of 12 million, Albanian-American model Elton discovered 3NY, a New York City boutique specializing in unique Asian designers. His appreciation for these distinct designs led him to feature them on his popular social media, tagging the creators. This organic connection blossomed into friendships with designers, eventually leading to invitations to walk for them at major fashion weeks.

From his debut with South Korean label BESFXXK, Ilirjani quickly ascended the ranks, gracing runways at 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 and Ema Savahl, becoming a mainstay in the global fashion circuit.

However, Elton Ilirjani is far more than just a runway model. He is a profound performance artist and a vocal advocate for genderless modeling, championing inclusiveness within the often-exclusive fashion industry. Ilirjani is celebrated for his distinctive approach to opening runway shows, infusing each walk with a performative touch that transcends mere garment display. Influenced by trailblazing performance artists such as Yoko Ono, Marina Abramovic, and Michele Lamy, Ilirjani harnesses the power of performance art to share a compelling narrative about inclusive modeling and universal beauty. To him, the runway is not just a path; it is a stage where he enthralls viewers with his deliberate, mesmerizing movements, transforming each appearance into a poignant statement.

Elton Ilirjani continues to prove that fashion is more than just fabric and trends—it is a powerful medium for advocacy, artistic expression, and cultural dialogue. His work in Japan, seamlessly blending environmental consciousness with avant-garde artistry and a commitment to a sustainable future, solidifies his position as a true visionary in the global entertainment and fashion landscape.