Elton Ilirjani (HANKO) Redefines Runway and Reality in Japan, Championing Sustainable Artistry and Inclusivity

Albanian-American model and human rights activist Elton Ilirjani, globally recognized by his model name HANKO, is once again blurring the lines between high fashion, performance art, and social advocacy. His recent engagements in Japan showcase a profound commitment to sustainable design and an inclusive future, proving why he is much more than just a runway model – he is a visionary artist shaping conversations.

In a stunning visual testament to sustainable fashion, Ilirjani was recently captured by acclaimed photographer Arun Nevader in Kyoto's serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. There, he donned an exquisite dress by Japanese designer Yoshiko Kitano, celebrated for her breathtaking creations crafted from upcycled kimonos. The ethereal look was completed with a unique headpiece by Japanese film director and flower stylist Kazuhiro Ito, with makeup by Yuka Taniwaki, creating a harmonious blend of nature and avant-garde art. This collaboration powerfully embodies a shared vision for environmentally conscious beauty and the potential of reclaimed materials.

Beyond the curated beauty of the bamboo grove, Ilirjani's natural charisma shone through in street style photos taken by Nevader in Osaka. Sporting the "Dear Alien" outfit by Laurence! paired with "Super busy" Balenciaga sunglasses, Ilirjani embraced a raw, authentic aesthetic, reflecting, “No makeup and hair, just free on the beautiful streets of Osaka.”

This down-to-earth approach belies his powerful online presence—a 12-million-strong Instagram following cultivated through his impactful work as a human rights activist. It was this platform that initially propelled him into the fashion world in 2019, where his penchant for unique Asian designers led to runway opportunities across global fashion weeks.

Ilirjani’s visit to Japan culminated in a deeply impactful work of performance art at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The Expo’s theme, "Designing Future Society for our Lives," which focuses on co-creation for a sustainable society, perfectly aligns with Ilirjani's ethos. Collaborating with designer Naoko Tosa (whom he also walked for at New York Fashion Week), Ilirjani entered the "Zero Gravity Box" in a bespoke outfit, his face painted white with blue crystals, evoking an "other worldly" presence.

This act was not merely a display of avant-garde fashion; it was a powerful statement on social challenges, emerging sciences, and the collective endeavor to design an equitable, sustainable future.

Influenced by trailblazing performance artists like Yoko Ono and Marina Abramovic, Elton Ilirjani transforms the runway into a stage. Rather than merely showcasing a designer's latest collection, he brings a performative touch to his catwalk walks, moving slowly and deliberately, enthralling viewers.

He is a passionate advocate for genderless modeling and inclusivity, using performance art as a way to share a story about universal beauty. His recent work in Japan underscores his unwavering dedication to using his platform to champion sustainability and inclusivity, proving that fashion can be a profound vehicle for social commentary and a vision for a more beautiful, equitable world.

Instagram: @Eilirjani

About the model, Elton Ilirjani:

Albanian-American model and entrepreneur Elton Ilirjani, best known by his model name HANKO, his Albanian mother’s name, is a mainstay on global runways. It all started back in 2019, when Elton discovered Sam & Marvin’s fashion boutique 3NY in New York City. Elton started to buy clothes there, which focuses on Asian designers you don’t typically find in retail stores in New York City. The designs caught his eye. Elton started to post himself on Instagram to his following of 12 million followers, as he is a renowned human rights activist from Albania.

He started wearing the Asian designers' clothes and tagging them in the posts. That led to a friendship with the designers, and some started asking him to walk for them at New York Fashion Week to Seoul Fashion Week. He first started modeling for BESFXXK, then started walking for other South Korean designers. Now, Elton has walked for fashion designers at New York, Milan, Paris, London, Athens, Costa Rica, Miami and Tokyo Fashion Weeks. At the most recent New York Fashion Week, he walked for designers Jemma Russo and Naoka Tosa. He has also walked for renowned designers like Malan Breton and Ema Savahl, The Shows.

ELTON IS MORE THAN JUST A RUNWAY MODEL, HE IS A PERFORMANCE ARTIST AND ADVOCATE FOR GENDERLESS MODELING. A CHAMPION FOR INCLUSIVENESS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, ELTON IS KNOWN FOR OPENING RUNWAY SHOWS WITH HIS OWN UNIQUE TOUCH. RATHER THAN JUST SHOWCASING A DESIGNER’S LATEST COLLECTION, HE BRINGS A PERFORMATIVE TOUCH TO HIS CATWALK WALKS. INFLUENCED BY TRAILBLAZING PERFORMANCE ARTISTS LIKE YOKO ONO, MARINA ABRAMOVIC AND MICHELE LAMY, ELTON USES PERFORMANCE ARTIST AS A WAY TO SHARE A STORY ABOUT INCLUSIVE MODELING AND UNIVERSAL BEAUTY. TO ELTON, THE RUNWAY IS A STAGE. HE MOVES SLOWLY DOWN THE CATWALK, ENTHRALLING VIEWERS.