Supermodel Elton Ilirjani Electrifies Iceland Fashion Week 2025 as Guest of Honor, Championing Global Unity and Emerging Talent

The rugged beauty of Iceland met the avant-garde world of fashion this past weekend as Supermodel Elton Ilirjani took center stage as the Guest of Honor at Mercedes Benz Iceland Fashion Week 2025. Ilirjani, a prominent Albanian American fashion icon and genderless advocate, brought his distinctive flair and a powerful message of unity to the celebrated event, which showcased emerging talent and pushed fashion's boundaries.

Held from September 5–6 at the sleek Mercedes-Benz Askja, Iceland Fashion Week 2025 was a vibrant convergence of designers, creatives, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Its guiding philosophy, as articulated by President Kolbrún Sara Aðalsteinsdóttir, centers on fostering new talent and breaking down barriers. “Iceland Fashion Week has always been about emerging talent, erasing boundaries and fulfilling dreams,” Aðalsteinsdóttir stated.

“Every year, we invite a new group of designers to Iceland from across the planet, we hope to inspire others to see past individual differences and to focus on unifying through similarities. We hope to show everyone that dreams are possible of becoming a reality, if there is a will, there is a way.”

Ilirjani echoed this sentiment, expressing his profound honor at the invitation. “I was honored to be the Guest of Honor at Iceland Fashion Week in 2025,” he shared. “I had the chance to collaborate with Icelandic designers and international designers, as well. Up and coming fashion weeks like Icelandic Fashion Week are important. It’s a chance to discover new designers.” His presence undoubtedly amplified the event's mission, drawing international attention to Reykjavík's budding fashion scene.

The runways buzzed with innovation, featuring collections from a diverse array of designers including Alexander Kirchner, Reykjavik Raincoats, Coppermine, Icewear, Kolski, Arabesque Boudoir Maison, Carmichael Byheld, Grace Achieng, Earth Major, Victoria Emerson, and Georgia Chioni. DJ Paradisa set the energetic pace for the shows and events.

A highlight for many was Ilirjani's commanding presence on the runway, walking for both Icelandic brand ICEWEAR and the New York-based Arabesque Boudoir Maison. Maya Mosteghanemi's Arabesque Boudoir, founded in 2023, captivated the audience with its unique fusion of Renaissance and Ottoman Empire cultural styles, reimagined with a modern, genderless sensibility. “With Arabesque Boudoir, Maya is trying to bring the Ottoman Empire style into more modern and genderless vibes and colors,” Elton explained. He added, “I opened and closed the show,” highlighting the couture's intricate details and the collection's luxurious appearance, crafted from German velvet, lace, gold and silver silk threads, and exquisite hand-made embroidery.

The atmosphere during the Arabesque Boudoir show was electric. “It was a very boutique show, the audience went wild. It was a luxury event,” Ilirjani recounted, photographed by Arun Nevader. “I did a couture walk and turned around to show the entire outfit. It was a success. I was the guest of honor at Iceland Fashion Week. I was so honored. They loved me, I inspired all the models and designers. I am famous now in Iceland.”

Known globally as HANKO, Elton Ilirjani's role as a genderless advocate and fashion icon transcends the runway. With over 12 million Instagram followers, initially gained through his influential human rights activism in Albania, Ilirjani’s ascent in fashion began with championing independent, Asian designers.

His distinctive style and commitment to showcasing the power of art and culture through fashion have seen him grace runways from New York to Paris, Milan to Tokyo, making him a fitting ambassador for Iceland Fashion Week’s inclusive and forward-thinking ethos.

Iceland Fashion Week 2025, with Elton Ilirjani as its captivating Guest of Honor, not only celebrated cutting-edge design but also powerfully demonstrated fashion’s capacity to unite diverse cultures and inspire future generations. The event solidified Reykjavik's growing reputation as a key destination for innovative and boundary-pushing style.

Photos by Arun Nevader