Supermodel Elton Ilirjani Takes Center Stage as Guest of Honor at Iceland Fashion Week 2025

New Wave
Sep 9, 2025
3 min read

Supermodel Elton Ilirjani, also known by his model's name HANKO, was the highly anticipated Guest of Honor at Iceland Fashion Week 2025, which took place from September 5th to 6th at the Mercedes-Benz Askja in Reykjavík. The event, celebrated for its embrace of emerging talent and innovative design, brought together global creatives in the heart of the Nordic capital, where raw Nordic nature met cutting-edge fashion.

Iceland Fashion Week President, Kolbrún Sara Aðalsteinsdóttir, emphasized the event's core mission, stating, “Iceland Fashion Week has always been about emerging talent, erasing boundaries and fulfilling dreams.” She added, “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.”

Albanian-American supermodel Elton Ilirjani expressed his enthusiasm for his distinguished role, commenting, “I was honored to be the Guest of Honor at Iceland Fashion Week in 2025. 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.”

The two-day fashion extravaganza showcased 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 provided the atmospheric soundtrack for the runway shows and events.

Ilirjani notably graced the runways for both established Icelandic brands like ICEWEAR and international labels such as Arabesque Boudoir Maison. The New York-based Arabesque Boudoir Maison, founded in 2023 by Maya Mosteghanemi, was a particular highlight. The brand is renowned for its unique fusion of Renaissance and Ottoman Empire styles, incorporating luxurious materials like German velvet, lace, gold and silver silk threads, and intricate handmade embroidery, creating a visually stunning and luxurious collection.

Describing his participation with Arabesque Boudoir, Ilirjani observed, “With Arabesque Boudoir, Maya is trying to bring the Ottoman Empire style into more modern and genderless vibes and colors.” He highlighted his pivotal role, stating, “I opened and closed the show.” He described the experience as a "very boutique show," noting, "the audience went wild. It was a luxury event. I did a couture walk and turned around to show the entire outfit. Photos by Arun Nevader. It was a success."

Reflecting on his overall experience, Ilirjani shared, "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 a genderless advocate and fashion icon with over 12 million Instagram followers, earned partly from his work as a human rights activist, Ilirjani’s presence underscored Iceland Fashion Week’s commitment to diversity and forward-thinking design. Having walked for numerous fashion weeks across New York, Milan, Paris, London, Athens, Costa Rica, Miami, and Tokyo since 2022, he consistently champions independent and emerging couture designers, using fashion as a powerful platform to unite art and culture.

Iceland Fashion Week 2025, with its blend of raw Nordic aesthetics and cutting-edge global innovation, proved a resounding success. The presence of a high-profile figure like Elton Ilirjani not only amplified the event's international reach but also cemented Reykjavík’s growing reputation as a significant hub for discovering the next generation of fashion talent.

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