Elton Ilirjani, aka HANKO, Opens TRIPLEROOT Runway at New York Fashion Week AW25
Photos by Arun Nevader.
New York Fashion Week witnessed a captivating collaboration as genderless model and activist Elton Ilirjani, known as HANKO, walked the runway for South Korean designer Jinsun Lee’s brand, TRIPLEROOT. Ilirjani, a prominent figure in the genderless fashion movement, brought his unique flair and impactful presence to the show, solidifying his status as a global fashion icon and a force for social change.
TRIPLEROOT, the brainchild of Jinsun Lee, is recognized for its simple silhouettes, elegant modes, and trendy aesthetic. Lee infuses the brand with both creative vision and commercial viability. TRIPLEROOT’s latest collection is a testament to Lee’s commitment to comfort for women. The brand defines itself through a commitment to modern design, high-quality fabrics, and easy-to-wear pieces that blend classic and casual elements, encouraging self-confidence and self-respect. TRIPLEROOT aims to present a modern upscale, luxurious look, built upon classic styles to deliver a unique sensibility to contemporary women. Lee’s inspiration stems from a fundamental question: “What are the roots of fashion?” She concluded that the core values are being young in spirit, rich in passion, and proactive in life, principles that form the very foundation of TRIPLEROOT.
Ilirjani’s appearance on the TRIPLEROOT runway was more than just a fashion statement; it was a performance. For his first walk, he participated in a performance art collaboration with artist Yun SongA. He initially held aloft a white cloth, which was then transformed through live painting into a mythical South Korean bird believed to grant wishes. Ilirjani then took the painted cloth and, with grace and confidence, wore it as he walked the runway, a visual embodiment of hope and transformation.
His second appearance saw him sporting a striking grey mohair outfit designed by TRIPLEROOT. This ensemble highlighted the brand’s commitment to contemporary design and further emphasized Ilirjani’s ability to seamlessly blend high fashion with individual expression. Yun SongA, the artist behind the runway painting, is renowned for her “Camel Series” of paintings, which have been exhibited at the prestigious Louvre Museum in Paris.
Elton Ilirjani’s participation in New York Fashion Week underscores his growing influence in the fashion industry. With a combined following of over 12 million across various platforms, he is recognized not only for his runway appearances in global fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, New York, and Tokyo, but also for his unwavering LGBT activism. In 2023, he made history as the first genderless model to walk the runway at Seoul Fashion Week.
Ilirjani’s impact extends beyond the realm of fashion. He has received numerous accolades, including the Philanthropist & Activist Of The Year Award at the Out East End Impact Awards, the Influencer Award in Miami, and the Trailblazer Award at the NYC International Fashion Film Festival. He is also the CEO and founder of HeadHunter Karriera LLC, a socially responsible company dedicated to advancing human rights, women’s rights, and LGBT rights in the workplace. Ilirjani continually demonstrates that it’s possible to be an international superstar and a successful business leader while remaining authentically himself. In attendance at the fashion show was famed Albanian singer Parashqevi Simaku.
TRIPLEROOT’s runway show was presented as part of the Global Fashion Collective (GFC), a platform founded in 2017 by Jamal Abdourahman. GFC is dedicated to cultivating emerging global fashion talents. Operating under prestigious events like New York Fashion Week and Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo, and presenting showcases during London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks, the GFC aims to “create the pathway for the future talents.” An internationally diverse team of professionals supports designers, fostering their success in the competitive world of fashion. The collaboration between TRIPLEROOT and Elton Ilirjani, facilitated by the GFC, represents a powerful convergence of creativity, social impact, and progressive fashion, leaving a lasting impression on New York Fashion Week.
Photos by Arun Nevader.
