Photo Credits: Arun Nevader

Model and activist Elton Ilirjani, professionally known as HANKO, made a strong impact at New York Fashion Week F/W26, walking for three distinct designers across the week.

He appeared for NOLO during the Global Fashion Collective showcase, walked for Marina Safina as part of the Drisha Closet Showcase, and delivered a special runway moment for Sarran Contemporary Jewelry, which marked the brand’s official NYFW debut.

With 11M+ Instagram followers @eilirjani, HANKO brings a substantial global audience to his runway work.

ABOUT ELTON ILIRJANI

Elton Ilirjani, professionally known as HANKO, is a fashion model, activist, and business leader redefining visibility across fashion and the modern workplace. Based in New York City, they are known for using fashion, media, and leadership to challenge norms around gender, beauty, and equity. As a model, HANKO has walked global fashion weeks for designers including Jimmy Choo, Malan Breton, Greedilous, PoetLab, and BESFXXK, and has been featured in Forbes, V Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, Daily Front Row, and more.

Beyond fashion, Ilirjani is the founder of the Dignity Global Foundation, which fights workplace discrimination against women and LGBTQ+ communities, and the CEO of The HeadHunter Group Inc., a global executive search firm. Whether on the runway or in the boardroom, HANKO advocates for a future where individuality is embraced and inclusion is non-negotiable.

DANIEL QUINTANILLA