ELTON ILIRJANI AND FASHION’S ROLE IN DRIVING SOCIAL CHANGE
THE INDUSTRY IS RIDDLED WITH VARIETY AND DIFFERENT AESTHETICS, BUT ACCEPTANCE STILL HAS A WAY TO GO. ENTER ELTON "HANKO" ILIRJANI, A STAR REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE YOURSELF IN AN EVER-EVOLVING SOCIETY. GIUSEPPE IACIOFANO WRITES ABOUT A CLOSE FRIEND FOR ASTHETIK MAGAZINE.
Written by Giuseppe Iaciofano
Composed by Gabriel Mealor-Pritchard
In an industry known for its glamour, exclusivity, and impossible beauty standards, Elton Ilirjani—better known as “Hanko”—is quietly reshaping what fashion can stand for.
People often notice his strong presence and sharp creative instinct first. But those who’ve worked closely with him say his real impact goes far beyond the runway. Over time, Hanko has become a genuine supporter of emerging designers, using his platform to give them visibility at moments when it matters most.
And the name “Hanko” itself carries a deeper meaning.
Recently, Elton shared that it’s actually his mother’s name, something he carries with immense pride. “It reminds me of where I come from,” he said. “Strength, dignity, resilience.” For him, his nickname is a constant grounding force.
Breaking into fashion isn’t easy, especially without the right connections. Hanko understands that, which is why he’s made it part of his work with Poet-Lab to spotlight new designers.
When he backs someone, it makes a difference. A single post from him can bring thousands of new followers, industry attention, and sometimes even press coverage. But those close to him say it’s not about chasing hype.
He looks for designers with something real to say, people with a clear identity and a commitment to inclusivity. “He doesn’t just post and disappear,” one collaborator said. “He actually gets involved. He mentors, gives advice, and connects people.”
Despite being surrounded by fashion’s elite, Hanko has never believed that beauty alone is enough. He’s consistently used his voice to speak about human rights, equality, and representation.
“Fashion is a language,” he said. “It can exclude, but it can also empower. I choose empowerment.” And it is that mindset that shows throughout his extensive work. He pushes for broader representation—across race, body types, and gender identity— and challenges the narrow standards the industry has held onto for too long.
In this world, where social media often rewards quick trends and viral moments, Hanko takes a different approach, using his platform with a solid purpose: to make a difference and make it stay.
The designers he supports don’t just get a short spike in attention; many go on to build lasting momentum.
“He didn’t just help my brand,” one young designer said. “He believed in me as a person.”
And it's with this sentiment that Ilirjani fell upon PoetLab, Iaciofano's staple London Fashion Week brand that grows with each season that it presents. Modelling for the last two collections, and supporting the work the Italian designer does on his Instagram account, which boasts close to 12M followers.
What really sets him apart is how personal everything feels. Carrying his mother’s name isn’t branding — it’s a tribute. In an industry that can sometimes feel superficial, that connection to family and identity adds something real.
Hanko is building a legacy rooted in purpose, rather than just a global image. And at a time when headlines are often dominated by unnecessary topics, he’s proving that influence can be used for something more meaningful and lasting.