Supermodel and genderless fashion advocate Elton Ilirjani, known globally by his model’s name HANKO, brought his signature performance artistry to the Paris Fashion Week runway, walking for the emerging Japanese brand Shino (also known as Dress en Doris). The appearance marked a triumphant international milestone for the artisanal Tokyo-based label, underscored by the dramatic presence of one of the world’s most sought-after runway talents.
Ilirjani, an Albanian American icon dedicated to supporting burgeoning global designers, closed the segment for Shino, which showed its collection under the auspices of the Global Fashion Collective. The model, celebrated for transforming the typical model’s walk into performance art, captivated the audience in a stunning black and white ball gown, with photos by Arun Nevader.
A Fairytale in Black and White
The dress showcased the intricate craftsmanship Shino is known for. With distinct “fairytale vibes,” the voluminous ball gown featured a classic couture silhouette accentuated by delicate, handmade details crafted in Japan. The sophisticated piece perfectly merged traditional stage grandeur with high fashion sensibilities, aligning seamlessly with Ilirjani’s theatrical approach to the runway.
For Shino, a brand making its significant PFW debut after first being featured at Vancouver Fashion Week, having a mainstay like Ilirjani walk the show granted immediate powerful visibility.
Shino: The Magic of Thread and Needle
Shino, or Dress en Doris, is not a typical ready-to-wear label. Based in Japan, the brand is fiercely dedicated to the art of custom stage costuming, specializing primarily in creations for visual kei bands, male idols, and singing groups. The brand philosophy centers on combining delicate design and meticulous craftsmanship to create sincere expressions that resonate deeply with music and performance.
“It is their role to cast a spell on the stage with the magic of thread and needle,” the brand states, highlighting its dedication to transforming client visions into dynamic stage presences.
The brand operates with a dedicated team, including two designers, two pattern makers, six sewing staff, and four contract sewing companies, all working since 2022 to produce highly detailed, custom creations for the entertainment industry. Since 2023, Shino has also expanded its focus, exhibiting its artistry under the name SHINO at overseas fashion shows.
Elton Ilirjani: The Art of the Runway
Elton Ilirjani’s decision to walk for Shino reinforces his long-standing commitment to showcasing independent, international couture designers. The model, who commands an Instagram following of over 12 million, uses his platform to amplify voices and artistic visions that often fly under the radar of major fashion houses.
Ilirjani, who travels the world walking in major fashion weeks including Milan, London, and New York, is a seasoned professional who brings more than just modeling skill to the catwalk; he brings a powerful narrative. As a prominent genderless model, he breaks traditional boundaries, ensuring that his runway appearances serve as inclusive statements.
His career trajectory underscores this mission. It began in 2019 when he discovered Asian designers at a New York boutique, leading him to post their designs to his followers and forging friendships that soon propelled him onto global runways, starting with labels like BESFXXK in South Korea. Since 2022, he has walked for dozens of international designers, including Greedilous, Malan Breton, and most recently Jemma Russo and Naoko Tosa.
“Elton uses his eyes, facial expressions, hands and poses to prove that walking the runway is an art form,” notes a fashion insider. By opening or closing shows, Ilirjani delivers a performance art edge that goes far beyond a typical model walk, making him uniquely suited to interpret a brand like Shino, which is rooted in performance and theatricality.
The collaboration at Paris Fashion Week served as a powerful synergy: Shino’s intricate and emotive artistry met Ilirjani’s commanding, boundary-pushing presence, weaving together global cultures and artistic expression on fashion’s biggest stage. Photos by Arun Nevader.
