Elton Ilirjani, the social media sensation, LGBTQIIA+ activist, and CEO, made a splash during New York Fashion Week, where he walked the runway for BESFXXK, a South Korean designer at the Concept Korea runway show.
Elton, who has roots in Albania, is a fierce advocate for equality, human rights, and fairness for the LGBTQIIA+ community worldwide. His foundation, Dignity Global, strives to fight workplace discrimination against women and the LGBTQIIA+ community. Elton left his mark on history as the first publicly gay man in Albania and is renowned for his activism, having led two transgender acceptance campaigns: the “Lipstick Movement” and “Nobody is Straight Movement,” sparking discussion and social awareness for transgender people of color in the US, which is among one of the most at-risk groups both inside and outside the country.
Elton looks to fashion as a form of activism. “Now, more than ever, fashion has a powerful influence due to social media and influencer culture,” he describes, stating that fashion is the fifth most influential factor in pop culture. He advocates that fashion is the best tool for progressing human rights, especially for marginalized communities. Through his eccentric and eclectic personality and fashion sense, Elton continues to break gender boundaries in the industry.
He was also seen attending various NYFW parties and events, including the New York Fashion Week kickoff party at Pier59 Studios, at the Cult Gaia store opening in Soho, in which Emily Ratajkowski was also in attendance, as well the Philipp Plein “Plein Sport” boutique opening in Soho. Elton’s outfits at the NYFW parties are fantastic pieces from South Korean designers MMAM, SEOKWOON YON, GREEDILOUS, MAISON NICA, and Philipp Plein.
Elton Ilirjani’s bold statement at New York Fashion Week has not gone unnoticed. As an LGBTQIIA+ activist and model with over ten million followers on Instagram, Ilirjani is using his platform to push for greater inclusivity in the fashion industry. His opening of the runway for the BESFXXK show has brought attention to the need for more organic queer representation on the runway, and for women to be evaluated beyond just their appearance.
“Fashion is the next step in acceptance, and not only for the LGBTQIIA+ community, but also for women and non-binary people,” Elton explains. “Freedom in the fashion industry is so controlled, and most of the time, it’s creating the wrong perception of the general public in relation to beauty and style.”
“Now is the time to give fashion a new face, the face of the future, the face where women are not seen and considered objects and body numbers,” said Ilirjani. “Women are not hangers; women and men are individuals. These individualities will make fashion look better and closer to the consumer, and brighter for the generations to come. Free fashion!”
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