The fashion scene has evolved in innumerable ways in the past few decades. Among the changes that the industry has witnessed, what inarguably rank at the top and most significant are those that allow for diversity, inclusivity, and equality – values that need to remain at the heart of any sector and should be espoused consistently. Additionally, these changes were made possible by the efforts of thought leaders, visionaries, and advocates who tirelessly poured their heart, time, and resources into the mission of opening up spaces for people from all walks of life. Elton Ilirjani, a social media phenomenon, fashion influencer, CEO, and LGBTQIA+ activist based in New York, is one such figure who amplified silenced voices and put a spotlight on those pushed to the sidelines. Today, he continues to make a mark, blazing a trail for the genderless model movement through his upcoming appearance at the New York Fashion Week.
Originally hailing from Albania, Elton Ilirjani has an impressive portfolio attached to his name. Over the years, he’s managed to reach several milestones, reach great heights, and snag accolades under his belt for his work across several industries. His track record speaks not only of his expertise and extensive experience but also of his dedication to speaking up for equality, human rights, and fairness of the LGBTQ+ community throughout America and across the globe.
As the mind behind Dignity Global Foundation, Elton Ilirjani leads initiatives geared toward the protection of the human and civil rights of women and the LGBTQIA+ community in the workplace. He was the proponent of the Employment Equality Index, a measure that ranks private companies and public institutions according to their adherence to respecting, promoting, and fostering human and civil rights in workplaces in the western Balkan countries.
Furthermore, the well-respected personality serves as the founder and director of The HeadHunter Group, which has offices in fifteen countries globally. Most notably, he stood at the helm of two transgender acceptance campaigns: the Lipstick Movement and Nobody is Straight.
“Both of these movements focus on equal rights for transgender people of color in the US,” explained Elton Ilirjani. “This group of people is most discriminated against, mainly violated, and in some cases, murdered in some southern states in America. They are suffering the worst and are a target of all kinds of harassment, abuse, and homophobia.”
While there’s a lot to admire about Elton Ilirjani, it is the extent to which his advocacy crosses different spaces that sets him apart. He doesn’t box activism within the four corners of a lecture hall or confine it in the expanse of city streets. As a model, he brings his advocacies to runways and magazine pages.
“Fashion is the best tool for moving forward with human rights in general,” asserted Elton Ilirjani. “I am 100% sure about this. Fashion is the fifth biggest influence on people’s perception, right after the media. Now, more than ever, fashion has a powerful influence due to social media and influencer culture. Fashion is part of our everyday lives. So, a message is better transmitted through fashion, rather than TV, and this is known among those who control fashion.”
Right now, Elton Ilirjani is harnessing the power of fashion in ways that matter. This February, he is set to grace two runway shows at New York Fashion Week and is expected to make a buzz when he walks for BESFXXK and House of Mua Mua. During the highly anticipated event, he will highlight the genderless movement and place emphasis on the role of genderless models in advancing the industry.
“I believe that genderless models stand outside the standardized ‘beauty’ box and are helping make the fashion industry more inclusive for women and the LGBTQIA+ communities,” he said. “Genderless models are the very first step into freedom in the fashion world, which for me, is so controlled and subjective, and sometimes very abusive.”
In participating in the New York Fashion Week, Elton Ilirjani does not only aim to demonstrate his chops as a model. Above anything else, he intends to give people a glimpse of the future of the world of fashion and modeling.
“This is the future of modeling,” Elton Ilirjani shared. “The modeling world will soon change drastically. The fashion runway is no longer old-fashioned, discriminating, or objectifying women. Genderless modeling represents everyone – it is synonymous with the arts and creation and is absorbed by the general public.”
