Albanian-American supermodel Elton Ilirjani made a strong assertion at New York Vogue Week, closing the runway present for luxurious cashmere model Sandriver. The occasion, held on September 14 on the China Institute in America, was a vibrant showcase of conventional craftsmanship, fashionable design, and a dedication to moral manufacturing.
Ilirjani, a famend genderless advocate and vogue icon, commanded the runway in a sublime navy blue and gray cashmere outfit, complemented by an identical scarf, completely embodying Sandriver’s subtle aesthetic. His closing look underscored his rising affect in international vogue, the place he champions various voices and celebrates the ability of cultural alternate by means of design.
Sandriver, a Shanghai-based luxurious cashmere model, finds its origins deeply rooted within the huge prairies of Interior Mongolia and increasing to the “Roof of the World” in Tibet. The model partnered with the China Institute in America to current its assortment, which seamlessly blends historical methods with modern types. Past the runway, the institute hosted a workshop and vogue salon on Tibetan and Interior Mongolian handicrafts, the place Sandriver’s founder, Juliet Guo, spoke passionately in regards to the model’s dedication to preserving conventional expertise and empowering native ladies by means of cashmere craftsmanship.
Sandriver founder Juliet Guo, with 35 years of cashmere expertise, is a dedicated advocate for sustainable improvement in cashmere manufacturing. She meticulously constructed her personal trade provide chain over twenty years to make sure the best high quality cashmere fibers whereas safeguarding the livelihoods of the herdsmen in her neighborhood. Having studied in Germany, Guo has modernized cashmere manufacturing with a sustainable method, establishing Sandriver as the primary worldwide cashmere model from China to ensure bespoke and moral manufacturing from pasture to product.
“Sandriver strives to be the epitome of a socially accountable cashmere producer by means of our humane operation of Sandriver’s household pasture in Alxa League, Interior Mongolia; our take care of preserving the surroundings and custom all through the manufacturing; and our willpower in harmonizing craft and know-how at our Analysis & Growth Centre in Shanghai,” acknowledged Juliet Guo.
The runway present additionally featured the compelling designs of two different celebrated designers. Yinan New York, a model based by trailblazing designer Anna Zhou in NYC, showcased her distinctive fusion of ready-to-wear and couture, championing self-empowerment. Anna Zhou made historical past as the primary Chinese language designer to look on Venture Runway seasons 19 and 20. Moreover, Lanyu Couture, led by one in every of Asia’s most influential new-generation designers, Lanyu, introduced designs that fuse conventional Suzhou embroidery with high fashion, sharing oriental tradition with the world. Lanyu, hailed by Chinese language media as “The Chinese language Queen of Couture Wedding ceremony Clothes,” was the primary Chinese language designer invited to Paris Haute Couture Vogue Week in 2014.
Elton Ilirjani’s participation highlights his continued dedication to supporting unbiased, up-and-coming couture designers and fostering cross-cultural collaboration in vogue. A famend human rights activist from Albania with over 12 million followers on Instagram, Ilirjani’s journey into the style world started in 2019 when he found Asian designers on the 3NY boutique in New York Metropolis. Captivated by their distinctive designs, he started that includes them on his influential social media platforms, resulting in friendships and invites to stroll for designers at international vogue weeks.
Since 2022, Ilirjani has grow to be a mainstay on runways throughout New York, Milan, Paris, London, Athens, Costa Rica, Miami, and Tokyo, initially modeling for South Korean designers like BESFXXK earlier than increasing his portfolio. At the latest New York Vogue Week 2025, he additionally walked for designers Jemma Russo and Naoka Tosa, and has beforehand labored with esteemed designers corresponding to Greedelious and Malan Breton, having simply walked for the Ema Savahl runway present at Miami Swim Week, The Reveals.
Ilirjani’s function in closing the Sandriver present not solely underscored the model’s dedication to moral luxurious but additionally bolstered his personal mission to make use of vogue as a strong medium for artwork, tradition, and unity. His international journey in vogue is ready to proceed as he prepares to stroll the runway at Shanghai Vogue Week from October 9-16, 2025, showcasing Spring/Summer season 2026 collections by Chinese language designers. Images by Arun Nevader.
