Elton Ilirjani Pioneers Future-Forward Fashion with Naoko Tosa at Tokyo Fashion Week

The recent New York Fashion Week witnessed a groundbreaking fusion of art, technology, and social commentary as genderless model and activist Elton Ilirjani aka HANKO opened Japanese designer Naoko Tosa's runway show, showcasing the potential of fashion in disaster preparedness.

The collaboration highlights the innovative spirit of both Ilirjani, a rising force in the fashion and activism world, and Tosa, a visionary Japanese multimedia artist who is redefining the boundaries of wearable technology.

Ilirjani, known for challenging gender norms within the fashion industry and championing inclusivity, made a powerful statement as he donned a striking LED-embedded dress weighing 20 pounds.

This wasn't just a display of high fashion; it was a demonstration of Tosa's vision for "disaster prevention clothing," designed to protect and aid individuals in the face of natural disasters and the growing challenges of climate change. The dress, displaying dynamic digital patterns throughout the show, served as a visual metaphor for the adaptable and responsive nature of her designs.

Naoko Tosa, a Japanese media artist based in Fukuoka, brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to fashion. Influenced by video art pioneer Nam June Paik, Tosa's work explores the intersection of sound, visuals, and interactive technology. Her pieces have even earned recognition from institutions like MoMA. Tosa's exploration of AI and computer technology at MIT and other institutions allows her to create art that invites audience interaction. She views her fashion designs as an extension of her artistic pursuits, pushing the boundaries of what clothing can achieve.

Tosa's collection addresses a critical issue: the need for functional and aesthetically pleasing disaster preparedness gear. The runway show began with a thought-provoking video posing the question: "What if disaster prevention clothing looks cool?"

This embodies Tosa's mission to integrate safety and style, creating garments that are both protective and visually compelling. The LED-embedded dress, beyond its captivating aesthetic, serves a practical purpose. In a disaster scenario, such as being trapped under debris, the integrated LEDs can act as a beacon, signaling a person's location to rescuers. The clothing also utilizes fire-resistant fabric, the same material used in firefighter gear, offering an additional layer of protection. As Tosa herself stated, "LED fashion provides safety if you become trapped under debris in a disaster."

The choice of Elton Ilirjani to open the show underscores the powerful message of inclusivity and resilience that Tosa aims to convey. Ilirjani's global platform, boasting over 12 million followers, amplifies the reach of Tosa's innovative designs and prompts a wider conversation about the role of fashion in addressing critical societal challenges.

Ilirjani's career is a testament to the impact one can have by merging personal conviction with professional success. From his LGBT activism and appearances on international runways in Milan, Paris, New York, and Tokyo, including making history as the first genderless model to walk Seoul Fashion Week in 2023, to his leadership as CEO and founder of HeadHunter Karriera LLC, a company prioritizing human rights in the workplace, Ilirjani consistently demonstrates that authenticity and business acumen can coexist. His participation in Tosa's show is another example of his commitment to using his platform for meaningful change.

The collaboration between Elton Ilirjani and Naoko Tosa at New York Fashion Week signals a significant shift in the fashion landscape. It's a movement where clothing transcends mere aesthetics and becomes a tool for empowerment, protection, and social awareness. By embracing cutting-edge technology and challenging conventional norms, they are paving the way for a future where fashion contributes to a safer, more inclusive, and more resilient world. This is more than just entertainment; it's a glimpse into the future of fashion as a force for positive change. All photos by Arun Nevader.