Albanian-American supermodel Elton Ilirjani made a robust assertion at New York Trend 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, trendy design, and a dedication to moral manufacturing.
Ilirjani, a famend genderless advocate and trend 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 world trend, the place he champions numerous voices and celebrates the facility of cultural change by way of design.
Sandriver, a Shanghai-based luxurious cashmere model, finds its origins deeply rooted within the huge prairies of Internal Mongolia and lengthening to the “Roof of the World” in Tibet. The model partnered with the China Institute in America to current its assortment, which seamlessly blends historic methods with up to date types. Past the runway, the institute hosted a workshop and trend salon on Tibetan and Internal 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 way 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 very best high quality cashmere fibers whereas safeguarding the livelihoods of the herdsmen in her group. 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 way of our humane operation of Sandriver’s household pasture in Alxa League, Internal Mongolia; our look after preserving the setting and custom all through the manufacturing; and our dedication in harmonizing craft and expertise at our Analysis & Improvement Centre in Shanghai,” said 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 Undertaking Runway seasons 19 and 20. Moreover, Lanyu Couture, led by certainly one 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 Attire,” was the primary Chinese language designer invited to Paris Haute Couture Trend Week in 2014.
Elton Ilirjani’s participation highlights his continued dedication to supporting impartial, up-and-coming couture designers and fostering cross-cultural collaboration in trend. 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 world trend weeks.
Since 2022, Ilirjani has change into 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 newest New York Trend Week 2025, he additionally walked for designers Jemma Russo and Naoka Tosa, and has beforehand labored with esteemed designers similar to Greedelious and Malan Breton, having simply walked for the Ema Savahl runway present at Miami Swim Week, The Reveals.
Ilirjani’s position 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 trend as a robust medium for artwork, tradition, and unity. His world journey in trend is about to proceed as he prepares to stroll the runway at Shanghai Trend Week from October 9-16, 2025, showcasing Spring/Summer season 2026 collections by Chinese language designers. Photographs by Arun Nevader.
