Albanian-American supermodel Elton Ilirjani made a powerful statement at New York Fashion Week, closing the runway show for luxury cashmere brand Sandriver. The event, held on September 14 at the China Institute in America, was a vibrant showcase of traditional craftsmanship, modern design, and a commitment to ethical production.
Ilirjani, a renowned genderless advocate and fashion icon, commanded the runway in an elegant navy blue and grey cashmere outfit, complemented by a matching scarf, perfectly embodying Sandriver’s sophisticated aesthetic. His closing appearance underscored his growing influence in global fashion, where he champions diverse voices and celebrates the power of cultural exchange through design.
Sandriver, a Shanghai-based luxury cashmere brand, finds its origins deeply rooted in the vast prairies of Inner Mongolia and extending to the “Roof of the World” in Tibet. The brand partnered with the China Institute in America to present its collection, which seamlessly blends ancient techniques with contemporary styles. Beyond the runway, the institute hosted a workshop and fashion salon on Tibetan and Inner Mongolian handicrafts, where Sandriver’s founder, Juliet Guo, spoke passionately about the brand’s dedication to preserving traditional skills and empowering local women through cashmere craftsmanship.
Sandriver founder Juliet Guo, with 35 years of cashmere experience, is a committed advocate for sustainable development in cashmere production. She meticulously built her own industry supply chain over two decades to ensure the highest quality cashmere fibers while safeguarding the livelihoods of the herdsmen in her community. Having studied in Germany, Guo has modernized cashmere production with a sustainable approach, establishing Sandriver as the first international cashmere brand from China to guarantee bespoke and ethical production from pasture to product.
“Sandriver strives to be the epitome of a socially responsible cashmere producer through our humane operation of Sandriver’s family pasture in Alxa League, Inner Mongolia; our care for preserving the environment and tradition throughout the production; and our determination in harmonizing craft and technology at our Research & Development Centre in Shanghai,” stated Juliet Guo.
The runway show also featured the compelling designs of two other celebrated designers. Yinan New York, a brand founded by trailblazing designer Anna Zhou in NYC, showcased her unique fusion of ready-to-wear and couture, championing self-empowerment. Anna Zhou made history as the first Chinese designer to appear on Project Runway seasons 19 and 20. Additionally, Lanyu Couture, led by one of Asia’s most influential new-generation designers, Lanyu, presented designs that fuse traditional Suzhou embroidery with haute couture, sharing oriental culture with the world. Lanyu, hailed by Chinese media as “The Chinese Queen of Couture Wedding Dresses,” was the first Chinese designer invited to Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week in 2014.
Elton Ilirjani’s participation highlights his continued dedication to supporting independent, up-and-coming couture designers and fostering cross-cultural collaboration in fashion. A renowned human rights activist from Albania with over 12 million followers on Instagram, Ilirjani’s journey into the fashion world began in 2019 when he discovered Asian designers at the 3NY boutique in New York City. Captivated by their unique designs, he began featuring them on his influential social media platforms, leading to friendships and invitations to walk for designers at global fashion weeks.
Since 2022, Ilirjani has become a mainstay on runways across New York, Milan, Paris, London, Athens, Costa Rica, Miami, and Tokyo, initially modeling for South Korean designers like BESFXXK before expanding his portfolio. At the most recent New York Fashion Week 2025, he also walked for designers Jemma Russo and Naoka Tosa, and has previously worked with esteemed designers such as Greedelious and Malan Breton, having just walked for the Ema Savahl runway show at Miami Swim Week, The Shows.
Ilirjani’s role in closing the Sandriver show not only underscored the brand’s commitment to ethical luxury but also reinforced his own mission to use fashion as a powerful medium for art, culture, and unity. His global journey in fashion is set to continue as he prepares to walk the runway at Shanghai Fashion Week from October 9-16, 2025, showcasing Spring/Summer 2026 collections by Chinese designers. Photos by Arun Nevader.