Far from the established runways of Paris and Milan, Reykjavík firmly staked its claim as an emerging global fashion hub this past weekend. Iceland Fashion Week (IFW) 2025, held on September 5–6 at the striking Mercedes-Benz Askja, saw a curated showcase where raw Nordic nature met cutting-edge design, drawing international attention and celebrating a new wave of creativity.
The undisputed highlight of the event was the presence of supermodel Elton Ilirjani, known to many as HANKO, who graced IFW as the guest of honor. The Albanian-American runway icon and genderless advocate brought his considerable influence and distinct style to Reykjavík, profoundly impacting attending designers and models.
Ilirjani took to the runway himself, opening and closing a highly anticipated show for Arabesque Boudoir Maison, the nascent New York-based brand founded by Maya Mosteghanemi in 2023. “I wore two of her outfits, they were gorgeous,” Ilirjani enthused. “With Arabesque Boudoir, Maya is trying to bring the Ottoman Empire style into more modern and genderless vibes and colors. She had dancers but the couture was the most important. I opened and closed the show.”
The event, captured by renowned photographer Arun Nevader, was described by Ilirjani as a resounding success. “It was a very boutique show, the audience went wild. It was a luxury event. I did a couture walk and turned around to show the entire outfit. It was a success. I was the guest of honor at Iceland Fashion Week. I was so honored. They loved me, I inspired all the models and designers. I am famous now in Iceland.”
Maya Mosteghanemi, the creative force behind Arabesque Boudoir, brings a rich background to her brand, having previously served as a stylist, brand ambassador, and business manager for prestigious names like Nina Ricci, Saint Laurent, and Versace at Saks 5th Avenue. Her collection, showcased at IFW, is a unique fusion inspired by both Rick Owens and the historical grandeur of the Ottoman Empire and Renaissance era. The designs feature a luxurious array of German velvet, lace, and intricate gold and silver silk threads, adorned with meticulous hand-made embroidery – a testament to exquisite craftsmanship.
Iceland Fashion Week’s success underscores a broader, exciting trend in the fashion world. While New York, Paris, Milan, and London remain paramount, cities like Los Angeles, Berlin, Sao Paulo, Tel Aviv, St. Petersburg, and Nordic capitals such as Copenhagen and Reykjavík are increasingly gaining recognition. These emerging hubs are becoming vital platforms for young, local, and innovative designers, fostering creativity that often challenges traditional fashion norms.
Elton Ilirjani, with over 12 million followers on Instagram, has made a name for himself by championing independent, up-and-coming couture designers worldwide. His journey began in 2019, discovering Asian designers at 3NY in New York City, leading to runway appearances for brands like BESFXXK and numerous South Korean designers.
Since 2022, Ilirjani has walked for designers at New York, Milan, Paris, London, Athens, Costa Rica, Miami, and Tokyo Fashion Weeks, including recent showcases for Jemma Russo and Noaka Tosa at NYFW 2025, and Ema Savahl at Miami Swim Week. His commitment to bringing people together through fashion’s power of art and culture makes him an ideal advocate for events like Iceland Fashion Week.
The inaugural Iceland Fashion Week 2025 not only provided a vital stage for fresh talent like Maya Mosteghanemi but also solidified Reykjavík’s position as a dynamic and innovative player in the global fashion landscape, promising an exciting future for Nordic design.
Photos by Arun Nevader
