Amidst the kinetic energy of London Fashion Week, where trends are born and boundaries are broken, the London-based luxury brand PoetLab unveiled a collection that transcended mere clothing, offering a powerful meditation on identity and resilience. Designer and Creative Director Giuseppe Iaciofano, in collaboration with Albanian-American star model and genderless advocate Elton Ilirjani (HANKO), presented a vision where sustainability and geometric precision merge with the raw, liberating power of self-expression.

Iaciofano’s latest offering was more than a runway show; it was a deeply personal narrative brought to life, anchored by the magnetic presence of Ilirjani, known for challenging fashion norms on the runway.

Fashion Identity as a Fluid Narrative

Since its founding in 2023, PoetLab has established itself as a brand built on the tension between opposites—Milanese glamour colliding with New York pragmatism, and traditional tailoring meeting rebellious, oversized silhouettes. For the latest collection, Iaciofano rooted his inspiration in the very concept of storytelling.

“The collection was inspired by the idea of identity as poetry—fluid, layered, and open to interpretation,” Iaciofano explained. “I wanted each piece to feel like a stanza in a larger narrative, where tailoring, texture, and draping create a dialogue between tradition and reinvention.”

This guiding philosophy dictates the brand’s commitment to genderless design. For Iaciofano, clothing must serve as a vessel for personal truth, not a restrictive label.

“Fashion, for me, is about freedom of expression,” he affirmed. “Gender fluidity allows garments to exist without restriction and people to engage with them in a personal, authentic way. I believe clothing should empower rather than confine.”

The collection maintained PoetLab’s signature structured aesthetic while introducing organic fluidity through innovative materials. The designer detailed the conscious selection of textiles showcased on the LFW runway: “You’ll find a mix of natural fabrics like organic silks and wools, alongside upcycled textiles that bring a sense of history into the garments. I also worked with innovative plant-based leathers and recycled synthetics to merge luxury with responsibility.”

Elton Ilirjani: The Performance of Authenticity

The dialogue between structure and fluidity reached its zenith in the show-stopping moment featuring model Elton Ilirjani. Known internationally by his model name HANKO, Ilirjani is a veteran of global fashion weeks, known for walking dozens of runways in Paris, Milan, London and beyond, each year. With over 11 million followers on Instagram, his influence extends far beyond fashion, positioning him as a leading advocate for genderless representation and human rights.

Ilirjani’s appearance in PoetLab’s runway was centered around a dramatic black dress that has since become one of the most talked-about pieces of the week.

“That dress was a statement piece—hand-draped black jersey with structural boning that played with both fragility and strength,” Iaciofano recalled. “Elton embodied it beautifully, turning it into a moment that captured the spirit of the collection.”

Ilirjani, who has a background in business as the CEO of The HeadHunter Group, brings a profound layer of authenticity to every collaboration. His dedication to supporting independent, up-and-coming couture designers aligns perfectly with PoetLab’s ethos of challenging established norms.

Iaciofano elaborated on why collaborators like Ilirjani are essential to his creative process: “Because they bring authenticity. Elton doesn’t just wear the clothes—they live in them, bring their own story, and elevate the design into performance. That kind of collaboration is what makes fashion alive.”

Indeed, Elton Ilirjani’s work is characterized by dramatic expression—using his eyes, hands, and facial expressions to convey emotion, proving that the runway is an artistic medium. Having walked for major fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, New York, and Tokyo, and supporting designers from BESFXXK to Malan Breton, Ilirjani is a powerful force driving inclusiveness in the high fashion world.

Resilience and the Defiance of Convention

PoetLab is not merely a brand; it is a testament to the resilience of its founder. Giuseppe Iaciofano openly weaves his personal journey—including a battle with cancer and experiences of discrimination—into the conceptual core of his collections. This history gives the concept of “genderless luxury” a foundation that is both fearless and deeply human.

The brand’s manifesto is clear: PoetLab embodies the spirit of the dreamer—bold, ambitious, and unafraid to confront life’s challenges. Iaciofano is interested in tension, stating, “My vision thrives in the tension between opposites—where minimalism meets excess, softness meets structure, and tradition collides with rebellion.”

This defiant spirit translates directly into PoetLab’s business model. Rejecting the fast-paced, wasteful cycles of traditional retail, the brand operates on a made-to-order basis, cementing its commitment to responsibility.

“I believe in slowing down fashion,” Iaciofano asserted. “Made-to-order ensures every piece is crafted with intention, eliminating waste and celebrating craftsmanship. Sustainability is not a trend; it’s a responsibility we owe to the future.”

By focusing on craftsmanship, longevity, and ethical materials—from organic silks to plant-based leathers—PoetLab blends the appeal of luxury streetwear with a responsible manufacturing footprint. It is a formula designed for the discerning individual who sees fashion as a daily expression of self, rather than a fleeting impulse purchase.

Making The Runway More Inclusive

The London Fashion Week presentation confirmed PoetLab’s position at the vanguard of the new fashion guard—a movement valuing concept, poetry, and social relevance above all else. By casting models like Elton Ilirjani, who embody the brand’s principles of boundary-pushing and authentic self-expression, Iaciofano ensures that PoetLab’s clothing is worn by those who genuinely challenge norms.

PoetLab, through its geometric precision and unapologetically genderless designs, is helping change the fashion industry to be more inclusive. It offers a creative universe where fashion becomes a language of thought, emotion, and identity—a space where designers and models collaborate not just to sell clothes, but to tell vital stories of strength, fluidity, and unwavering defiance. The collaboration between Iaciofano and Ilirjani at LFW was a powerful reminder that in the world of true art and high fashion, authenticity always reigns supreme.