London Fashion Week recently bore witness to the evocative designs of Giuseppe Iaciofano’s Poet Lab, where the brand’s latest collection, a lyrical exploration of identity, graced the runway. Central to this poetic narrative was the impactful presence of Albanian American model and genderless advocate, Elton Ilirjani, whose collaborative performance brought Iaciofano’s vision to life.
Iaciofano, the creative force behind Poet Lab, which launched in 2023, revealed that the collection was “inspired by the idea of identity as poetry—fluid, layered, and open to interpretation.” He envisioned each garment as “a stanza in a larger narrative,” where traditional tailoring met reinvention through innovative texture and draping.
A cornerstone of Poet Lab’s philosophy is gender fluidity, which Iaciofano champions as fundamental to creative expression. “Fashion, for me, is about freedom of expression. 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,” he stated, echoing the brand’s inclusive ethos.
Sustainability is another pillar of the Poet Lab brand. The collection showcased a thoughtful blend of materials, including “natural fabrics like organic silks and wools, alongside upcycled textiles that bring a sense of history into the garments.” Iaciofano also incorporated “innovative plant-based leathers and recycled synthetics to merge luxury with responsibility.” This commitment extends to the brand’s made-to-order model. “I believe in slowing down fashion,” Iaciofano explained. “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.”
The collaboration with Elton Ilirjani, known globally as HANKO and a powerful voice for genderless fashion, was a highlight of the show. Ilirjani, celebrated for injecting performance art into his runway walks—using his eyes, facial expressions, hands, and poses—transformed each look into a dynamic expression. As a seasoned professional who has walked for major fashion weeks worldwide, Ilirjani’s unique approach elevates the runway into an art form.
Particularly striking was the hand-draped black jersey dress Ilirjani wore, featuring structural boning that, as Iaciofano described, “played with both fragility and strength.” The designer lauded Ilirjani’s unique ability to embody the clothes: “Elton doesn’t just wear the clothes—they live in, bring their own story, and elevate the design into performance. That kind of collaboration is what makes fashion alive.” Ilirjani, with his 12 million Instagram followers and background as a human rights activist, not only brings extensive reach but also an authentic connection to the brand’s values, especially its support for emerging and independent designers.
Iaciofano founded Poet Lab from a “desire to merge fashion with storytelling,” aiming to create a platform where “clothing is not just worn but experienced, where each piece feels like a poem translated into fabric.” He draws inspiration from designers who “challenged convention,” citing Alexander McQueen for his theatre, Rei Kawakubo for her radical shapes, and Yves Saint Laurent for making elegance revolutionary. “They remind me that fashion should always provoke emotion and leave a sign!” he added.
Beyond the runway, Poet Lab has garnered attention from a diverse array of artists and personalities, including musicians like Lavoix and the Sugababes, performance artists, and cultural figures such as Vladimir Luxuria and Jordan Gray. Iaciofano noted, “The emphasis is less on celebrity status and more on cultural impact,” highlighting the brand’s alignment with experimental and impactful voices.
Looking ahead, Iaciofano plans to “expand Poet Lab’s universe into new creative collaborations across performance, music, and art,” while continuing to refine the made-to-order model and explore accessories and installations that extend the poetry of the brand beyond the runway.
Through Poet Lab, Giuseppe Iaciofano is not merely creating garments; he is crafting wearable narratives that challenge norms, celebrate individuality, and advocate for a more thoughtful and expressive future in fashion. With Elton Ilirjani as a powerful muse, the brand continues to redefine what it means for fashion to be truly poetic.