The ninth edition of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Fashion Weekend has successfully concluded in Lagos, bringing together designers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, beauty experts and fashion enthusiasts for two days of creativity, culture, innovation and enterprise.
Held on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8, 2026 at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event was themed "Fashion Is Timeless" celebrating the enduring relationship between fashion, culture, identity and economic enterprise.
The event was free and open to the public, running from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
One of the major attractions was the runway showcase featuring 12 designers from Africa and the international fashion scene.
DAY 1
Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi
DAY 2
Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith, who closed the runway shows in grand style.
From Tongoro's bold African prints to Maison Sara Chraibi's haute couture elegance, and LaQuan Smith's daring New York glamour, the runway proved that African fashion is now a global force.
Beyond the runway, the 2026 edition provided a platform for 140 curated fashion retail businesses offering clothing, footwear, accessories, beauty products, skincare, jewellery, lingerie, children's wear, streetwear and lifestyle items.
For many small business owners, the weekend was not just about fashion, it was about sales, visibility and new customers.
A defining feature of this year's edition was its world-class masterclass series designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to succeed in a competitive, digitally-driven marketplace.
Industry leaders including Sherlina Nym, Rachel Ojuromi, Renee Morris of Uncle Funky's Daughter, and the innovators behind Buttah Skin shared insights on building globally recognised brands.
Sessions included topics like "The Melony Method: Cleanse, Tone, Treat, Protect and Glow" and business, branding and beauty masterclasses.
The dedicated Streetwear Hub and street-style moments became a major talking point on social media, with attendees turning up in beaded suits, avant-garde agbada, ruffled dresses, Ankara prints, leather sets and bold colours.
The expressive street style also sparked online debate, with former BBNaija star TBoss commenting on evolving men's fashion — a conversation that trended throughout the weekend.
A major highlight of 2026 was the launch of the GTCO Fashion Collective— a year-round platform to connect designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers and content creators.
Speaking on the initiative, GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said the platform will keep "the conversation, the commerce and the collaboration going long after the runway lights go down."
As the curtains fell on the ninth edition, the message of "Fashion Is Timeless" remained a celebration of creativity, identity, enterprise and the limitless possibilities of African fashion.
The GTCO Fashion Weekend has once again reinforced its position as one of Africa's most influential intersections of creativity, commerce, innovation and cultural expression.
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