Lagos takes centre stage today as Guaranty Trust Holding
Company Plc (GTCO) unveils the ninth edition of its flagship GTCO Fashion
Weekend at the GTCentre, Oniru, with the theme “Fashion Is Timeless.”
Bringing together designers, fashion entrepreneurs, industry professionals and
style enthusiasts. This year's showcase celebrates the enduring relationship
between fashion, culture and creative expression through two days of runway
presentations, masterclasses and immersive retail experiences.
The opening day sets the tone with six designers from Africa
and the international fashion scene taking to the runway: Tongoro, FIA
Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane
Ayissi. Their collections will present distinct interpretations of
contemporary fashion, bringing together cultural influences, innovative
craftsmanship and individual design perspectives that reflect the richness and
diversity of the global fashion landscape.
Beyond the runway, GTCO Fashion Weekend will feature an
engaging programme of masterclasses spread across both days, led by
accomplished personalities from the worlds of fashion, beauty and lifestyle.
The first day’s facilitators include fashion entrepreneur, model and digital
creator Sherlina Nym, Rachel Ojuromi and Renee Morris,
founder of natural hair brand Uncle Funky’s Daughter, while Buttah Skin
will lead a dedicated skincare masterclass. Additional sessions and industry
experts will take the stage on the second day, offering participants further
opportunities to gain practical insights into fashion, entrepreneurship, beauty
and the evolving business opportunities within the creative industry.
The retail experience is another major attraction, bringing
together 140 curated fashion stores showcasing an exciting selection of
clothing, accessories and lifestyle pieces at accessible prices. More than a
shopping destination, the retail village provides a platform for fashion
entrepreneurs to connect with consumers, showcase their creativity and expand
their commercial reach.
Adding an urban edge to the experience is the dedicated Streetwear
Hub, a celebration of contemporary street culture and its growing influence
on global fashion. The space recognises the creativity, individuality and
entrepreneurial energy shaping modern style, particularly across youth culture,
music and lifestyle.
Extending the influence of this year's showcase beyond the
two-day event is the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective, a
year-round platform designed to connect designers, models, stylists,
photographers, editors, buyers, content creators and other professionals across
the fashion ecosystem. The initiative seeks to create a more connected creative
community by providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange,
visibility and sustainable business growth.
Commenting on the event, Mr Segun Agbaje, Group Chief
Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, said: “Fashion is a powerful expression of
creativity and culture, but it is also an important driver of enterprise and
economic opportunity. Over the past nine years, the GTCO Fashion Weekend has
evolved into a platform where talent is discovered, knowledge is shared and
businesses are connected to new markets. This year, we are taking that
commitment a step further with the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective,
a year-round platform designed to connect designers, models, stylists,
photographers, editors, buyers, content creators and the wider creative
community, keeping the conversation, commerce and collaboration going beyond
the Fashion Weekend.”
He added: “At the heart of the GTCO Fashion Collective is
our commitment to shining a light on the people and businesses that power
Africa's fashion ecosystem. By creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs to
showcase their work, connect with customers and build sustainable businesses,
we are reinforcing our commitment to Promoting Enterprise and Creating Great
Experiences, while contributing to the growth and global recognition of African
talent.”
The fashion conversation continues on Sunday, November 8,
with another impressive runway presentation featuring Sukeina, House of
Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith. The
second day will also feature further opportunities to engage with the
masterclasses, explore the retail village and experience the Streetwear Hub.
Over nine editions, GTCO Fashion Weekend has grown into one
of Africa's foremost consumer-focused fashion and enterprise platforms,
bringing together established and emerging designers, retailers, creative
entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts. Through its combination of runway
showcases, industry education and retail opportunities, the initiative
continues to champion African creativity while strengthening the commercial and
global visibility of the continent's fashion industry.
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2026 runs on November 7 and 8, from
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation
Drive, Oniru, Lagos. Admission is free and open to the public.
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