GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025: Global Icons Inspire Lagos Through Masterclass Interviews

…by Adeleke Olubanwo

The GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 once again transformed Lagos into Africa’s fashion capital, drawing thousands of enthusiasts to Victoria Island for two days of runway brilliance, retail excitement, and thought‑provoking conversations. While the catwalks dazzled with bold collections, the real heartbeat of the event came from the masterclass interviews, where global leaders in fashion and beauty shared insights that resonated deeply with Africa’s creative community.

Patrick Ta: Discipline Meets Glamour
Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta opened the series with a candid reflection on his journey from humble beginnings to Hollywood’s red carpets. He emphasized that artistry thrives on discipline and authenticity.
“Discipline and authenticity are the foundation of artistry,” Ta told the audience, urging African creatives to merge passion with enterprise.

Bianca Saunders: Fashion With Purpose
London‑based menswear designer Bianca Saunders stressed the importance of building brands with financial discipline and cultural authenticity. She encouraged young designers to scale sustainably while staying true to their roots.
“Purpose‑driven fashion is what sustains longevity,” Saunders said, highlighting the need for designers to align creativity with business acumen.

Jade Oyateru: Bridging Culture and Commerce
Nigerian entrepreneur Jade Oyateru focused on the intersection of heritage and modern retail strategy. She called on designers to leverage Africa’s craftsmanship for global relevance, underscoring the need to connect local creativity with international demand.

Melissa Butler: Beauty Beyond Boundaries
Founder of The Lip Bar, Melissa Butler, inspired audiences with her story of challenging beauty norms and building a brand rooted in inclusivity.
“Representation and inclusivity are not trends — they are necessities,” Butler declared, urging entrepreneurs to disrupt industries with bold ideas and resilience.

Key Takeaways
Across all sessions, several themes emerged:
– Authenticity and discipline as recurring pillars of success.
– Financial sustainability as a prerequisite for long‑term growth.
– Inclusivity and representation as central to fashion and beauty’s future.
– GTCO’s vision of creativity as enterprise, empowering African designers to compete globally.

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Closing Note
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 proved that fashion is more than aesthetics — it is a driver of culture, commerce, and identity. With voices like Patrick Ta, Bianca Saunders, Jade Oyateru, and Melissa Butler, the masterclass interviews offered a roadmap for Africa’s next generation of fashion leaders.