GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 Wraps Up in Lagos with Bold Statements and Global Flair

…by Adeleke Olubanwo

The 2025 edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend dazzled fashion lovers and industry insiders alike as it wrapped up on Sunday, November 9, at the GT Centre on Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island. The two-day event, now in its eighth year, reaffirmed its status as a premier fashion and retail showcase on the African continent, blending style, commerce, and culture under the theme “Always a Good Idea.”

Organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), the event brought together top-tier designers, fashion entrepreneurs, and style enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond. The runway featured a dynamic mix of African-inspired couture and global trends, with standout collections from both emerging talents and established fashion houses. Designers used the platform to explore themes of identity, sustainability, and digital innovation, with some collections incorporating wearable tech and bold reinterpretations of traditional textiles.

While the runway was a spectacle of elegance and innovation, the real fashion revolution unfolded outside. Gen Z attendees stole the spotlight, turning the venue’s walkways into impromptu catwalks. Metallics, oversized tailoring, and avant-garde accessories dominated the street style scene, reflecting a fearless embrace of self-expression. “It wasn’t just fashion—it was a movement,” one attendee remarked, as photographers scrambled to capture the energy pulsing through the crowd.

Masterclasses and Marketplace

Beyond the glitz, the weekend also served as a hub for knowledge-sharing and enterprise. Masterclasses led by global fashion experts offered insights into branding, sustainability, and digital storytelling. Meanwhile, the Retail Village buzzed with activity, featuring over a hundred curated vendors showcasing everything from ready-to-wear collections to artisanal accessories. The marketplace underscored GTCO’s commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting African craftsmanship on a global stage.

GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 not only celebrated fashion but also positioned Lagos as a rising global fashion capital. With its fusion of creativity, commerce, and community, the event continues to elevate African voices in the global style conversation. As the curtains fall on this year’s edition, the message is clear: African fashion is not just having a moment—it’s shaping the future.