By Adeleke Olubanwo

LAGOS – The ninth edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend has ended in Lagos, bringing together fashion designers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals and enthusiasts for two days of runway showcases, business exhibitions and creative engagements.

Held on November 7 and 8 at the GTCentre, Oniru, Lagos, the event, organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), was themed “Fashion Is Timeless”, highlighting the enduring relationship between fashion, culture, identity and economic enterprise.

The 2026 edition featured 12 African and international designers who showcased their collections across two days, offering different interpretations of contemporary fashion through distinctive designs, craftsmanship and cultural influences.

Designers featured on the opening day included Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi.

The second day’s runway presentations featured Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith.

Beyond the runway, the event provided a commercial platform for fashion entrepreneurs through 140 curated retail outlets, giving businesses opportunities to display their products, engage prospective customers and increase their brand visibility.

A dedicated Streetwear Hub also formed part of the programme, showcasing contemporary street fashion and the growing influence of youth culture on the global fashion industry.

Another major feature was the series of fashion, beauty and lifestyle masterclasses facilitated by industry professionals, including Sherlina Nym, Rachel Ojuromi, Renee Morris, founder of Uncle Funky’s Daughter, and representatives of Buttah Skin.

The sessions provided opportunities for participants to gain insights into fashion entrepreneurship, brand development, beauty and other aspects of the creative industry.

GTCO STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR AFRICAN FASHION INDUSTRY

A significant development at this year’s edition was the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective, a year-round initiative designed to connect professionals and businesses across the fashion ecosystem.

The platform is expected to bring together designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers, content creators and other creative professionals, providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and business development beyond the annual fashion event.

The initiative also places attention on indigenous textile producers and artisans, including Aso-oke weavers, Adire dyers and other local fabric makers, whose contributions remain important to the growth and identity of African fashion.

GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, had described fashion as not only a powerful expression of creativity and culture but also an important driver of enterprise and economic opportunities.

According to him, the Fashion Weekend has evolved over the years into a platform where talents are discovered, industry knowledge is shared and businesses are connected to wider markets.

With its combination of runway presentations, retail opportunities, masterclasses and industry networking, the 2026 edition further highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s fashion industry as a contributor to entrepreneurship, job creation and the wider creative economy.

The conclusion of the two-day showcase also leaves the newly introduced GTCO Fashion Collective as an avenue for sustaining industry engagement and supporting creative businesses throughout the year.

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