GTCO FASHION WEEKEND 2026: LAGOS CELEBRATES AFRICAN CREATIVITY, STYLE AND ENTERPRISE AS NINTH EDITION ENDS IN GRAND STYLE

…Fashion, culture, business and innovation take centre stage as 12 designers and 140 retail businesses showcase their creativity

 

 

By Adeleke Olubanwo

The ninth edition of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Fashion Weekend 2026 has successfully concluded in Lagos, bringing together fashion designers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, beauty experts and fashion enthusiasts for a two-day celebration of creativity, culture, innovation and enterprise.

Held on November 7 and 8 at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, the event was themed “Fashion Is Timeless”, highlighting the enduring relationship between fashion, cultural identity and creative expression.

The annual fashion showcase once again demonstrated the growing influence of African fashion on the global stage, providing a platform for established and emerging designers to display their collections while connecting fashion businesses with consumers and potential markets.

RUNWAY SHOWCASES GLOBAL AND AFRICAN DESIGN TALENT

One of the major attractions of this year’s edition was the runway presentation, which featured 12 designers from Africa and the international fashion industry.

The first day featured collections from Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi.

The second day continued the fashion celebration with runway presentations from Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith.

The participating designers brought different creative perspectives to the runway, reflecting the diversity of contemporary fashion, craftsmanship, cultural influences and evolving global style trends.

Their participation further reinforced Lagos’ position as an important destination for fashion conversations and creative collaboration across Africa and beyond.

140 RETAIL BUSINESSES PROVIDE PLATFORM FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Beyond the runway, the GTCO Fashion Weekend also maintained its strong focus on business development and entrepreneurship.

The 2026 edition featured 140 curated fashion retail businesses offering a variety of products, including clothing, footwear, accessories, beauty products and lifestyle items.

The retail exhibition provided small and medium-sized fashion businesses with opportunities to showcase their products, interact directly with customers, improve brand visibility and explore new commercial relationships.

A dedicated Streetwear Hub also celebrated contemporary fashion and the influence of youth culture on the industry’s changing identity.

MASTERCLASSES PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

Another important feature of the weekend was its series of masterclasses, which brought together experienced professionals from the fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries.

Among the facilitators were Sherlina Nym, Rachel Ojuromi, Renee Morris, founder of Uncle Funky’s Daughter, and Olamide Olowe, founder of Topicals.

The sessions provided opportunities for participants to gain insights into different aspects of the creative industry, including brand development, beauty, entrepreneurship and content creation.

These learning opportunities further demonstrated that the GTCO Fashion Weekend extends beyond entertainment and fashion displays to include capacity building and professional development.

GTCO FASHION COLLECTIVE: A NEW CHAPTER FOR AFRICAN FASHION

A major development associated with the 2026 edition was the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective, a year-round platform designed to connect different professionals and businesses across the fashion ecosystem.

The initiative brings together designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers, content creators, textile manufacturers and other creative professionals.

It is designed to sustain industry conversations, encourage collaboration and create business opportunities beyond the annual Fashion Weekend.

Another significant addition was the dedicated Craft Fabric Market, which provided greater visibility for indigenous textile producers and traditional artisans, including Aso-oke weavers and Adire dyers.

The initiative highlights the importance of local craftsmanship and the contributions of grassroots producers to the development and sustainability of African fashion.

FASHION AS A DRIVER OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Speaking ahead of the event, GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, described fashion as an important expression of creativity and culture as well as a driver of enterprise and economic opportunity.

He noted that over the years, the Fashion Weekend had evolved into a platform where talent is discovered, knowledge is shared and businesses are connected to new markets.

His remarks underscore GTCO’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the fashion industry’s contribution to economic development.

A LASTING IMPACT BEYOND THE RUNWAY

The successful conclusion of the 2026 GTCO Fashion Weekend reinforces the importance of creating platforms that bring together creativity, commerce, culture and business development.

Beyond the glamour of the runway and the excitement of fashion exhibitions, the initiative continues to provide opportunities for Nigerian and African fashion entrepreneurs to gain visibility, develop their brands and connect with a wider audience.

With the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective and increased attention to indigenous textile craftsmanship, the 2026 edition represents another step towards building a more connected and sustainable African fashion ecosystem.

As the curtains fall on the ninth edition, the message of “Fashion Is Timeless” remains a celebration of creativity, identity, enterprise and the limitless possibilities of African fashion.

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