The ninth edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend brought together designers, business owners and fashion lovers in Lagos for two days of runway shows, exhibitions and masterclasses.
Held on November 7 and 8 at the GT Centre in Oniru, the event featured activities centred on creativity, culture and business under the theme “Fashion Is Timeless.”
A major highlight was the runway showcase, which featured 12 designers from Africa and beyond. Their collections explored modern fashion, craftsmanship and cultural identity.
The first day featured Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi.
On the second day, Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith presented their collections. LaQuan Smith brought the runway shows to a close.
Away from the runway, guests explored 140 selected retail outlets selling clothing, accessories and lifestyle products. The event also featured a Streetwear Hub dedicated to different styles of everyday dressing.
Masterclasses explore creative journeys
The programme included masterclasses led by fashion and beauty professionals. They included Sherlina Nym, Rachel Ojuromi and Renee Morris, founder of natural hair brand Uncle Funky’s Daughter.
During her session, Ojuromi spoke about her move into street runway photography. She explained why she stopped focusing on studio shoots.
“Sometimes last year, I decided I didn’t want to shoot anything in the studio. When I’m in places, I tend to feel cooked up, and I don’t like to feel trapped. So when I’m in a place that’s like outside, there’s so much that could happen,” she said.
“So the unpredictability makes me feel alive. So we started doing photography and creative direction outside. So we started from me wearing clothes and just taking pictures. You should just use resources you have right now.”
GTCO launches platform for fashion creatives
Another highlight was the launch of the GTCO Fashion Collective. The year-round platform aims to connect designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers and content creators.
It also features a directory of manufacturers and textile producers. The directory documents local artisans, including Aso-oke weavers and Adire dyers. It aims to improve their visibility and link them to wider markets.
Speaking on the initiative, Segun Agbaje, GTCO’s group chief executive officer, described fashion as an expression of culture and creativity. He also highlighted its role in creating business opportunities.
Agbaje said the Fashion Weekend had grown over nine years into a platform for discovering talent, sharing industry knowledge and connecting businesses to wider markets.
He added that the Fashion Collective would help build a stronger creative community. It would also give entrepreneurs more opportunities to display their products, attract customers and grow sustainable businesses.
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