GTCO Fashion Weekend 2026 Kicks Off In Style With 12 Designers And 140 Retailers
Lagos takes centre stage today as Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) unveils the ninth edition of its flagship GTCO Fashion Weekend at the GTCentre, Oniru, with the theme “Fashion Is Timeless.” Bringing together designers, fashion entrepreneurs, industry professionals and style enthusiasts. This year’s showcase celebrates the enduring relationship between fashion, culture and creative expression through two days of runway presentations, masterclasses and immersive retail experiences.
The opening day sets the tone with six designers from Africa and the international fashion scene taking to the runway: Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi. Their collections will present distinct interpretations of contemporary fashion, bringing together cultural influences, innovative craftsmanship and individual design perspectives that reflect the richness and diversity of the global fashion landscape.
Beyond the runway, GTCO Fashion Weekend will feature an engaging programme of masterclasses spread across both days, led by accomplished personalities from the worlds of fashion, beauty and lifestyle. The first day’s facilitators include fashion entrepreneur, model and digital creator Sherlina Nym, Rachel Ojuromi and Renee Morris, founder of natural hair brand Uncle Funky’s Daughter, while Buttah Skin will lead a dedicated skincare masterclass. Additional sessions and industry experts will take the stage on the second day, offering participants further opportunities to gain practical insights into fashion, entrepreneurship, beauty and the evolving business opportunities within the creative industry.
The retail experience is another major attraction, bringing together 140 curated fashion stores showcasing an exciting selection of clothing, accessories and lifestyle pieces at accessible prices. More than a shopping destination, the retail village provides a platform for fashion entrepreneurs to connect with consumers, showcase their creativity and expand their commercial reach.
Adding an urban edge to the experience is the dedicated Streetwear Hub, a celebration of contemporary street culture and its growing influence on global fashion. The space recognises the creativity, individuality and entrepreneurial energy shaping modern style, particularly across youth culture, music and lifestyle.
Extending the influence of this year’s showcase beyond the two-day event is the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective, a year-round platform designed to connect designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers, content creators and other professionals across the fashion ecosystem. The initiative seeks to create a more connected creative community by providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, visibility and sustainable business growth.
Commenting on the event, Mr Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, said: “Fashion is a powerful expression of creativity and culture, but it is also an important driver of enterprise and economic opportunity. Over the past nine years, the GTCO Fashion Weekend has evolved into a platform where talent is discovered, knowledge is shared and businesses are connected to new markets. This year, we are taking that commitment a step further with the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective, a year-round platform designed to connect designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers, content creators and the wider creative community, keeping the conversation, commerce and collaboration going beyond the Fashion Weekend.”
He added: “At the heart of the GTCO Fashion Collective is our commitment to shining a light on the people and businesses that power Africa’s fashion ecosystem. By creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their work, connect with customers and build sustainable businesses, we are reinforcing our commitment to Promoting Enterprise and Creating Great Experiences, while contributing to the growth and global recognition of African talent.”
The fashion conversation continues on Sunday, November 8, with another impressive runway presentation featuring Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith. The second day will also feature further opportunities to engage with the masterclasses, explore the retail village and experience the Streetwear Hub.
Over nine editions, GTCO Fashion Weekend has grown into one of Africa’s foremost consumer-focused fashion and enterprise platforms, bringing together established and emerging designers, retailers, creative entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts. Through its combination of runway showcases, industry education and retail opportunities, the initiative continues to champion African creativity while strengthening the commercial and global visibility of the continent’s fashion industry.
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2026 runs on November 7 and 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos. Admission is free and open to the public.
