GTCO Fashion Weekend Returns for 9th Edition featuring Streetwear Hub, Masterclasses, and Global Catwalks

By Azeez Disu 

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) has officially announced the ninth edition of its flagship consumer event, the GTCO Fashion Weekend, scheduled to take place on November 7 and 8, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Operating under the theme “Fashion Is Timeless,” the two-day event will convene at the purpose-built GTCentre on Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, running daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Offered completely free of charge to both vendors and visitors, the initiative reinforces GTCO’s long-standing brand positioning centred on promoting enterprise, fostering creative talent, and driving sustainable growth across Africa’s expanding fashion ecosystem.

The forthcoming edition arrives at a pivotal moment for African retail and creative industries, combining high-octane runway presentation with experiential retail infrastructure, educational masterclasses, and an aggressive new strategy to anchor long-term economic value within the continent.

Reflecting on the evolution of the initiative over the past nine years, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, emphasised that the platform has grown far beyond a conventional corporate social responsibility project, maturing into a primary catalyst for African trade and enterprise connection.

Agbaje stated: “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.”

Elaborating on the strategic imperative driving this expansion, Agbaje highlighted the group’s overarching commitment to systemic ecosystem support:

“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.”

Explaining the operational vision and core values underlying the event, Oyinade Adegite, Chief Communication Officer of GTCO Plc, noted that the core purpose of the initiative has remained consistent since its inception.

Speaking on the platform’s foundational vision and economic rationale, Oyinade Adegite commented: “It’s still the same excitement as the first year when we started off with the vision of promoting enterprise. It remains the focal point for us and we would also like to say thank you for being on this journey with us. The fashion weekend is next week, 7th and 8th of November. The same layout, this year we have about 140 retail stores all completely free.”

Highlighting the launch of the GTCO Fashion Collective as a direct response to industry demand, Adegite addressed the need to solve systemic gaps in the fashion value chain:

“Some of you have asked us these questions and said, what are you doing after the weekend? Sometimes we try to extend the relationship and see how we can support, but it’s never really felt like something that has that true traction. So this year we’ve created a platform that goes beyond the fashion weekend, which is what we call the GT Fashion Collective, and it’s going to be all-year-round fashion. How do we ensure that people know the weavers in Nigeria? How do we know the people who buy the original tie and dye and not the tie and dye that is taken from us and reproduced in China? How do we get value to that person as opposed to letting it be the person who takes your trade and then sells it at a higher price and always leaves you at the bottom of the value chain? But you’re the person who created the value—the person who sits, who buys the original dye, who has invested family traditions and history behind that work, that craft. How do we elevate that by creating directories and nurturing those relationships?”

Reaffirming GTCO’s commitment to driving tangible economic returns for African creators rather than short-term corporate monetisation, Adegite added: “For us, it’s always still going to be the fact that we’re grateful to be doing business and this is giving back. Let’s stop being that country that produces raw materials, gives it to somebody else who produces and sells it back to us. How do we really take that value chain and add value to it?”

The two-day event will feature engaging masterclasses led by accomplished voices from the global fashion and beauty industries, including fashion entrepreneur, model and digital creator Sherlina Nym, Rachel Ojuromi and Renee Morris, founder of natural hair brand Uncle Funky’s Daughter,and a skincare masterclass by Buttah Skin. The runway will showcase collections from an exciting line-up of designers from across Africa and beyond. Day one will feature Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi, while day two will spotlight Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith.

Beyond the runway and masterclasses, guests will have the opportunity to explore 140 curated fashion retail stores, offering an exciting variety of stylish pieces at accessible prices. The event will also feature a dedicated Streetwear Hub, celebrating contemporary fashion and the creativity shaping today’s culture.