GTCO Fashion Weekend 2026 Opens in Grand Style, Bringing Together 12 Designers and 140 Retailers
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2026 opened in grand style at the GTCentre in Oniru, Lagos, bringing designers, fashion entrepreneurs, industry professionals and style enthusiasts together for two days of runway shows, masterclasses and retail experiences.
Hosted by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), the ninth edition of the event is themed “Fashion Is Timeless” and features 12 designers and 140 curated fashion retailers. The programme celebrates fashion as both a form of cultural expression and a growing area of creative enterprise.
Six designers took to the runway on the opening day: Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi. Their collections offered varied takes on contemporary fashion, drawing on cultural influences, craftsmanship and individual design perspectives.
Alongside the runway programme, visitors can attend masterclasses led by figures from the fashion, beauty and lifestyle sectors. Day-one facilitators include fashion entrepreneur, model and digital creator Sherlina Nym; Rachel Ojuromi; and Renee Morris, founder of natural hair brand Uncle Funky’s Daughter. Buttah Skin is also leading a dedicated skincare session. Further masterclasses and industry speakers are scheduled for the second day.
The event’s retail village features 140 fashion businesses selling clothing, accessories and lifestyle products at accessible prices. It also gives participating entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their work, meet consumers and build their commercial reach.
A dedicated Streetwear Hub adds a focus on contemporary street culture and its influence on fashion, music and lifestyle, particularly among younger audiences.
This year, GTCO has also introduced the GTCO Fashion Collective, a year-round platform intended to connect designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers, content creators and other professionals across the fashion industry. The initiative aims to support collaboration, knowledge-sharing, visibility and business growth beyond the annual event.
Commenting on the programme, GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer Segun Agbaje 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 runway programme continues on Sunday, 8 November, with collections from Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith. Visitors will also be able to attend further masterclasses and explore the retail village and Streetwear Hub.
Across nine editions, GTCO Fashion Weekend has developed into a consumer-focused platform for designers, retailers, creative entrepreneurs and fashion audiences. Its combination of fashion showcases, professional learning and retail opportunities supports African creative talent and strengthens the industry’s commercial connections.
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2026 runs on 7 and 8 November, from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm each day, at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos. Admission is free and open to the public.
### About GTCO Plc
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc is a financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Group provides banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management and pension fund administration. GTCO says it is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders and supporting growth across its markets.
