The eighth edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend took place on November 8–9, 2025, at the GTCentre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), the event is a consumer-focused platform integrating runway shows, a business marketplace, and masterclasses under the theme “Fashion Is Freedom”.
This edition presented African fashion as both cultural expression and enterprise, with a strong focus on emerging designers, diaspora creatives, and the global positioning of Nigerian fashion.
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 in Lagos showcased African fashion as both a cultural and commercial force through two days of runway shows, masterclasses, and enterprise events.
Day 1 – Saturday, 8 November 2025: Heritage, Craft, and Emerging Enterprise
Masterclasses and Business Focus
The first day featured professional development sessions aimed at emerging designers and entrepreneurs. Speakers included Bianca Saunders, a British menswear designer, who discussed authenticity in design; Jade Oyateru, co-founder of Uncover, who shared insights into scaling African retail through innovation; and Melissa Butler, founder of The Lip Bar, who presented her journey from a start-up to a globally recognised brand. These sessions emphasised GTCO’s dual mission: showcasing fashion while equipping participants with tools for business growth.
Runway Highlights – Designers and Collections
Day 1 featured six designers: Ituen Basi, The BAM Collective, Sevon Dejana, Mmuso Maxwell, Mowalola, and Priya Ahluwalia.
- Ituen Basi: Known for heritage prints and cultural storytelling, Basi’s collection highlighted fabric manipulation, bold prints, and contemporary tailoring.
- The BAM Collective: Representing collaborative and hybrid business models, the collective’s designs emphasised innovation and emerging African design talent.
- Sevon Dejana: Positioned in the luxury segment, Dejana’s collection merged precision tailoring with fluid elegance, reinforcing the presence of high-end fashion in Lagos.
- Mmuso Maxwell: South African label noted for minimalism and structural tailoring, adding a pan-African perspective to the event.
- Mowalola: A London-based Nigerian designer whose avant-garde and boundary-pushing aesthetic infused the runway with diaspora influence.
- Priya Ahluwalia: Sustainable-luxury designer whose work blends sportswear heritage with cultural references, demonstrating the global potential of African-influenced fashion.
Key Themes and Observations
Day 1 underscored three main themes:
- Heritage and Craft: Designers celebrated African prints, storytelling, and innovative fabric techniques.
- Enterprise Integration: Masterclasses and marketplace participation highlighted the focus on business growth and entrepreneurial opportunity.
- Pan-African and Diaspora Collaboration: The inclusion of designers from across Africa and the diaspora has reinforced Lagos as a continental fashion hub.
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Day 2 – Sunday, 9 November 2025: Global Ambition and Elevated Craft
Designer Lineup
Day 2 showcased Tongoro Studio, Tia Adeola, Imane Ayissi, Patrick McDowell, Stella Jean, and Charles Harbison.
- Tongoro Studio (Senegal): Bold prints and an African-inspired global design strategy reinforced continental representation.
- Tia Adeola: London-based Nigerian designer, known for combining romanticism with assertive interpretations of Black femininity.
- Imane Ayissi (Cameroon): A couture brand emphasising luxury craftsmanship, demonstrating the high-end potential of African fashion.
- Patrick McDowell: Diaspora designer introducing international luxury narratives to Lagos audiences.
- Stella Jean (Haiti-Italy): Brought a fusion of African diaspora aesthetics and European tailoring.
- Charles Harbison: Global design voice contributing to the international discourse at the event.
Business, Audience, and Impact
Day 2 elevated the event’s ambitions, combining advanced craftsmanship with international and diaspora perspectives. The audience comprised industry buyers, international press, local creatives, and students, while the marketplace connected consumers with micro-entrepreneurs. The combination of runway visibility, educational sessions, and enterprise opportunities reinforced GTCO’s role as a platform bridging creative expression and business development.
Key Themes for Day 2
- Globalisation of African Fashion: The integration of diaspora and international designers has highlighted African fashion’s export potential.
- Luxury and craftsmanship: The designers emphasised meticulous detail, reinforcing the credibility of African luxury fashion.
- Business Scaling Opportunities: Emerging Nigerian designers gained exposure alongside global brands, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and market expansion.
For More Visuals, Visit the GTCO Official Page
Strategic Implications for Nigeria’s Fashion Ecosystem
The 2025 GTCO Fashion Weekend has several implications:
- Business Integration: Combining masterclasses with runway shows signals a shift toward fashion as a business sector, not just an aesthetic pursuit.
- Lagos as a Regional Hub: The city reinforces its role as a centre for fashion enterprise and cultural exchange.
- Pathways for Emerging Designers: Marketplace access and runway visibility provide tangible growth opportunities.
- Content and Research Opportunities: Writers, educators, and analysts can explore fashion’s intersection with culture, commerce, and global networks.
- Entrepreneurial Education: The event demonstrates the viability of combining creative talent with business acumen for sustainable industry growth.
Conclusion
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 emphasises that African fashion is a sector of culture and enterprise with global relevance. Day 1 focused on heritage, local craft, and emerging enterprise, while Day 2 elevated the platform with international designers, luxury craftsmanship, and diaspora narratives. The event reinforced Lagos’s status as a fashion hub and provided opportunities for emerging designers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to engage with the global market.
FAQs
- What is GTCO Fashion Weekend?
GTCO Fashion Weekend is an annual two-day fashion event in Lagos that integrates runway shows, masterclasses, and a marketplace to promote African fashion enterprises.
- What was the theme of the 2025 edition?
“Fashion Is Freedom” showcases creativity, expression, and entrepreneurship within the African fashion industry.
- When and where was the event held?
8–9 November 2025 at the GTCentre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Which designers participated?
Day 1: Ituen Basi, The BAM Collective, Sevon Dejana, Mmuso Maxwell, Mowalola, Priya Ahluwalia.
Day 2: Tongoro Studio, Tia Adeola, Imane Ayissi, Patrick McDowell, Stella Jean, Charles Harbison.
- Why is GTCO Fashion Weekend important for Nigeria?
It integrates design, business, and global collaboration, positioning Lagos as a hub for emerging and established designers and promoting African fashion enterprises.
