GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 is scheduled for November 8–9 at Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos. Organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), the event remains a key platform for promoting fashion entrepreneurship and creative exchange in Africa.
Since its inception in 2016, GTCO Fashion Weekend has evolved into one of the continent’s most recognisable fashion gatherings. It combines high-level business development with artistic presentation, offering participants access to exhibitions, masterclasses, and runway showcases featuring top African and international designers. Attendance at previous editions has exceeded 30,000 visitors, including industry professionals, media representatives, and fashion enthusiasts.
The 2025 edition will focus on enterprise growth, digital transformation, and inclusivity within the African fashion economy. Plans include a wider designer lineup, enhanced digital retail experiences, and structured mentorship opportunities for emerging brands. GTCO’s continued investment in this initiative demonstrates its commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises within Nigeria’s growing creative sector.
With the event’s reach extending beyond Lagos through livestreams and global media partnerships, GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 is positioned to strengthen Africa’s role in the international fashion conversation while reinforcing Lagos as a commercial and cultural capital.
Get ready for GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 in Lagos, two days of fashion, business, and culture redefining Africa’s creative scene this November.
GTCO2025
The Three Core Experiences
1. The Runway Shows
At the heart of GTCO Fashion Weekend are its runway shows, a visual and cultural statement of what African fashion represents today. Both established and emerging designers present a dynamic mix of ready-to-wear, couture, and capsule collections during GTCO Fashion Weekend.
GTCO is known for its world-class production quality, merging stage design, music, and storytelling to create an immersive viewing experience. Each show attracts buyers, stylists, and influencers who turn those few minutes on the runway into months of brand momentum.
The 2025 edition will again highlight the continent’s most forward-thinking designers, alongside a growing list of new creative voices from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and the diaspora.
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Masterclasses and Industry Panels
While the runway captures attention, the masterclasses drive long-term value. GTCO’s learning sessions are designed to help fashion professionals build sustainable businesses. Topics often include:
- The economics of fashion retail in Africa
- Digital marketing and social commerce
- Fashion journalism and storytelling
- Styling and creative direction
- Sustainable fashion practices
For 2025, the masterclass lineup is expected to feature both international experts and homegrown innovators, giving participants actionable tools to refine pricing, distribution, and brand positioning.
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The Marketplace — Africa’s Free Fashion Fair
The most unique element of GTCO Fashion Weekend is its retail marketplace, where over a hundred small brands receive free exhibition stalls. This initiative reflects GTCO’s commitment to financial inclusion and to supporting SMEs.
Designers, tailors, and accessory makers will showcase and sell directly to thousands of visitors over the two-day fair. It’s not only a sales opportunity but also a testing ground for pricing, packaging, and consumer feedback.
If you’re a designer or vendor, early application is key; stalls fill quickly once registration opens. Each exhibitor gets exposure to both walk-in buyers and major retail scouts —an opportunity rarely available at no cost.
New Highlights for 2025
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A Stronger Enterprise Focus
GTCO’s management has hinted that this edition will emphasise measurable business outcomes. Expect data-driven reporting, digital retail integration, and mentorship sessions connecting designers with investors and distributors.
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Expanded Streetwear and Youth Hub
Lagos’ street fashion scene has become too influential to ignore. GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 will reportedly dedicate an entire zone to streetwear labels, sneaker brands, and Gen Z-driven trends, giving a platform to younger creatives redefining African urban culture.
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Inclusive Casting and Representation
Following last year’s feedback on diversity, organisers are widening their model castings to reflect a broader range of body types, ethnic backgrounds, and creative aesthetics. Auditions already began in late August, with both virtual and physical screenings.
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Digital Content and Live Streaming
GTCO’s recent media strategy shows a pivot to stronger storytelling. Expect official highlight reels, interviews, and daily livestreams across YouTube, Instagram, and X (Twitter). This means even those outside Lagos can experience the event in real time.
Essential Information for Attendees
- Date: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2025
- Time: 10 AM – 10 PM daily
- Venue: Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos
- Access: Marketplace and outdoor exhibitions are free; runway shows and premium masterclasses may require an RSVP or ticket registration through the official GTCO Fashion Weekend microsite.
- Dress Code: Smart casual or fashionable streetwear — expect heavy media presence and photo ops.
- Parking: Limited; use ride-hailing or public transport where possible.
For Designers: How to Maximise Your Visibility
- Define Your Goal — Is it sales, media exposure, or new clients? Align every decision (booth design, pricing, content) to that single goal.
- Create an Exclusive Drop — Limited-edition pieces or collaborations drive buzz and urgency.
- Leverage Digital Marketing — Schedule posts, teasers, and behind-the-scenes reels before and during the event. Use hashtags like #GTCOfashionweekend2025 and #MadeInAfrica.
- Collect Customer Data — Have QR codes for mailing-list sign-ups and payment links ready.
- Attend Masterclasses — Treat them as free consultancy sessions with experts; take notes and follow up.
For Models and Creatives
The 2025 Model Casting is an open call for aspiring runway models. GTCO usually provides detailed instructions on its social pages, including audition videos, height requirements, and styling guidelines. Selected models will be featured on the main runway, a career-changing opportunity for newcomers.
Stylists, photographers, and MUAs also benefit from volunteering or networking at the event, where high-profile collaborations often begin.
For Fashion Lovers and Visitors
Even if you’re not in the industry, GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 promises two unforgettable days of fashion, food, and music. Stroll through the market, attend styling workshops, and witness world-class runway shows free of charge.
The event also serves as a snapshot of how rapidly Nigeria’s creative economy is evolving, an inspiring experience for students, entrepreneurs, and content creators alike.
Want exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025? Follow Rex Clarke Adventures for insider stories, designer spotlights, and real-time event updates straight from Lagos’ biggest fashion stage.
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FAQs
- When and where is GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 happening?
The event will be held on 8–9 November 2025 at Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos. Gates open from 10 AM to 10 PM daily. - Is entry to GTCO Fashion Weekend free?
Yes. Access to the marketplace and outdoor exhibitions is entirely free. However, select runway shows and masterclasses may require registration or have limited seating tickets available through the official GTCO microsite. - How can designers apply for a free stall or exhibition booth?
Applications are made online via the GTCO Fashion Weekend website once registration opens. Stall spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is strongly advised. - How do I become a model for GTCO Fashion Weekend?
Model casting opened in August 2025 with both virtual and physical screenings. Interested applicants should follow GTCO Bank’s verified social media pages for next-round casting announcements and submission requirements. - Which designers are expected at GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025?
The full lineup is typically revealed in late October. Past editions have featured acclaimed names like Gert-Johan Coetzee, Ituen Basi, Lisa Folawiyo, Tolu Coker, and Orange Culture. Expect a similar mix of top-tier and rising African designers this year.
