The 2026 edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, bringing together fashion designers, entrepreneurs, creatives and enthusiasts for two days of fashion, learning and business opportunities.
Organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, the event will hold at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on both days. Attendance is free and open to the public.
With the theme Fashion Is Timeless, this year’s edition will celebrate fashion as an enduring expression of culture, creativity and identity, while highlighting its potential as a driver of enterprise and economic growth. The platform also reflects GTCO’s continued efforts to support Africa’s fashion industry by providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase their work, engage consumers and grow their businesses.
The two-day programme will feature masterclasses facilitated by notable personalities from the international fashion and beauty industries. Among those scheduled to lead sessions are fashion entrepreneur, model and digital creator Sherlina Nym; Rachel Ojuromi; Renee Morris, founder of natural hair brand Uncle Funky’s Daughter; and Buttah Skin, which will lead a skincare masterclass.
The runway segment will also feature collections from a diverse line-up of African and international designers. Designers expected to showcase their collections on the first day include Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi. Day two will feature Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith.
In addition to the fashion showcases and learning sessions, attendees will have access to 140 carefully selected fashion retail stores featuring a range of clothing, accessories and other fashion items at accessible prices. A dedicated Streetwear Hub will also form part of the programme, providing a space to celebrate contemporary fashion trends and the creativity influencing modern style and culture.
Speaking ahead of the event, GTCO Chief Executive Officer, Mr Segun Agbaje, described fashion as both a cultural expression and an important source of enterprise and economic opportunity.
“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,” Agbaje said.
He added that the GTCO Fashion Collective would strengthen the company’s efforts to support the people and businesses contributing to Africa’s fashion ecosystem by creating more opportunities for visibility, market access and business development.
“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,” he added.
Since its introduction, GTCO Fashion Weekend has grown into a major consumer-focused fashion and enterprise platform on the continent, attracting designers, retailers, entrepreneurs, creative professionals and fashion enthusiasts. Beyond providing a stage for fashion showcases, the initiative has continued to create opportunities for emerging and established businesses to engage consumers, build networks and explore new markets.
Through its combination of retail exhibitions, masterclasses, runway presentations and networking opportunities, the annual event continues to highlight the relationship between fashion, creativity and enterprise, while providing a platform for African designers and businesses to strengthen their presence within the global fashion industry.