GTCO FASHION WEEKEND RETURNS WITH GLOBAL DESIGNERS, 140 RETAIL STORES IN LAGOS

GTCO FASHION WEEKEND RETURNS WITH GLOBAL DESIGNERS, 140 RETAIL STORES IN LAGOS

…Unveils Fashion Collective to Drive Year-Round Growth of African Creative Industry**

LAGOS, November 5, 2026** – Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is set to bring together leading international designers, fashion entrepreneurs and creative talents as its flagship GTCO Fashion Weekend returns for its ninth edition on November 7 and 8, 2026, at the GTCentre, Oniru, Lagos.

With the theme, **“Fashion Is Timeless,”** the two-day event will celebrate fashion as a powerful expression of culture, creativity and identity, while providing opportunities for enterprise development, networking and business growth across Africa’s fashion industry.

Scheduled to run from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, the event is free and open to the public.

A major attraction of this year’s edition will be the runway showcases featuring 12 renowned designers from Africa and the international fashion industry.

Saturday’s runway presentations will feature Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi, while Sunday’s showcase will spotlight Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith.

The designers are expected to showcase distinctive collections that reflect diverse cultural influences, innovative craftsmanship and emerging trends in contemporary fashion.

Beyond the runway, the event will feature masterclasses led by accomplished personalities in fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Facilitators include 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 dedicated skincare session.

The masterclasses will provide participants with practical knowledge and insights into fashion entrepreneurship, beauty, personal branding and emerging opportunities within the creative industry.

The ninth edition will also feature 140 curated fashion retail stores, offering visitors access to a wide range of clothing, accessories and wardrobe essentials at accessible prices. A dedicated Streetwear Hub will further showcase contemporary street culture, celebrating individuality, creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit shaping modern fashion.

In a major development, GTCO will introduce the **GTCO Fashion Collective**, a year-round platform designed to sustain the impact of Fashion Weekend beyond its annual two-day event.

The initiative will bring together designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers, content creators and other professionals across the fashion value chain, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, increased visibility and commercial growth.

Speaking ahead of the event, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje, said fashion remained an important expression of creativity and culture, as well as a significant driver 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,” Agbaje said.

He explained that the introduction of the Fashion Collective would strengthen the company’s commitment to connecting professionals across the creative industry and sustaining opportunities for business development throughout the year.

According to him, the initiative will provide a platform for designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers and content creators to deepen professional relationships and expand their reach beyond the annual fashion showcase.

Agbaje added that the platform reflects GTCO’s commitment to supporting the people and businesses driving 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 said.

Since its inception, GTCO Fashion Weekend has grown into one of Africa’s leading consumer-focused fashion and enterprise platforms, attracting designers, retailers, creative entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts.

Through its runway showcases, retail exhibitions and capacity-building sessions, the initiative has continued to provide opportunities for emerging and established businesses to showcase their creativity, engage consumers and access new markets.

With the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective, the Group is further expanding its support for the creative economy by creating a platform that encourages sustained engagement, collaboration and commercial opportunities within the fashion industry.

Fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and members of the public are expected at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, on November 7 and 8, 2026, for two days of fashion, creativity, innovation and enterprise.

Admission is free and open to all.

About GTCO Plc

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions and customer-centric approach, the Group provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management and pension fund administration.

GTCO Plc is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets.