Lagos was set ablaze with style and enterprise as the 8th edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend launched on Saturday at the GTCentre in Oniru.
Under the theme ‘Fashion Is Freedom’, the event established itself as a powerful platform celebrating self-expression, identity, and innovation, exploring fashion not merely as art but as a vital instrument of empowerment and economic growth.
The opening day seamlessly blended insightful business discourse with breathtaking creative displays. It began with a series of inspiring masterclasses designed to equip aspiring fashion entrepreneurs.
Award-winning designer Bianca Saunders delved into cultural storytelling and the pursuit of authenticity in building a global menswear label. She emphasised the necessity of global awareness paired with original design.
“Definitely pay attention to what is happening in the world of fashion, it is really important. You want to create something that is new but also what is the point of the fabric you are making,” she said.
“Is it to be very stylish or inspire a group of people that really speak to your world around you? That is a very strong point, to know why you are doing what you are doing.”
Jade Oyateru, co-founder of Trillbende, shared pragmatic insights on driving growth in African retail through innovation and customer-centric business models.
The session was rounded out by Melissa Butler, founder of The Lip Bar, who motivated participants with her remarkable journey from a small start-up to a globally recognised beauty brand.
As the day progressed, the runway came alive with breathtaking showcases from some of Africa’s most innovative designers. Collections from Ituen Basi, The Bam Collective, Sevon Dejana, Mmuso Maxwell, Mowalola, and Priya Ahluwalia unveiled bold visions that masterfully fused African heritage, sustainable practices, contemporary tailoring, and cutting-edge design.
Beyond the runway, guests immersed themselves in a vibrant marketplace, exploring a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and ready-to-wear pieces from both emerging and established designers.
This experiential shopping experience reaffirmed the event’s core commitment to supporting local talent and strengthening the foundation of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The event’s second day continued the momentum, opening with a masterclass led by the Angolan-born supermodel and entrepreneur Maria Borges.
Her career has consistently redefined global beauty standards. Speaking on ‘The Model Mindset: From Getting Signed to Staying Relevant’, Borges captivated the audience with her journey—from being discovered in the Elite Model Look Contest in 2010 to gracing the runways for fashion’s most esteemed houses, including Dior, Chanel, Versace, and Victoria’s Secret.
See more photos from the event below:
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