Much was said about GTCO’s questionable marketing during its online scouting for models who would walk the runway for its fashion show usually held in Lagos, Nigeria but that dust has long since blown over.
You may have been anticipating it or you may have been not, but the GTCO Fashion Weekend 2024 just wrapped up, and it was an absolute vibe. Picture this: a location that had it all (music, fashion and shopping treats), the coolest fashion designers, the freshest styles courtesy of the attendees, and a runway that inspired awe, this event had it all.
In case you didn’t know, the GTCO Fashion Weekend is a prominent event in Lagos, Nigeria, organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company – a parent company of GT Bank– and it’s a consumer-focused fashion exhibition that showcases the best of African fashion, featuring runway shows, masterclasses, and retail experiences.
In summary, the event aims to promote enterprise within the Nigerian fashion industry and provide a platform for designers, creatives, and entrepreneurs to showcase their craft to a wider audience. This year’s event, held on November 9-10, 2024, at its usual location at GTCenter, Plot 1, Water Corporate Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos had included beautiful collections from both Nigerian and international designers, educational masterclasses, and plenty of shopping opportunities for the general audience.
The Highlights
This year’s GTCO Fashion Weekend 2024 was packed with memorable moments. Notable designers from Nigeria and beyond showcased their latest collections, each bringing unique styles and innovations to the runway. Standout collections included vibrant prints, sustainable fashion pieces, and avant-garde designs that pushed creative boundaries. Special moments included surprise celebrity appearances, live performances, and exclusive product launches that kept the audience buzzing with excitement.
– Designer Showcases:
The event featured an impressive lineup of top designers. For instance, Onalaja dazzled the audience with her bold patterns and fantastic beadwork while HUÉ by Idera showcased a collection that was a mix between the traditional Nigerian attire and contemporary fashion.
Sukeina’s use of plaid, ruffles and rich colors stood out, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of the African craftsmanship. While each designer brought their unique vision to life, personally Sukeina was the best for me. I could tell that he was inspired by a lot of notable designers from the West and he gave his designs his best touch.
– Masterclasses:
Admittedly, most of us attend fashion shows for the opportunity to watch the splendid designs on runways and give our own take on our personal style fashion-wise, but for some of these fashion shows, masterclasses are organized and the GTCO Fashion Weekend’s wasn’t an exception.
This year, the attendees were offered valuable insights from industry experts and sessions teaching on topics like sustainable fashion, digital marketing for designers, and the future of African fashion were also offered.
Some of the speakers included Lulu Kennedy and Patricia Bright.
Lulu Kennedy, the founder and director of Fashion East, who spoke on the topic: “Incubating Talent: Supporting The Next Generation” had shared her extensive experience in nurturing emerging designers. She emphasized the importance of providing young talent with the right resources and opportunities to thrive. Kennedy discussed the challenges of funding and logistics but expressed a strong interest in collaborating with Nigerian designers.
On the other hand, Patricia Bright, a renowned fashion influencer and entrepreneur who gave a talk on the topic: “Building Your Brand in the Digital Age” highlighted the power of digital platforms in building a personal brand. She also shared practical tips on leveraging social media to grow an audience and engage with followers authentically. Bright also talked about the importance of staying true to one’s unique voice and vision while adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape. The insights she gave were especially useful for aspiring influencers and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the fashion industry.
– Personal Observations:
One of the things I noticed for this year’s GTCO’s Fashion weekend was the bubby energy and good vibes the attendees radiated, even from watching online. Fashion lovers from all walks of life in Lagos came together in their best fits to celebrate creativity and originality.
The runway shows were a feast for the eyes – each collection had a special story to unravel before the audience.
Fashion brands such as Oriré, Eric Raisina, Xu Zhi, Moye Africa, Ituen Basi and Tolu Coker left no stone unturned in their respective showcases.
Overall, the event was a testament to the vibrancy and potential of Africa and its fashion industry, leaving me excited for what the wfuture holds for the designers in the continent.
