Lagos hosts GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025

Lagos is buzzing with excitement as the Guaranty Trust Fashion Weekend kicked off at the GTCentre in Victoria Island, drawing designers, models, and fashion lovers from across Africa and beyond. The annual two-day event, organised by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), has become one of the continent’s most anticipated fashion showcases, combining creativity, commerce, and cultural expression under one roof.

This year’s edition features twelve major runway shows, highlighting a mix of emerging and established designers from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and France. The collections on display range from vibrant African prints to modern minimalist designs, reflecting the diversity and innovation shaping today’s fashion scene. Organisers said the event aims to celebrate African talent while positioning Lagos as a global fashion capital.

In addition to the runway, the Fashion Weekend offers six masterclass sessions led by leading industry figures. Topics include sustainable fashion, digital innovation, business strategy, and global market expansion, all designed to equip young designers and entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to scale their brands. “GTCO Fashion Weekend is not just about style, it’s about building an ecosystem for creative enterprise,” said a company spokesperson during the opening ceremony.

A bustling marketplace and exhibition area complement the shows, where local artisans, small businesses, and fashion retailers are showcasing and selling their creations. Visitors can browse everything from handmade accessories to ready-to-wear collections and high-end couture pieces. For many small designers, the event provides a rare opportunity to reach new audiences and connect with buyers from around the world.

The atmosphere in Lagos has been electric, with long queues forming outside the venue hours before doors opened. Music, art, and food stalls have added to the festival spirit, creating what many attendees described as a “celebration of African creativity.” Guests from across the continent and international fashion media have praised the event’s organisation and its commitment to supporting homegrown talent.

Over the years, GTCO Fashion Weekend has evolved into a platform that not only promotes fashion but also drives economic growth through the creative industries. Its combination of runway glamour and entrepreneurial training has made it unique in Africa’s fashion calendar. As the 2025 edition unfolds, the event continues to embody Lagos’s growing reputation as a hub for style, innovation, and opportunity — proving that African fashion is not just thriving but leading the conversation on the global stage.