Abayomi Susan
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025, Nigeria’s premier annual fashion showcase, wrapped up its 8th edition on a high note after two days of striking design expressions, rising talent, and a vibrant celebration of enterprise. Held at the GT Centre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, the event drew a dynamic mix of fashion insiders, designers, entrepreneurs, models, and an enthusiastic public ready to connect, explore, and be inspired.
This year’s theme, “Fashion Is Freedom,” captured the heart of the weekend’s message—celebrating fashion as a powerful form of self-expression, a driver of innovation, a marker of identity, and a thriving business. As highlighted on the event’s official site, GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 aims to spotlight the richness of African fashion while championing enterprise across the continent’s fast-evolving fashion industry.
The weekend kicked off with engaging masterclasses led by prominent voices in global and African fashion. British-Jamaican designer Bianca Saunders explored themes of cultural storytelling and authenticity, while Jade Oyateru, co-founder of Trillbende, unpacked innovation in retail. Beauty entrepreneur Melissa Butler inspired attendees with lessons from her brand-building journey.
This year’s runway featured 12 standout shows, uniting top fashion houses from Nigeria and across the globe. The collections highlighted a blend of African heritage, contemporary tailoring, and sustainable design, drawing strong praise for creativity and cultural depth.
Off the runway, the energy was electric. Guests turned the venue into a live fashion editorial, showcasing bold colors, statement accessories, experimental silhouettes, and unapologetic style. As one editorial noted, “they came, saw, and slayed—without apology.”
The retail zone buzzed with activity as hundreds of emerging and established local fashion brands connected directly with consumers and industry professionals. More than a showcase, the event proved itself as a thriving hub for commerce, collaboration, and opportunity.
GTCO Fashion Weekend has evolved far beyond a traditional fashion show—it now stands as a key pillar in Africa’s creative economy. As noted in the event’s “About” section, since its launch in 2016, it has supported over 410 small business owners and welcomed industry leaders from 13 countries. In the Nigerian context, it plays a significant role in positioning Lagos as a rising fashion and creative capital, amplifying local talent and spotlighting innovative, home-grown business models.
Attendees moved beyond conventional fashion norms, using style as a tool for personal expression and identity rather than conformity.
Designers leaned into ethically made, culturally grounded fashion—blending African textiles, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainable practices into contemporary designs.With masterclasses, retail activations, and active networking, the event reinforced fashion as a serious business—where creativity meets commerce and strategy.
The lines between runway and street style blurred, as guests brought high-fashion energy into public spaces, transforming the venue into a living, breathing fashion showcase.
Looking ahead, the organisers have reiterated their dedication to “promoting enterprise” and strengthening the bridge between African creativity and global markets. As the event evolves toward 2026 and beyond, we can anticipate greater integration of digital fashion, expanded international collaborations, and a deeper focus on business education to empower African creatives.
In conclusion, the 2025 GTCO Fashion Weekend offered more than just a visual feast—it sparked meaningful dialogue, boosted commerce, and celebrated creative freedom. With diverse audiences, compelling business programming, and bold style, Lagos proved once again that when fashion intersects with enterprise, the runway stretches well beyond the stage.
