…Shine Light on Authentic African Fabrics Craftsmanship

FROM designers to models, stylists, photographers and a broader creative community, GTCO Fashion Weekend 2026 has announced the introduction of the ‘GTCO Fashion Collective’ for the oncoming 9th edition billed to hold on November 7-8 at the Water Corporation Drive Oniru Lagos.

Year-in and out, the GTCO Fashion Weekend continues to present unmatched Fashion showcases, turning fashion entrepreneurial ambition into thriving businesses while redefining how African fashion is showcased, sustained, and commercialised.

The introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective, a year round platform that connects every part of the African fashion ecosystem including the craft-people behind Africa’s most authentic fabrics; the Aso-oke weavers, Adire dyers and indigenous artisans, is evidence that the yearly fashion fair is committed to sustaining the African fashion experiences both within the continent and on global fashion spheres.

According to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Guaranty Trust Holding Company plc (GTCO) Segun Agbaje, the GTCO Fashion Collective was curated to keep the conversation, the commerce and collaboration going long after the runway lights of the season go down.

“The collective fashion ecosystem will also feature a digital manufacturer and textile directory that gives the opportunity to shine light on the craft-people who have always been at the heart of fashion but rarely at the front of it. They are the foundation on which African fashion stands, and they deserve a permanent, searchable home in our ecosystem,” Agbaje stated.

The GCEO also reiterated that at the core of everything the financial institution does through the yearly fashion fair, is a commitment to promoting enterprise and creating great experiences.

Group Head of Corporate Communications, GTCO Oyinade Adegite, during a media briefing at the GTCO Head office in Lagos during the week said the GTCO Fashion Collective is a monumental addition for this year’s edition.

She said: “It is the introduction of a dedicated Craft Fabric Market. The Fashion collective is opening a direct spotlight and commercial arena for the grassroots artisans behind African fashion. The craft fabric market creates the platform for the traditional makers who form the backbone of African textile heritage to share center stage with high-fashion runways.”

Adegite who highlighted how the collective platform will serve as an enduring foundation for creative enterprise noted that over the past nine years, the GTCO Fashion Weekend has built Africa’s most exciting fashion experience helping thousands of enterprises gain visibility while scaling in their businesses even after each edition was over.

The two-day GTCO Fashion Weekend 9th edition will feature: Craft Fabric Market; Masterclasses; Presentation of Stage Designers; Runway Shows; Curated Pop-Up Stores over 140 vendors amongst others.