By: Okosun Dennis
The Streetwear Hub has always been fashion showmanship, were designers make unforgettable impressions that sparks undying imagination.
For the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) fashion weekend kicking off from 7th – 8th November, the young lads – Gen Z – or even millennial dress sense will feature prominently during the show that is hitting its 9th edition.
It is a fashion weekend that will celebrate contemporary fashion and the creativity shaping today’s culture.
Under the theme “Fashion Is Timeless,” its timelessness is of the essence as fashion enthusiasts will gather at No 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru to celebrate this season leading to the Yuletide.
According to the organisers in Lagos, it’s going to be a lasting expression of creativity, culture and identity, which reinforces GTCO’s commitment to promoting enterprise and supporting the growth of Africa’s fashion industry.
No doubt, over the years, the street styles has become the buzz with the young lads buying up almost everything on display. To spice it, there are plenty of continental and African cusine laying behind the gamut of space where they snack and toast to juicy chilled drinks and pepper meat you salvour the moments.
Interestingly, the 9th edition, offers a decent platform for fashion entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunity to showcase their creativity, reach new customers and expand their businesses.
Other side attractions the two-day event will garner is featuring an engaging masterclasses led by accomplished voices from the global fashion and beauty industries, including fashion entrepreneur, model and digital creator Sherlina Nym, Rachel Ojuromi and Renee Morris, founder of natural hair brand Uncle Funky’s Daughter, and a skincare masterclass by Buttah Skin.
The runway will showcase collections from an exciting line-up of designers from across Africa and beyond.
However, Day one will feature Tongoro, FIA Factory, Ibrahim Fernandez, Washington Roberts, Maison Sara Chraibi and Imane Ayissi, while day two will spotlight Sukeina, House of Marvee, Selam Fessahaye, Kim Shui, Ohlanna Bu Zikora and LaQuan Smith.
Beyond the runway and masterclasses, guests will have the opportunity to explore 140 curated fashion retail stores, offering an exciting variety of stylish pieces at accessible prices.
Adding a comment on the event, Mr Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, said: “Fashion is a powerful expression of creativity and culture, but it is also an important driver of enterprise and economic opportunity.
Over the past nine years, the GTCO Fashion Weekend has evolved into a platform where talent is discovered, knowledge is shared and businesses are connected to new markets.
This year, “we are taking that commitment a step further with the introduction of the GTCO Fashion Collective, a year round platform designed to connect designers, models, stylists, photographers, editors, buyers, content creators and the wider creative community, keeping the conversation, commerce and collaboration going beyond the Fashion Weekend.”
He added: “At the heart of the GTCO Fashion Collective is our commitment to shining a light on the people and businesses that power Africa’s fashion ecosystem.
Since its inception, Fashion Weekend has evolved into one of Africa’s foremost consumer-focused fashion and enterprise platforms, bringing together designers, retailers, creatives, entrepreneurs and fashion opportunities.
By providing a platform for businesses to showcase their creativity, connect with consumers and access new markets, the initiative continues to reinforce the role of fashion as both a cultural force and an engine of enterprise and economic opportunity.