Emmanuel Ukudolo I Friday, Nov.07, 2025
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The fashion buzz that has enveloped Lagos over the past week is set to reach a fever pitch as the GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 officially kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, November 8th, at Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island.
Billed as Africa’s largest consumer-focused fashion fair, the 8th edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend is more than just a dazzling runway; it is a meticulously structured ecosystem built to connect creativity with commerce.
This year’s theme is heavily focused on enterprise growth, digital transformation, and radical inclusivity, signalling a major commitment to the business side of African style.
Expectations for the runway shows are sky-high, featuring an eclectic mix of homegrown legends and international powerhouses.
The lineup promises bold, enthralling fashion statements. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Nigerian icons like Ituen Basi and the fiercely experimental Mowalola, whose work continues to define global Afrofuturism.
However, the global spotlight will also shine intensely on African diaspora and continental stars such as the Senegalese brand Tongoro Studio (co-signed by Beyoncé for their innovative designs) and the South African duo Mmuso Maxwell, known for their architectural tailoring and quiet, refined power. The collision of high concept couture with sophisticated, ready-to-wear luxury is poised to create unforgettable moments.
What truly sets the GTCO Fashion Weekend apart is its commitment to the fashion economy.
The massive, free-to-access Marketplace will feature hundreds of indigenous small businesses, offering a crucial platform for sales and global exposure.
Equally vital are the Masterclasses. This year’s sessions are packed with actionable business advice, featuring global industry leaders like London-based luxury menswear designer Bianca Saunders and beauty mogul Patrick Ta.
These sessions are designed to equip entrepreneurs with tools for sustainable growth, covering everything from digital marketing to ethical sourcing—the true foundation of a lasting fashion empire.
In a nod to Lagos’s status as a global style capital, organizers have dedicated an Expanded Streetwear and Youth Hub.
This zone is expected to be a magnet for Gen Z creatives and trendsetters, promising an explosion of unique street style that often dictates the trends for the coming season.
Furthermore, the commitment to inclusive casting and broader representation on the runway is a clear expectation for this edition, ensuring that the event genuinely reflects the diversity of African bodies and aesthetics.
As the final lights are checked and the last stalls are set up along Water Corporation Drive, the excitement is palpable.
GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 is set to solidify Lagos’s reputation not just as a host of beautiful clothes, but as a driving force in the global creative economy.
