By Yemisi Suleiman

GTBank Fashion and Design Week

Lanre Da Silver

As part of its strategy to assist in unlocking growth opportunities for businesses in the fashion industry, leading African bank, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, has announced the debut of the GT Bank Fashion Weekend .

The two-day consumer focused event billed for 12th-13th of November, is themed, “Promoting Enterprise” and is set to create an ultimate fashion experience, where the most promising and talented retail brands will showcase the latest fashion trends and products to a large and diverse audience of consumers, fashion aficionados and industry professionals.

Positioned as a sequel to the GTBank Food and Drink Weekend, the GTBank Fashion Weekend  according to Mr Segun Agbaje, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, is part of the Bank’s initiative to strengthen small businesses in key economic sectors through non-profit consumer-focused fairs, and capacity building initiatives that serve to boost their expertise, exposure and business growth.

The Weekend will be headlined by top fashion industry experts, trend setters as well as locally renowned designers and style authorities. Attendees will be treated to a series of fashion events such as Entrepreneurial and Fashion Master Classes and Retail Exhibitions.

Mr Agbaje revealed that the GTBank Fashion weekend fashion Master classes are facilitated by renowned local and international fashion experts. “This year’s Master Classes will cover relevant topics addressing challenges and opportunities across the entire industry value chain including: Fashion Entrepreneurship; Perfecting Design; Brand Positioning, Growth & Profitability; Product Development; The e-Commerce Leap and several others.”

He informed that the retail exhibition will showcase dozens of leading Small Businesses within the fashion and beauty industry, offering a diverse range of affordable and luxury apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty items, and much more. As part of the exhibition experience, there will be a craft section, featuring handcrafted indigenous garments and accessories. Culminating each day will be a series of Runway shows featuring collections by renowned Nigerian and African Fashion brands.

Commenting on the ultimate goal of the GTBank Fashion Weekend, Mr Segun Agbaje, said; “

“We are thrilled to be the first in the Nigerian financial sector to pioneer an initiative that will assist in unlocking growth opportunities for businesses in the fashion industry. We believe we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that our customers have all the necessary tools to achieve success within the global economy.  We will use our strength, global reach, expertise and relationships to make a positive impact for our customers and invariably our communities.  We are committed to growing SMEs in a sustainable manner that is not driven by profits but focused on empowering our customers and growing our economy collectively.”

GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry. The GTBank brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.