By Yemisi Suleiman

The 2024 GTCO Fashion Weekend, marked its 7th edition with grandeur, attracting thousands of fashion aficionados, designers, and industry experts from across Africa and beyond.

Over two thrilling days (November 8-9), the 2024 GTCO Fashion Weekend delivered a dazzling experience, blending style, excitement, and exhilaration for fashion enthusiasts.

The event which is aimed at promoting enterprise and providing platforms that supports small business in the community, also brings Africa’s vast creativity to the forefront. It educates Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs on current trends and provide them with the tools to succeed in the global fashion industry, via it’s masterclasses with industry professionals.

The GTCO Fashion Weekend Street was set ablaze by fashion-conscious youths, who brought their A-game in terms of style. Amidst the excitement of shopping and runway presentations, the street style stole the spotlight, it was a dynamic, unscripted display of individuality and creativity.

In the exhibition area attendees were greeted with a custom-curated site at the expansive GTCO center in Victoria Island, Lagos. The venue featured a large number of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stores displaying an array of in-season goods. The fashion presentation stage featured new collections from Nigerian designers Ninie, Lohije, and Jewel Jamila, among others.

The masterclass series kicked off with talk from British Fashionista and founder of Fashion East, Lulu Kennedy. Known as the fairy godmother of British Fashion, Kennedy discussed her journey into the fashion industry and the importance of supporting young talent. She emphasized the need to give one’s best effort when building a lasting fashion brand, including curating social media, networking, and starting small.

Kennedy also discussed the future of global fashion, highlighting the importance of the youth and their appreciation for diverse aesthetics. She emphasized that the future of fashion is bright and vibrant, driven by the values and demands of the younger generation.

Top fashion and lifestyle influencer, Patricia Bright, who was the second facilitator spoke on the importance of improving one’s online presence and creating an online world. She discussed her background in accounting and how she transitioned into producing content, highlighting the importance of reinvention and consistency.

New York celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson hosted a masterclass, which featured a talk from his book, titled Iconic Hair: The Hollywood Story : a memoir and visual celebration of the art of hairstyling. The book showcases Gibson’s impressive career working with celebrities and transforming their looks.

Gibson has worked with top models, actresses, and fashion insiders, and his styles have been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and at runway shows like Chanel and Prada.

The runway show was the pièce de résistance of the GTCO Fashion Weekend, featuring stellar collections from South African designerGert Johan Coetzee, Orire, Onalaja, Hue by Idera, Romeo Hunte, Ituen Bassi, Tolu Coker, Laquan Smith and Sukeina, amongst others. These designers showcased breathtaking collections that celebrated: Black excellence, Intricate beading, Sultry cut-outs, Opulent embellishments, Ethereal organza, Romantic ruffles and Vibrant tie-and-dye floral patterns.

These visionary designers pushed the boundaries of fashion, blending cutting-edge style with timeless elegance. The runway show was a true masterclass in creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, leaving audiences in awe.

Overall, the 2024 GTCO Fashion Weekend was an unforgettable experience that celebrated African fashion, creativity, and innovation. With over 140 free exhibition booths showcasing local and international designs, the event highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous African fashion and enterprise. GTCO’s commitment to the fashion industry is evident in its partnership with top fashion brands and institutions, providing a platform for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to thrive.