By Christy Anyanwu
For two days, fashionistas and other fashion enthusiasts will experience unparalleled fashion moments as designers set the runway on fire at the sixth edition of the Guaranty Trust (GTCO) Fashion Weekend, which will hold on November 11th and 12th, 2023 at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos.
The GTCO Fashion Weekend is an annual free business platform and consumers focused fair designed to showcase the best Africa’s finest fashion to a global audience. It combines elements of global fashion trends, the delicate nuances of African streetwear styles, and human creative enterprise to create one of the most delightful experiences in fashion retail.
Over the years, the event has brought together, some of Africa’s prominent fashion brands alongside relatively newer labels to interact with universally celebrated fashion icons and engaging style personalities to interact with young Africans who are passionate about fashion.
Group Head, Corporate Communications and External Affairs, GTCO,Mrs. Oyinade Adegite, said in keeping with the tradition this year’s event will feature insightful masterclasses, thrilling runway shows, free retail stalls, for over 120 fashion designersand a streetwear village.
“Colourful facades,lively music and a delightful ambience that would create a multisensory, thoroughly fulfilling experience for all attendees.”
Adegite said: “Promoting enterprise in the fashion industry leads to increased economic growth within the local and global markets. This industry has a significant impact on job creation and export earnings. This allows for diversity in the market and promotes innovation and creativity.”
Moreso, she added that it has aided revitalization of local fashion cultures, helped to revive and preserve local fashion cultures. It has provided a platform for local designers and artisans to showcase their unique creations and traditional craftsmanship.
Also, sustainable fashion movement and enterprise promotion that has pushed the fashion industry towards sustainability.
“The show has encouraged ethical practices, responsible sourcing, and eco-friendly production methods, the industry can create positive change and reduce its environmental impact.
Commenting on the 2023 GTCO Fashion Weekend, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, said: “Fashion is not just about making items of clothing and style accessories. It’s about feelings and channeling creative expressions to create experiences that resonate with various buyers across different market.
“The GTCO fashion weekend is constantly evolving to reflect the rapid growth of global fashion industry in terms of size and sophisticationo,as we continue to draw endless possibilities in fashion retail to create better outcomes for individuals and indigenous businesses and our communities.
“We have kept our vision of supporting small and medium enterprises through the uncertain times of the past two years. Just like our core values as a financial institution, our promise of Promoting Enterprise will never change. We will continue to lend the full weight of our franchise to improving the lives and livelihoods of every African, not only through servicing the full range of our customers’ financial needs with innovative products and services but also by creating and championing initiatives that help businesses and economies thrive.”
The GTCO Fashion Weekend is critically acclaimed as one of the main events in Africa’s fashion circuit, and its 6th edition is sure to entertain.