By Theresa Moses
In an exclusive pre-event press conference and tour for selected journalists, GTCO opened the doors of its premium Ikoyi branch to unveil an immersive cultural experience that wove together art, ancestry, and innovation.
The Loom Room: Threads of Time and Tradition
Inside the Loom Room (Aso Oke), a symbolic tribute to craftsmanship awaited. Though the looms stood still, it carried the quiet dignity of history — it’s wooden frames strung with vibrant Aso Oke threads that spoke of artistry, ancestry, and resilience.
Each pattern on display told a story — of heritage, craftsmanship, and the unbroken spirit of African creativity.
“Aso Oke is not merely woven; it is sung into being — a rhythm passed from hand to hand, generation to generation Nero explained softly.
Every displayed weave shimmered with memory, and every fabric carried the pulse of identity. It was heritage reborn, not as relic, but as fashion — timeless, tactile, and proud.
Crown Culture: The Majesty of African Hair
The next stop was the breathtaking Crown Culture Exhibition, a tribute to the artistry of African hair. Here, intricate braids, cornrows, and twists took centre stage, celebrating the legacy of African beauty and craftsmanship.
From the patewo to kolese, each style represented more than aesthetics — it was a statement of resilience, pride, and belonging.
“Our hair is our crown, and our culture is our identity, What we wear on our heads is history — living, breathing, evolving.”
The exhibition dispelled stereotypes and restored pride in African hairstyling as both art and heritage — one that continues to inspire global fashion narratives.
Tie and Dye (Adire), Shoes, Streetwear, and Designer Heritage
The journalists were also treated to a curated display of tie-dye (Adire) textiles, selected shoes, and streetwear pieces that have graced previous GTCO Fashion Weekends.
Adding to the experience were selected clothes and dresses by various designers who have showcased their creativity at GTCO Fashion Weekend since inception — a nostalgic journey through evolving trends and timeless craftsmanship.
Each display echoed the festival’s essence — merging enterprise with expression, and tradition with trend.
Here, artistry met innovation. What began in homes and workshops across Nigeria now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global fashion powerhouses, proving that African creativity needs no validation — only visibility.
Setting the Stage for GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025
The exclusive media tour and press conference served as a prelude to the main spectacle — GTCOt Fashion Weekend 2025, which returns with a bang on November 8 and 9, 2025, at Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
This 8th edition promises to outshine its predecessors with runway shows, retail experiences, masterclasses, and a vibrant streetwear hub, all celebrating creativity and enterprise.
“As we mark the eighth edition of Africa’s biggest fashion event, we take pride in how far this journey has come and the countless stories it has inspired,” said Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO.
Masterclasses That Inspire
This year’s Masterclass lineup brings together some of the brightest minds in global fashion and beauty:
- Bianca Saunders on “The Business of Creativity: Scaling a Fashion Brand Beyond Wholesale.”
- Jade Oyateru on “The Power of Story: Building Brands People Believe In.”
- Melissa Butler on “Building a Business from Zero to a Multi-Million Dollar Empire.”
- Maria Borges on “The Model Mindset: From Getting Signed to Staying Relevant.”
- Christiana Tegbe on “The Science of Ritual: From Heritage to Results — The Future of African Beauty.”
- Patrick Ta on “The Art of Makeup: Creating Looks That Inspire Confidence.”
Each session promises to ignite conversations around sustainability, storytelling, and cultural ownership in African fashion.
More Than Fashion — A Movement
For GTCO, the Fashion Weekend is more than an event. It’s a celebration of enterprise, a bridge between emerging designers and global markets, and a love letter to African creativity.
Over the years, it has evolved into one of the continent’s most anticipated fashion and lifestyle showcases — a space where tradition meets tomorrow.
Indeed, at GTCO Fashion Weekend, heritage doesn’t fade — it evolves.
Because as every attendee knows by now, GTCO Fashion Weekend is “always a good idea!”
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