By: Theresa Moses
The 7th edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend will officially kick off on November 9-10, 2024, promising to be a game-changer for African fashion.
Founded in 2016, the GTCO Fashion Weekend has become a premier platform for African fashion, fostering small businesses and talent.
This year’s event brings together 11 renowned designers from across the continent, including Tolu Coker, Oríré, Gert-Johan Coetzee, and Xu Zhi. Also, it will feature masterclasses with industry experts like Lulu Kennedy, Patricia Bright, Sheika Daley, and Ted Gibson.
In his remarks while addressing a cross section of the Media for the 2024 GTCO Fashion Weekend at the Corporate Headquarters of GTCO in Victoria on Thursday, Charles Eremi, Group Corporate Communication, GTCO said that “we share our vision for this year’s event while celebrating African fashion’s global impact.
“We’re proud to empower entrepreneurs, promote creativity, and showcase exceptional talent. Your support is invaluable; let’s make this year’s event unforgettable.”
However, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc noted that at GTCO, we believe that fashion is a powerful engine for economic empowerment, hence our commitment to promoting creativity, empowering entrepreneurs, and ensuring that the world continues to recognize the incredible potential of African fashion remains unwavering.
“Last year, we introduced virtual model casting, expanding our reach beyond geographic boundaries. This innovative idea allowed us to include talents from every corner of the continent, proving that fashion truly has no limits.
“African designs are appearing in luxury boutiques in Paris, Milan, and New York, and our fabrics, patterns, and aesthetics are influencing fashion houses worldwide. The GTCO Fashion Weekend 2024 is a testament to the growing global recognition of African fashion”, he further emphasized.
Highlights of the event embodies innovative fashion retail experiences, masterclasses with industry experts, and runway shows featuring Africa’s finest fashion brands, with opportunities for indigenous small fashion businesses to expand online presence and more.
This year’s lineup includes: Tolu Coker (Nigeria/UK) – Redefining sustainable luxury fashion. Oríré (Nigeria) – Where artisanal craftsmanship meets modern style. Gert-Johan Coetzee (South Africa) – Glamorous, body-conscious red-carpet designs. Xu Zhi (China/UK) – Blending tradition with contemporary elegance.
Ituen Basi (Nigeria) – Pioneering innovative uses of Ankara fabric. Romeo Hunte (USA) – Edgy yet sophisticated designs. Eric Raisina (Madagascar/France) – Natural materials and unique textures. Hue by Idera (Nigeria) – Elegant, handcrafted designs. Selly Raby Kane (Senegal) – Avant-garde innovation. Sukeina (USA/Gambia) – Progressive, innovative designs. Onalaja (Nigeria/UK) – Transforming traditional techniques into 3D art.
The GTCO Fashion Weekend 2024 is not just a showcase; it’s a movement. It’s a celebration of African excellence, creativity, and innovation. It is committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed.
The masterclasses will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to learn from industry experts, with this year’s lineup includes: Lulu Kennedy: Fashion entrepreneurship. Patricia Bright: Building a successful fashion brand. Sheika Daley: The art of styling.Ted Gibson: The business of beauty
The GTCO Fashion Weekend 2024 is a testament to the power of African fashion. Empower African fashion and take the industry to new heights.
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