The Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) recently marked a significant milestone in its support of the creative sector with the GTCO Fashion Exhibition 2025. Held on Friday, 31st October 2025, the exclusive event celebrated the brand's eighth anniversary of championing Nigerian fashion excellence. This visual tribute honoured the longstanding partnership between GTCO and the nation's fashion designers, showcasing both established icons and emerging talents who are shaping the industry's future.
A Journey Through the Heart of Nigerian Creativity
Upon entering the exhibition space, visitors were immediately immersed in a world dedicated to Nigerian artistry. The atmosphere was set by a distinctive sky-blue and white carpet, creating a unique environment focused solely on local creativity. A central installation, named "The Heart of Creation," featured a black iron structure resembling a cage, housing a sewing machine. Photographs of models from past GTCO runway shows were suspended from it, connected by a black rope leading back to the machine. This powerful piece symbolized the foundational creative process, reminding all that every glamorous look begins with the simple, powerful act of sewing.
The exhibition powerfully highlighted the legacy of the event through a dedicated wall of fame. It featured bold black-and-white portraits of 34 renowned designers who have graced the GTCO runway over the years. This prestigious list included names like FRUCHE, KNANFE, Desiree Iyama, Onalaja, Hue by Idera, Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, Tolu Coker, and Jewel Jemila, offering a visual timeline of the industry's dynamic growth and diversity.
Celebrating Heritage: From Crown Culture to Traditional Textiles
A significant segment of the exhibition, titled "Crown Culture," was devoted to the artistry and heritage of African hair. It displayed intricate traditional hairstyles such as Patewo, Irun Kiko, Suku, and Heavenly King, each accompanied by its historical context. The showcase was accentuated by three avant-garde headpieces created by celebrity hairstylist Zubby Definition.
Adjacent to this was a homage to classic Nigerian fashion houses, displaying works from legends like Lisa Folawiyo, Mai Atafo, Deola Sagoe, and Ituen Basi. These pieces served as a reminder of Nigeria's enduring legacy in luxury craftsmanship and design innovation.
The exhibition also dedicated entire rooms to Nigeria's cherished traditional textiles. The Loom Room provided a live demonstration of how Aso Oke, the prestigious handwoven fabric of the Yoruba people, is created. Visitors could observe the intricate wooden loom in operation and admire finished fabrics. Just outside, a mannequin showcased a stunning Aso Oke Agbada by the premium menswear brand Deji and Kola.
Directly opposite, The Adire Room unveiled the meticulous art of tie-dye. It displayed all the tools and materials involved in the process—white ropes, candle wax, fabric dyes, caustic soda, and wooden stamps—alongside beautifully folded finished Adire cloth. A mannequin wearing a striking Adire two-piece outfit by designer Mawuli Kome illustrated the modern application of this traditional fabric.
Spotlight on the New Wave and Lasting Impact
Perhaps the most forward-looking section featured twelve mannequins dressed in creations from Nigeria's most exciting contemporary designers. This "New Wave" included brands like ANKO, Tazar Studio, Vicnate, House of Marvee, Eki Kere, Tubo, and Fia Factory, highlighting the fresh talent pushing the boundaries of Nigerian fashion today. The exhibition was rounded off with dedicated displays of footwear, showcasing everything from strappy heels to runway-ready sandals.
In essence, the GTCO Fashion Exhibition 2025 was a profound celebration of culture, continuity, and community. It honoured the designers who built the industry, celebrated the artisans behind the crafts, and spotlighted the next generation of innovators. Through eight years of consistent support, GTCO has cemented its role not just as a financial institution, but as a vital cultural platform and storyteller for Nigeria's vibrant and evolving fashion landscape.
