The GTCO Fashion Weekend gallery exhibition transformed a converted banking hall in Lagos into a breathtaking celebration of African creativity, marking eight years of the platform's significant impact on the continent's fashion landscape.
A Journey Through African Fashion History
From the moment visitors stepped into the exhibition on October 31, they were transported into a world where fashion meets heritage. The space featured richly styled mannequins wearing bold red couture, archival runway photographs, and sculptural installations that collectively narrated the evolution of African design.
The experience began with a striking photo wall displaying magazine pages on hangers, complemented by vintage sewing machines and reels of thread that grounded the exhibition in the authentic craft of fashion creation. This initial setup immediately communicated the event's core message: style is always a good idea.
Showcasing Design Excellence
As guests ascended the signature orange-painted stairs—a nod to GTBank's brand colors—they encountered mannequins wearing elaborate, theatrical designs that could rival any international fashion showcase. Among the standout pieces was the viral, fully hand-beaded House of Marvee dress that once dominated social media timelines and dinner-table conversations.
The upper level revealed an even more immersive experience. Two violinists provided a melodic backdrop, creating an intimate atmosphere that contrasted with Lagos's usual hustle. Rows of mannequins displayed garments from renowned designers including Mai Atafo, Emmy Kasbit, Ituen Basi, Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Fruche, Orire, The Ladymaker, and Deola Sagoe—all names that have defined the GTCO runway over the years.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Craft
The exhibition paid profound tribute to African cultural traditions through multiple dedicated sections. A glass booth showcased exquisite shoes while another displayed a flowing agbada by Deji and Kola. The Crown Culture section featured intricate hairstyles ranging from detailed patewo patterns to sculptural braid crowns, honoring beauty traditions that have shaped generations.
At the heart of the exhibition stood a powerful circular installation filled with images from past events, all connected by ropes to a central cage housing a butterfly sewing machine. This symbolic representation literally tethered past and present, emphasizing the continuity of African creative expression.
Throughout the space, guests moved between displays, enjoying cocktails, mocktails, and conversations while models, stylists, and editors mingled—creating the atmosphere of a large family revisiting shared memories.
Strengthening Fashion Enterprise
Beyond the visual spectacle, the exhibition reinforced GTCO's longstanding commitment to promoting enterprise within the African fashion ecosystem. By bringing emerging and established designers together in one space, the gallery demonstrated the vast diversity of the continent's fashion vocabulary while supporting the artisans and entrepreneurs whose work drives culture forward.
The GTCO Fashion Weekend has evolved from a simple runway event into a crucial platform connecting small fashion businesses to wider markets, amplifying talent and possibility across Africa. This year's gallery exhibition served as both a tribute to eight years of achievement and a bridge pointing toward the future direction of African fashion innovation.
