At GTCO Fashion Weekend, African Style Takes Center Stage

Mary Nnah

The 7th edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend was a vibrant celebration of African style and creativity, showcasing the best of the continent’s fashion talent. Held on November 9th and 10th at the Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, the event brought together fashion enthusiasts, designers, and industry experts from around the world.

Lulu Kennedy, founder and director of Fashion East, a renowned not-for-profit talent incubator, was one of the keynote speakers at the event. With a career spanning over two decades, Kennedy has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of over 200 British fashion designers, including Kim Jones, Simone Rocha, and JW Anderson.

Kennedy’s visit to Nigeria marked her first time in the country, and she was impressed by the vibrant culture and talented designers she encountered. “I love Lagos,” she said. “I’ve been driving through the streets and just looking at all the different tones and complexions. The skin here is so beautiful.”

During her masterclass session, Kennedy shared her insights on how to incubate talent and support the next generation of fashion designers. “I’m passionate about discovering and nurturing new talent,” she said. “I believe that the next generation of fashion designers holds the key to shaping the future of the industry.”

Kennedy’s organisation, Fashion East, has been instrumental in providing a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work. “We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and it’s been amazing to see how the industry has evolved,” she said.

When asked about potential collaborations with Nigerian designers, Kennedy expressed her enthusiasm for working with local talent. “With the right partners and strategy, I think we can do something really exciting,” she said. “I’d love to explore opportunities for collaboration and see how we can support each other.”

Another notable speaker at the event was Sheika Daley, a celebrated makeup artist. Daley shared her inspiring story of how she started her career, from being a ballerina to becoming a successful makeup artist.

“I want to create products that are specifically for the Nigerian market,” Daley said. “I want to tap into the beauty of African skin and create something that celebrates its uniqueness.”

Daley’s passion for makeup and beauty was evident throughout her session, and her message resonated with the audience. “I believe that beauty is not just about physical appearance, but also about confidence and self-expression,” she said.

The GTCO Fashion Weekend was a celebration of African fashion, creativity, and excellence. With its rich history and commitment to promoting fashion talent, the event has become a benchmark for fashion excellence in Africa.

The event featured a range of activities, including masterclasses, workshops, and fashion shows. The fashion shows showcased the latest designs from some of Africa’s most talented designers, and the audience was wowed by the creativity and innovation on display.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, events like the GTCO Fashion Weekend play a crucial role in shaping the future of African fashion. With its focus on nurturing talent, promoting creativity, and celebrating African culture, the event is a testament to the power of fashion to unite and inspire people around the world.

The success of the GTCO Fashion Weekend is a reflection of the growing influence of African fashion on the global stage. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that African designers will play a major role in shaping the future of fashion.

With its commitment to promoting fashion talent and celebrating African culture, the GTCO Fashion Weekend is an event that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a designer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of African culture, this event is a must-attend.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: African fashion is here to stay, and events like the GTCO Fashion Weekend will play a major role in shaping its future.