Lagos came alive on Saturday, November 7, 2026, as Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) hosted the ninth edition of its annual GTCO Fashion Weekend, bringing together fashion entrepreneurs, retailers, designers, beauty brands and industry enthusiasts for a celebration of creativity, enterprise and innovation.
The two-day event attracted hundreds of vendors and retailers who showcased a wide range of products across different categories, including lingerie and intimates, perfumery, skincare, men’s and women’s clothing, hair products, makeup, footwear, luxury fashion, children’s wear, sportswear, activewear, streetwear, bespoke clothing, jewellery and accessories.
Beyond the fashion displays and shopping experience, the event provided a platform for small and growing businesses to promote their brands, connect with potential customers, expand their networks and explore new business opportunities.
Famouspeople.com.ng spoke with some of the participating vendors, who shared their experiences, expectations and appreciation for the opportunity provided by GTCO.
Mrs Obi, founder of AHMEC Culture, expressed gratitude to GTCO for providing the platform, saying she hoped to sell all her leather bags during the exhibition.
Another participant, Adebola Yusuf, founder of Bukenzoglams, a brand specialised in quality gold earrings and necklaces, expressed excitement about being part of the event.
She disclosed that it was her fourth application before she was finally selected. “I am very happy because this is the fourth time I have applied. My expectation is to make good sales,” she said.
For Omaedo Oyefodirin, founder of Lilmisfab, a women’s footwear brand, the 2026 edition marked her first participation in the GTCO Fashion Weekend.
She expressed optimism about the opportunities the event could bring to her business, particularly in attracting new customers and growing her social media following.
“I expect great things. I also expect that through this platform, I will have more customers and followers on my social media accounts,” she said.
Similarly, Chioma Cherish, disclosed that she had been running her business since 2018.
Describing her entrepreneurial journey as a mixture of successes and challenges, she said the experience had been bittersweet, with periods of both profit and loss.
However, she expressed confidence that participating in the GTCO Fashion Weekend would give her brand greater visibility and create opportunities to connect with potential customers.
She also thanked GTCO for providing the platform.
Another vendor, the founder of Pretty Little Things, a children’s products and clothing brand, said it was her first time participating in the event.
While acknowledging the challenges of running a business, she appreciated GTCO for providing vendors with exhibition spaces without charging for the space, electricity or other basic facilities.
“We sell children’s things. It is my first time here. It is not easy being easy, but thank you, GTCO, for the opportunity. We didn’t have to pay for the space, electricity or anything,” she said.
Beyond the exhibition stands, the GTCO Fashion Weekend featured fashion parades showcasing different collections, adding colour and excitement to the event.
The programme also featured industry-focused masterclasses designed to educate, inspire and equip participants with practical knowledge.
The first Masterclass was themed: “The Melony Method: Cleanse, Tone, Treat, Protect and Glow.”
The masterclass was anchored by Gloria Babarinde, popularly known as Gloria Babs, an award-winning broadcaster and events compere.
She introduced the facilitators, including Ihsan Bilal, National Director of Sales and Education – East at Buttah Skin, and her associate, Duart O’Neil.
The interactive session explored skincare routines, product selection and practical ways to maintain healthy, radiant skin.
Participants were engaged with questions about their existing skincare habits, unused beauty products and their understanding of proper skin maintenance.
The facilitators emphasised that achieving healthy, glowing skin requires a consistent routine, beginning with cleansing, followed by appropriate treatment, moisturising and sun protection through the use of sunscreen (SPF).
They also provided practical demonstrations using Buttah Skin products, explaining how the brand’s formulations are designed to hydrate and protect the skin while addressing concerns such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Buttah Skin, a Black-owned skincare company founded in 2018, focuses on skincare solutions for melanin-rich skin.
The session offered attendees an opportunity to learn directly from skincare professionals, ask questions and gain practical insights into choosing and using beauty products.
Participants also received giveaways during the masterclass.
Speaking during the session, Ihsan Bilal disclosed that Buttah Skin products were available for purchase through the company’s official website.
The second masterclass featured Sherlina Nym, a London-based content creator, who shared insights as part of the event’s wider programme of industry conversations.
The ninth edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend continued on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with more fashion showcases, business exhibitions and masterclasses.
Overall, the event once again provided a meeting point for fashion, beauty, business and creativity, while offering emerging entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their products, build visibility and connect with a wider market.