…Twelve International and Nigerian Designers Take Centre Stage as Fashion, Culture, Luxury and Enterprise Converge at Landmark Event Centre Lagos became a spectacular showcase of fashion, glamour and creative expression as the 2026 GTCO Fashion Weekend transformed the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, into a vibrant celebration of style, culture and contemporary design.
Held on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, the annual fashion extravaganza brought together designers, fashion entrepreneurs, models, industry stakeholders, influencers and style enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond, reaffirming Nigeria’s growing influence in the global fashion industry.
From dazzling evening dresses to intricately crafted traditional ensembles, the event offered a compelling display of fashion ingenuity, with creativity extending far beyond the runway.
The atmosphere was unmistakably electric. Guests arrived in an impressive array of bold colours, elaborate patterns, beautifully tailored outfits and carefully selected accessories, turning the venue into a living exhibition of personal style and cultural identity.
Women made striking appearances in exquisitely tailored dresses, sophisticated gowns and contemporary fashion statements, while the men brought their own interpretation of elegance through bespoke suits and creatively styled traditional attire.
Every ensemble appeared to tell a story – of individuality, heritage, confidence and an evolving African fashion consciousness.
Indeed, the runway of style extended beyond the stage, as virtually every corner of the Landmark Event Centre became an expression of fashion ingenuity. From understated elegance to daring experimental designs, the weekend demonstrated how Nigerian fashion continues to embrace international influences without losing its cultural identity.
The audience was equally impressive, featuring dignitaries, fashion tastemakers, creative entrepreneurs and influencers whose presence reinforced the event’s position as one of Africa’s leading fashion platforms.
However, the defining attraction remained the designers and their collections, which showcased the remarkable depth, diversity and commercial potential of African creativity.
TWELVE DESIGNERS, ONE GLOBAL FASHION STATEMENT
The 2026 GTCO Fashion Weekend brought together twelve international and Nigerian designers whose distinctive creative visions delivered an exciting blend of luxury, craftsmanship, cultural heritage and contemporary sophistication.
Among the designers who thrilled the audience with their collections were:
*1. Ohlanna bu Zikora*
The Lagos-based couture house, founded by Zikora Ikebuaku, explores feminine power through exceptional craftsmanship and sculptural draping. Drawing inspiration from Igbo heritage, Nigerian literature, botanical forms and vintage couture, the label creates distinctive pieces that celebrate African identity through contemporary luxury.
*2. House of Marvee*
At the intersection of Nigerian heritage and contemporary couture, Marvelous Ologu, popularly known as Marvy, has developed a distinctive fashion language characterised by sculptural forms, intricate handwork and expressive femininity. Her creations reflect a sophisticated understanding of craftsmanship and modern elegance.
*3. SUKEINA*
Founded by Senegalese designer Omar Salam, SUKEINA approaches fashion as a language of artistic expression. The label is recognised for its distinctive design philosophy, combining contemporary silhouettes, craftsmanship and a bold interpretation of modern luxury.
*4. TONGORO*
Founded by Sarah Diouf in Dakar, Senegal, TONGORO has emerged as an influential voice in contemporary African fashion. The label champions African creativity through playful prints, voluminous silhouettes and modern designs that celebrate the continent’s cultural richness.
*5. Ibrahim Fernandez*
The self-taught Ivorian designer, who established his fashion label in 2013, brings together African textiles and contemporary silhouettes. His creative approach reflects a commitment to presenting African aesthetics through an innovative and internationally appealing fashion language.
*6. FIA*
The Nigerian fashion label brings a spirited approach to contemporary African fashion, combining eclectic prints, geometric cuts and unexpected design combinations. Its creations reflect a willingness to experiment while celebrating the vibrancy of African style.
*7. Washington Roberts*
The Nigerian-born, New York-based designer draws inspiration from his African heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary design. His creations combine cultural influences with sophisticated tailoring, producing distinctive pieces that appeal to an international fashion audience.
*8. Sara Chraibi*
Drawing on her architectural background and Moroccan heritage, Sara Chraibi creates couture that marries structural precision with intricate craftsmanship. Her designs demonstrate an impressive balance between artistic expression, refined detailing and feminine elegance.
*9. Imane Ayissi*
The Cameroonian-born couturier brings African heritage into conversation with Parisian haute couture. Through sophisticated craftsmanship and distinctive silhouettes, Ayissi challenges conventional boundaries between African fashion and international luxury design.
*10. Selam Fessahaye*
The Swedish-Eritrean designer offers a bold perspective on contemporary fashion, combining experimental tailoring, vivid textures and theatrical silhouettes. Her work reflects a distinctive creative identity shaped by cultural influences and modern design sensibilities.
*11. LaQuan Smith*
LaQuan Smith has built a fashion universe defined by unapologetic glamour, precision tailoring and confident sensuality. His designs celebrate bold femininity, dramatic silhouettes and contemporary luxury, making the label a recognisable name on the international fashion scene.
*12. Kim Shui*
The New York-based designer draws on her cultural heritage and an expressive understanding of femininity to create a distinctive vision of modern womenswear. Her collections combine bold silhouettes, intricate detailing and contemporary sophistication.
*FASHION AS CULTURE, BUSINESS AND GLOBAL INFLUENCE*
Beyond the glamour and excitement, the 2026 GTCO Fashion Weekend underscored the growing importance of fashion as an economic and cultural enterprise.
The convergence of established designers, emerging creative talents, fashion entrepreneurs and international industry stakeholders highlighted the opportunities available to African designers in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
More importantly, the event demonstrated that African fashion is no longer simply seeking recognition on the international stage; it is increasingly contributing ideas, aesthetics and creative perspectives to the evolution of global style.
For Nigeria, where the fashion and creative industries continue to attract growing attention, platforms such as the GTCO Fashion Weekend provide valuable opportunities to showcase local talent, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the country’s cultural influence.
As the curtains fell on another memorable edition, the photographs and fashion statements from the two-day spectacle were certain to inspire designers, stylists and trend enthusiasts for months to come.
It was a weekend in which beauty met business, creativity embraced culture and African fashion confidently occupied its place in the global conversation – all under the dazzling lights of Lagos.
