So you’ve seen the ads on paper, heard it over the radio, scrolled past the sponsored posts on social media and you can’t help but wonder “what in the world is this GTBank Fshn Wknd (Spelt out GTBank Fashion Weekend) every one is talking about?” It’s ok, we’ve got all the answers and after this article you will too.
First of all, here are a few background information you need to know:
* GTB is a bank and it’s short for Guaranty Trust Bank (duhhhhh…lol). As one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, GTB has been a major player in the Nigerian Fashion scene through their SME market hub and active sponsorship of major fashion shows like Arise Fashion Show and Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW).
*GTB sponsored LFDW for 3 consecutive years up until 2014 when Heineken became lead sponsor of the prestigious fashion show thus changing the prefix name from GTB-LFDW to Heineken-LFDW. Something went down, possibly a little bit of bad blood, we can’t say for sure, all we’ve heard are speculations. Obviously, there’s something both parties aren’t telling us!
Now that that’s out of the way, lets get straight to answering your questions.
What’s GTBANK FSHN WKND?
Pronounced as GTBank Fashion Weekend. According to the bank, it is a customer focused fashion exhibition and capacity building event that aims to promote enterprise within Nigeria’s fast growing fashion industry. The event is said to not only create visibility for indigenous brand but also facilitate learning via workshops.
When & Where is it Taking Place?
The GTB FSHN WKND will take place next weekend, on the 12th and 13th of November 2016 at the GT Centre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. Google maps should get you there without a hassle, however, just in case…the landmark is Landmark (every pun intended…lol).
What’s the Duration?
It is a 2-day event…obviously! Taking place on Saturday and Sunday (if you checked your calendar you’d know. *wink*).
What’s the Line Up of Events?
1 | An Xhibition Gallery with couture and ready-to-wear pieces (on the first and second day, respectively) from Nigerian designers and also retail stalls of indigenous brands where everyone can shop till they drop. Expect to see only the best of designers at GTBank Fashion Weekend.
2 | Fashion Master Class Series with keynote speakers like Dylan Jones, UK Editor GQ; Caroline Rush, Organizer, London Fashion Week; Oke Maduwesi, Founder, Zaron Cosmetics; Claire Summers, Blogger, Fashion Bomb Daily and much more inspirational fashion entrepreneurs who will be addressing relevant topics, challenges and opportunities in the world of fashion.
3 | Entertaining Runway Shows where top Nigerian designers will showcase their craft. After all, what will a fashion weekend be without stunning models in 6 inch heels strutting the catwalk in designer clothes?
Is There an Event Schedule?
Of course, there is and you saw it here first!
Day 1 and Day 2
10am – 9pm – Exhibitions
11am – 6pm – Master Classes
7pm – 10pm – Runway Shows
Thank us later!
What Should I Expect from the GTBank Fashion Weekend?
GTB FSHN WKND brags about bringing together the most promising and talented designers, brands and speakers. Judging from the aggressive promotional campaign and adverts, plus the FSHN WKND Cocktail Party which I was privileged to attend, it is without a shadow of doubt that I say GTB is sparing no expenses or resources. Expect the best and prepared to get your mind blown!
Is Attendance Free?
Here’s that part you’ve all be waiting for. Well, there’s good and bad news. So exhibitions are free for all. The master classes too are free but, you’ve got to register to attend. However, my sources say that the runway shows will be strictly by invitation only and open to all accredited press/media houses. So if you belong to neither of that category and must see the show you’re better off picking up your phone and calling that ex-boyfriend’s cousin’s girlfriend’s brother that works in GTB for extra invitations. LOL!
Finally,
What Do I Wear to FSHN WKND?
That’s easy, did you see my article on trends that will definitely get you photographed at fashion week? Well then, that’s your cue and if not, here it is!
See you next weekend at FSHN WKND! Toodles!
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