The second day of the GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 brought a dazzling close to Lagos’ biggest fashion showcase, as the runway turned into a vibrant celebration of art, identity, and enterprise.

From Sevon Dejana’s bold silhouettes to Mmuso Maxwell’s minimalist precision, and Priya Ahluwalia’s storytelling fabrics to Mowalola’s fearless edge, each designer owned the spotlight  transforming the stage into a moving canvas of creativity.

Outside the runway, the energy was just as electric. Guests, influencers, and fashion lovers filled the streets with bold prints, expressive hairstyles, and statement accessories  turning every corner into a photo moment.

This photo series captures the best runway moments and Lagos street fashion that defined Day 2 of GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025, a perfect blend of style, self-expression, and enterprise.

Photo Speaks:

Sevon Dejana’s runway showcase futuristic silhouettes with rich textures.

Sevon Dejana

Mmuso Maxwell’s minimalist designs  soft tones meeting sharp structure.

Mmuso Maxwell

Priya Ahluwalia’s vibrant prints storytelling through fabric and motion.

Priya Ahluwalia

Mowalola’s rebellious edge — bold colours, fearless attitude, and youth energy.

Model in Mowalola’s avant-garde streetwear on GTCO runway.

Street Style

At the intersection of art, nature, and fashion, Nigerian luxury designer Banke Kuku has unveiled her latest collection, Savannah in Bloom, a meditative exploration of vitality, renewal, and resilience expressed through silk, texture, and color.

The announcement came during a virtual press conference held today, Monday, November 10, 2025, ahead of the official runway presentation scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Gratitude Mansion, 50 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Kuku described Savannah in Bloom as “a lesson in resilience,” symbolizing the power of nature to renew itself even in adversity.

“A savannah endures dry seasons and returns to life in full color. That rhythm of endurance, of quiet confidence and rebirth, is what I wanted to capture,” said Banke Kuku, Creative Director of Banke Kuku Textiles.

Nature’s Palette on Silk

Inspired by northern Nigeria’s grasslands, the collection draws from the rare spectacle of a savannah in full bloom  with prints that mirror wildflowers, zebras, and acacia silhouettes in hues of yellow, red, and violet.

The designs reflect the dualities of nature strength and fragility, silence and motion, tradition and innovation  reinterpreted through modern silhouettes such as elevated loungewear, slip dresses, kimonos, and mesh-layered designs.

Each print, Kuku explained, “carries the pulse of nature, elephants in still grace, giraffes in motion, birds in melodic flight.”

Fashion with Purpose

Beyond its visual poetry, Savannah in Bloom reinforces Kuku’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and ethical craftsmanship. Each piece is crafted with locally sourced fabrics and eco-conscious processes, reflecting her belief that “sustainability is luxury.”

The designer said the collection marks a new chapter in her mission to use fashion as a storytelling medium, drawing global attention to Africa’s natural resilience and the importance of environmental renewal.

From Loungewear to Global Statement

Banke Kuku’s creative evolution began with loungewear during the lockdown, growing into a brand that now defines African luxury with global relevance.

“Our customers wear the clothes, not the clothes wearing them,” she said, emphasizing a design philosophy rooted in confidence and individuality.

The Savannah in Bloom collection extends that vision through new swimwear silhouettes and elevated daywear that move seamlessly from home to high fashion.

The official unveiling and runway presentation of Savannah in Bloom will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 4:00 PM, at Gratitude Mansion, 50 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Attendance is limited to accredited media, with high-profile partnerships including:

• Moët & Chandon (Official Alcohol Partner)
• Linda Farrow (Eyewear Partner)
• Chef Wal (Savannah-inspired Cuisine)
• Events by Many (Event Production)
• Robert Taylor Media (Public Relations)

Future Footprint

Looking ahead, Banke Kuku announced plans to open her flagship store in December 2025, as part of her effort to strengthen her brand’s global presence.

“This is not just fashion,” she said. “It is a statement of presence, purpose, and the quiet brilliance of African artistry.”

About Banke Kuku

Banke Kuku is an award-winning Nigerian designer renowned for her vibrant textiles and architectural silhouettes that bridge African heritage and global luxury.
Her eponymous label celebrates craftsmanship, color, and cultural integrity, positioning Nigerian artistry at the forefront of contemporary design.

Through her collections, Kuku has dressed international icons and continues to translate Africa’s stories, textures, and resilience into global style narratives.

At the 2025 GTCO Fashion Weekend, one exhibitor stood out with handcrafted bead bags that blended African heritage with modern artistry. Aisha Mustafa, founder and creative director of Maira Champ, turned heads with her colourful, intricately designed bags that have captured global attention since the brand’s launch in 2020.

Why It Matters

Mustafa’s success story is a testament to how Nigeria’s creative industry is reshaping contemporary fashion. What began as a pandemic-era side project has evolved into an “affordable luxury” brand that exports to more than 10 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and China.

“I wanted to create statement pieces bold, uniquely shaped bags that tell a story,” Busta said. “These are not just bead bags; they are art pieces inspired by our culture.”

Her collection, priced between ₦50,000 and ₦150,000, has sold over 4,000 units globally, positioning Me Charm as a rising force in handcrafted fashion.

Close-up shot of a handcrafted bead bag with vibrant geometric design.

Global Reach and Cultural Impact

Each Maira Champ bag takes up to four days to complete, combining traditional beadwork with contemporary silhouettes. Mustafa explained that the brand’s distinctive approach attracts collectors and fashion enthusiasts seeking individuality.

Fashion analysts say this reflects a broader trend: African designers are redefining luxury by using indigenous materials and craftsmanship to create pieces with international appeal.

“The global demand for Afrocentric fashion shows how storytelling through design connects cultures,” said fashion consultant, Yetunde Balogun.

GTCO Fashion Weekend Debut

This year marked Maira Champ’s first appearance at the GTCO Fashion Weekend, and Busta said it exceeded her expectations.

“Most of our buyers here were new customers who had only seen our work online,” she said. “Once they touched and saw the bags in person, the feedback was instant acceptance.”

She described the event as a “valuable platform” for emerging brands to reach a diverse audience of style enthusiasts, investors, and international buyers.

Vendor Experience and Suggestions

While praising the organisation, Mustafa suggested one improvement for future events—security measures that would allow vendors to safely leave goods overnight.

“It would help if vendors could keep their items on-site instead of packing up daily,” she noted. “The rush at 7 PM can be stressful and poses some security concerns.”

What’s Next for Maira Cham

Looking ahead, Mustafa plans to expand production capacity and collaborate with international boutiques. Her long-term goal is to establish Maira Champ as a global African beadwear brand, combining innovation with heritage.

“Every bead bag we make carries a piece of home,” she said. “It’s our way of keeping culture alive through fashion.”