GTBank to Boost SMEs, Others at Fashion Event

• GTBank to Boost SMEs, Others at Fashion Event

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc says the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises in the fashion industry as well as fashion lovers across the globe will be in for a better time at the 2017 GTBank Fashion Weekend.

Scheduled for November 11th and 12th, the lender said the two-day event would allow the SMEs a vibrant platform to connect with a wider segment of their consumers as well as experts in their industry.

The GTBank Fashion Weekend is a free business platform that was created by the bank, as part of its efforts to showcase the best of Africa’s fashion to a global audience.

The lender said the 2016 debut of the consumer-focused event received positive reviews nationally and internationally.

In a statement on Sunday, the bank said, “Attracting over 30,000 guests over the two-day period, the event featured a series of master classes, runway shows and a curated retail exhibition – creating the biggest, most thrilling exposé of African fashion to take place on the continent till date. The retail exhibition gave the over 90 Small Businesses that participated the opportunity to exhibit, sell and connect with consumers, as well as discover new markets.”

It added, “This year’s Fashion Master Classes will feature global fashion experts such as reality TV personality and runway coach J Alexander, best known for his work on America’s Next Top Model, to renowned fashion entrepreneur and celebrity stylist, June Ambrose to award winning fashion designer, Giles Deacon.”

According to the statement, other fashion and global media experts scheduled to host master classes at this year’s event include: Editor in-Chief of Essence Magazine, Vanessa De Luca; Kenyan-born Publisher of British GQ Magazine, Vanessa Kingori; multi talented Nigerian photographer, TY Bello; professional makeup artist and educator, Danessa Myricks; and fashion editor & style consultant, Shiona Turini.

The Managing Director, GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, described the event as an “Initiative that is unlocking growth opportunities for small businesses and putting African fashion on a global pedestal.

“The 2017 GTBank Fashion Weekend will not only give visibility to the amazing talents and entrepreneurial drive of our people at home, it will also connect them with fashion leaders abroad, in order to build local capacity and expertise across the entire fashion value chain.”