Circa 2019, GTCO Fashion Weekend, November.

I, Ifeoma Udu, was a 20-year-old computer science undergraduate, serving my industrial training (IT) year at Ikoyi Club 1938. My days were filled with routines of tech and recreation until my aunt—who worked at GTBank, got tickets for herself, my mum, and I to attend GTCo Fashion Weekend. It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I couldn’t wait.

Fashion had always been an interest of mine. Growing up, I religiously watched America’s Next Top Model and Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, and any runway shows I could find on DSTV’s Fashion Channel. Back then, I was just a kid with big dreams, curious about this dazzling world of style, beauty, and self-expression.

As we entered Lagos Fashion Week, the atmosphere was surreal. The air buzzed with excitement—the music, the lights, the creative energy. This was not just a showcase of fashion; it was a celebration of culture, innovation, and personal expression.

I still remember the moment I saw Chidera Udeh. She was the epitome of grace and strength, strutting down the runway with a presence that made everything else fade away. Seeing her live was like watching a dream unfold in real time. She wasn’t just modeling clothes, she was telling a story, owning her space, and making me believe that fashion was so much more than just what we wear.

Exploring the venue, I was captivated by the designs on display. Nigerian designers were redefining fashion, blending tradition with the avant-garde in ways that were bold and innovative. Everywhere I looked, there was inspiration—from the eccentric outfits worn by attendees to the pop-up stands that boasted the best of Nigerian fashion. Celebrities mingled with fashion enthusiasts, all dressed to the nines, creating a spectacle of creativity and flair.

That weekend sparked something in me. It made me see fashion in a new light—not just as an interest from childhood, but as an art form and a cultural force. Though I haven’t been able to attend another fashion week since then, now that I’ve graduated, I’m eager to return. Writing about Lagos Fashion Week and reliving that magic would be a dream come true.