GTCO Fashion Weekend: Mimi O’ Kereni Steals Spotlight With Food Grain-Inspired Outfit

The 9th edition of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) Fashion Weekend opened in Lagos on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with an impressive display of creativity, innovation and fashion experimentation, as designers and fashion enthusiasts showcased diverse interpretations of contemporary African and international styles.

However, beyond the scheduled runway presentations and exhibitions, one of the major attractions of the opening day was the unusual appearance of fashion enthusiast and designer, Mimi 'O' Kereni, whose three-piece outfit, embellished with real food grains, attracted considerable attention from participants.

The outfit, creatively adorned with corn, beans and groundnuts, stood out among the colourful and unconventional fashion statements at the event, drawing admiration, curiosity and photographic attention from attendees.

Kereni's appearance demonstrated how everyday materials could be transformed into an unconventional fashion statement through imagination, craftsmanship and teamwork.

Speaking with the Globalreport team at the venue, Kereni said the outfit was inspired by an idea he was determined to transform into reality.

“As soon as I caught the idea, I gathered my team to put in our best to see the fruition of our efforts, and I’m so excited to see people appreciated the concept,” he said.

He explained that the creative process involved considerable effort and collaboration to achieve the desired outcome.

The appearance also generated conversations about the boundaries of fashion creativity, particularly whether the use of unconventional materials represented genuine innovation or an attempt to attract attention.

Nevertheless, the presentation reflected the experimental spirit associated with the GTCO Fashion Weekend, which has continued to provide a platform for designers and emerging creative talents to explore new ideas, challenge conventional styles and express cultural identities through fashion.

The two-day event, themed “Fashion Is Timeless,” brings together local and international designers, fashion entrepreneurs, industry professionals and enthusiasts for exhibitions, networking opportunities and masterclasses.

It also provides emerging designers with opportunities to interact with established industry players, showcase their creativity, build business connections and gain exposure within the fashion industry.

Saturday's opening activities featured diverse fashion expressions, ranging from bold silhouettes and experimental fabrics to heritage-inspired designs and contemporary streetwear.

With the unusual grain-embellished outfit generating attention among participants, Kereni became one of the notable street-style attractions of the opening day.

Although the outfit may be unconventional for everyday commercial fashion, its presentation reinforced the idea that creativity in fashion is not necessarily restricted to traditional fabrics and materials.

The 9th GTCO Fashion Weekend continues on Sunday, November 8, with the second and final day of activities scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.