West Africa fashion weeks 2026: Lagos Fashion Week, CANEX, GTCO, Black Star and Glitz dates
Two cities, five fashion weeks and a creative-economy fair between late October and December. Here is what is on, where, and what each one is for.
West Africa's fashion season opens with Lagos Fashion Week from 28 October to 1 November 2026, then runs through November with CANEX WKND, GTCO Fashion Weekend and Black Star Fashion Week, and Glitz Africa Fashion Week in Accra. Accra Fashion Week closes the year in December. For anyone planning a Detty December trip, here is the calendar, week by week.
Week one: Lagos Fashion Week
Founded by Omoyemi Akerele in 2011, Lagos Fashion Week is the region's best-known showcase: five days of runway shows, presentations, an exhibition and industry talks, including the Green Access programme for young labels working with recycled or responsibly sourced materials. The organisers have not yet confirmed the venue or schedule; the 2025 edition was held at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island. Runway shows are ticketed, while buyers and press get priority on trade days.
Week two: a crowded first weekend of November
Ghana's government-backed Black Star Experience launches its first fashion week on 4 November with a summit at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra: keynotes, masterclasses and workshops on finance, export and intellectual property. On 7 November the runway moves to Royal Senchi in Akosombo, with a Fashion Village of designers, textiles, artisans and food. Emerging designers from all 16 regions compete for a place on that runway.
“Fashion is the biggest in the creative industry in Ghana.”
Photo: Matti Blume — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
West Africa's fashion season opens with Lagos Fashion Week from 28 October to 1 November 2026, then runs through November with CANEX WKND, GTCO Fashion Weekend and Black Star Fashion Week, and Glitz Africa Fashion Week in Accra. Accra Fashion Week closes the year in December. For anyone planning a Detty December trip, here is the calendar, week by week.
West Africa's fashion season opens with Lagos Fashion Week from 28 October to 1 November 2026, then runs through November with CANEX WKND, GTCO Fashion Weekend and Black Star Fashion Week, and Glitz Africa Fashion Week in Accra. Accra Fashion Week closes the year in December. For anyone planning a Detty December trip, here is the calendar, week by week.
Week three, and December: Accra
Glitz Africa Fashion Week returns for four days from 10 to 13 November, with runway shows, exhibitions and its Young Designers Showcase. The main runway nights are 12 and 13 November at The Underbridge Annex on Boundary Road, Accra, with tickets from GH₵300 on the organiser's ticket page.
Accra Fashion Week has not published its 2026 dates. Recent editions have run in the second half of December, which would put it right in the middle of Detty December, so watch its own channels before booking.
Planning the trip
- The first weekend of November has events in both cities, so a trip can take in Lagos and Accra.
- People who book hotels through the Black Star Experience are promised discounts, with hikes and quad biking around Senchi on the morning of the show.
- Check each organiser's page for tickets and registration; several venues and schedules are still to be announced.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lagos Fashion Week 2026?
This year's edition opens on Wednesday 28 October and closes on Sunday 1 November 2026, in Lagos. The organisers have not yet confirmed the venue; the 2025 edition was held at the Federal Palace Hotel on Victoria Island.
Is GTCO Fashion Weekend free?
Last year's GTCO Fashion Weekend was free to attend. This year's edition is on 7 and 8 November 2026, dates GTCO has confirmed on its official site.
Where is Black Star Fashion Week held?
The summit is at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on 4 November 2026, and the runway show is at Royal Senchi in Akosombo on 7 November.
When is Accra Fashion Week 2026?
Accra Fashion Week has not yet announced its 2026 dates. Recent editions have been held in the second half of December.
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