The recent GTCO Fashion Weekend in Lagos has sparked a fierce public debate across social media, dividing observers over the boundaries of creative expression and gender norms in Nigerian fashion.

The backlash erupted after viral clips surfaced from the multi-day event showing several male attendees, models, and influencers dressed in unconventional, fluid garments, including backless ensembles, heels, corsets, and purses.

Many Nigerians on social media, including popular figures, accused the fashion event of encouraging the "erosion of traditional African masculinity" and turning expressive fashion into what they viewed as an attack on societal values.

However, top lifestyle figures and creative industry insiders pushed back sharply, arguing that high-fashion runways are meant to push boundaries and that adults should be free to express themselves without harassment.

What Celebrities and Public Figures Have Been Saying

TBoss (Tokunbo Idowu) — Criticized the Trend

The former Big Brother Naija housemate voiced alarm after watching footage from the event, lamenting that society was "slowly losing our men all in the name of expressive fashion" and calling the trend "truly sad".

Chef Tosin (Tspices Kitchen) — Criticized the Trend

Echoed similar sentiments, asserting that there was an "alarming attack on masculinity in Nigeria" and questioning why male creative expression had to look feminine rather than having distinct male fashion concepts.

Enioluwa Adeoluwa — Defended the Outfits

Fired back strongly against the online outrage, pointing out that it was a high-fashion runway event where self-expression is standard. He noted that critics selectively ignored the majority of men wearing conventional shirts and trousers just to farm rage-bait engagement.

Enioluwa warned that recording and mocking effeminate creatives puts their real-world safety at risk, telling critics: "It is a fashion show! Nobody is losing anything... Leave people alone!"

Bobrisky (Idris Okuneye) — Defended Personal Freedom

Clashed directly with TBoss online, stating that no public figure or critic has the parental authority or moral right to police how grown, consenting adults choose to dress, present themselves, or earn a living in creative industries.

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