Business Page Writer
By Nonso Agbodi
A Designer Worth Watching
Charles Harbison is far more than just a name on a label: his trajectory captures the spirit of reinvention, creativity and unapologetic joy in fashion. Born in North Carolina and originally studying architecture, Harbison shifted his focus to textile and fibre arts, culminating in fashion design at Parsons School of Design.
After stints designing for major brands like Michael Kors and Billy Reid, he launched his eponymous label in New York, ultimately relaunching from Los Angeles as a brand rooted in “style, play, and intellect.”
His designs—characterised by bold colour, artful texture combinations and joyful silhouettes—have attracted A-list clients such as Beyoncé and Michelle Obama.
His aesthetic is described as “violently optimistic” by media sources — a fitting phrase for his joyful, pattern-rich, and inclusive vision.
Why His Runway at GTCO Fashion Weekend 2025 Is a Must-See
The 2025 edition of the GTCO Fashion Weekend is scheduled for 8-9 November 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Here’s why Harbison’s presence elevates the event:
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Global meets African platform – The GTCO Fashion Weekend has evolved from a local showcase into a continental platform spotlighting African and global designers alike. Harbison’s first major appearance in an African-runway context – While the designer has made his mark globally, his participation in this Lagos event signals a bridging of international luxury with African fashion retail and enterprise.
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Unexpected synergy – Harbison’s playful, vibrant luxury complements the event’s theme of “Fashion is Freedom” and the platform’s emphasis on enterprise and accessibility.
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Trendmaking moment – For Nigerian fashion enthusiasts and industry watchers, this runway will offer a unique chance to see how Harbison’s design language (colour-blocking, texture-mixing, bold tailoring) translates to the African context—perhaps influencing local designers, buyers and stylists.
What to Look Out For on the Runway
As you tune in or attend, keep your eyes peeled for:
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Textile and fabrication play – Harbison frequently uses fabric manipulation, unexpected textures and colour juxtaposition.
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Architectural silhouettes – Coming from an architecture background, his pieces often present structured tailoring balanced with fluid drape.
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Inclusive vision – His relaunch emphasized inclusive sizing and gender-fluid references, signaling that fashion is not just about elite exclusivity.
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Joyful palette and mood – Expect clothes that don’t hide: bold colours, joyful prints and statement accessories that invite engagement rather than reserved viewing.
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Local-global relevance – In Lagos, on a platform focused on enterprise (local designers, retail, business development), Harbison’s segment may offer a fresh narrative about luxury, access and African fashion’s place in the world.
Why This Matters for Nigerian Fashion and Buyers
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Inspirational ripple effect: A designer with Harbison’s credentials brings fresh ideas to Nigerian fashion houses, stylists and media. It invites local brands to think globally, especially in luxury, craftsmanship and storytelling.
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Retail and consumer impact: GTCO’s event emphasises “shopping” and retail experience alongside runway shows. Harbison’s appearance may energise interest in luxury ready-to-wear, bridging desire and local availability.
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Style elevation for Lagos enthusiasts: For attendees, being able to see such high-calibre work live or via live-streams offers a benchmark of style and design, raising overall fashion consciousness in Lagos and beyond.
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Networking and enterprise development: The event also features masterclasses and business development sessions; having Harbison present (either via show or context) enhances the educational and inspiration quotient for emerging designers and entrepreneurs.
Final Thought
If you’re planning to attend or follow the 2025 GTCO Fashion Weekend, mark the segment featuring Charles Harbison as one to watch. His brand—rooted in “optimistic luxury” and now intersecting with the vibrant, enterprise-driven Nigerian fashion scene—has the potential to deliver something both visually breathtaking and culturally significant.
