Ohwo And His Passion For Making Costume Design An Integral Part Of Stage Performance

In the cadre of talented Nigerian Costume Designers, Mr. Erhuvwu Glory Ohwo stands tall.

Lagos-based, native of Delta State ties in and blend the artistry of fashion designing, costuming and accessories to a perfect fit.

Art connoisseurs, particularly those who take delight in watching stage performances take serious notes of the efforts put into performances considered as behind-the-scenes operations. These are the details of who-does-what that are necessary to ensure all aspects of plays, dances and performances turn out well.

There are various categories of professionals that are involved in activities relating to stage performance and their respective roles cut out for them by sponsors and executive producers. Costume Designers are professionals who ensure that members of the cast are well adorned with the right and proper costumes to interpret their roles.

However, many workers in the creative industry are largely underscored, unknown and unsung, however, their work is what truly makes performances show.

Erhuvwu Ohwo is one such professional. His expertise is widely acknowledged and sought widely in the ever bustling and evolving Nigerian creative industry.

Mr. Ohwo states that he has a natural background of costuming as a Delta native because culture costumes for varied celebrations, social status and appropriate body and clothing adornments are big deal.

“I was born into this and the flair just blossomed. As a child, it was common for us to dress up in costumes that talks for us before we even open our mouths to say who we are. As a child born into royalty, you are properly attired in princely costumes. As newly married women, your adornments speak for you. I thankfully was able to take this flair, and with my passion for fashion designing take it steadily into a career.”

For Mr. Ohwo, attention to details of – colours, themes, characters/personalities, seasons and nature are the staples that helped him make a mark, maintain presence and relevance in the industry. He has been involved as Costume Design Consultant in many landmark shows involving A-list Nigerian artistes on live stage shows, dances, plays.

Give it to Mr Ohwo, he has the unique talent of using his art type for story telling. His variety of work on production crew feature signature fashion statements that illustrate true comprehension of the wearers’ roles, nuances and character delivery.

According to him, fashion and costuming should be statements and signature for those adorning them and that for creativity, it must illustrate the theme or focus of any stage performance.

Also, he emphasized that “ my costume design translates the past, present and future theme into wearable art.”

He further added that “Designing costume for stage performances must be culturally authentic and visually stunning. I am talking about outfits that define the performers’ stage presence and powerfully communicate the project’s narrative without a single word”.Costume Designing is expansive and extensive.

“We are guardians and custodians of the vision of the plays and performances. We maintain repair, organized all garments of the cast. More than that, we execute quick changes backstage, and ensure every artist and dancer looks flawless under pressure. We guarantee the show’s visual polish and continuity.”

He further stated that his focus and priority is to ensure that he takes his vocation a notch further via patronage from Art Dance and Plays promoters from all parts of the globe to feature his works in top cities of the world.