Glory Ehruvwu Ohwo Highlights Role of Costume Design in Stage Performances

Glory Ehruvwu Ohwo

Nigerian costume designer, Glory Ehruvwu Ohwo, has emphasized the importance of costume design in stage performances, describing it as a crucial element that defines the visual and emotional appeal of any production.

Ohwo, a Lagos-based designer and native of Delta State, said costume design goes beyond clothing to embody the story, character, and cultural identity of the performance.

“Costume design makes all the difference in the look, see, and feel of stage performances,” he said. “My costume design translates the past, present, and future theme into wearable art.”

He explained that his background and cultural upbringing in Delta State played a significant role in shaping his creativity, noting that costumes in his culture communicate social status, heritage, and identity.

“I was born into this. As a child, it was common for us to dress in costumes that spoke for us before we even opened our mouths,” Ohwo said. 

“As a child born into royalty, you are properly attired in princely costumes. That foundation influenced my career in fashion and costume design.”

According to him, attention to detail in colours, themes, and characters has helped him make a mark and maintain relevance in Nigeria’s creative industry. 

He has worked as a Costume Design Consultant on several high-profile productions featuring top Nigerian artistes, stage plays, and dance performances.

Ohwo described fashion and costume design as visual storytelling, saying that every costume should capture the essence of the performer’s role and contribute to the overall narrative of the show.

“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.”

He added that costume designers play a vital role in ensuring continuity and perfection on stage, maintaining and organizing garments, and executing quick changes backstage to keep the show seamless.

Ohwo expressed his desire to showcase his work globally through partnerships with art, dance, and theatre promoters across different parts of the world.

“My focus is to take my vocation a notch higher by featuring my works in major art cities globally,” he said.