The Inspiring Fashion Journey of Mr Okoruwa Matthew Omoluogbe

Rex ClarkeOctober 5, 20250565 views

It is possible to come upon a particular form of magic. In tales that start modestly but develop into something much bigger than life. Not very often do you come across such stories, but the moment you come face-to-face with Mr Okoruwa Matthew Omoluogbe, you will immediately feel the presence of that magic. I’ve known Okoruwa Matthew Omoluogbe for over 37 years.

I schooled with him and worked with him at his uncle’s bakery in our early days. I can tell you a lot about his civility. The other side of his personal life story, which is the beginning of his journey in the fashion industry, did not involve major runways or worldwide collaborations. In its place, it started with a straightforward proposition from a friend, a modest tailoring shop in Warri, Delta State, and a readiness to welcome fate with open arms.

“I walked into a fashion house on January 12, 1995,” he recalls with a pleased smile, the recollection engraved as if it had occurred just yesterday. While my trainer was working on the jacket, I was able to create the first pair of trousers for a suit in under six months. It was that one moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with fashion, as well as a career that has continued to evolve with grace, perseverance, and purpose.

A Humble Beginning in Warri

It is common for the journey to becoming a fashion designer to appear glamorous from the outside, with the exquisite fabrics, immaculate finishes, and acclaim from clients who are pleased with the designer’s work. The admission of Mr Omoluogbe into the fashion industry, however, was not only practical but also motivated by destiny.

The beginning of everything started when a friend, grateful for his help but unable to repay him, offered something far more precious than money: an apprenticeship in tailoring work. While at the time it appeared to be nothing more than a casual suggestion, it turned out to be the beginning of a career that would last a lifetime.

First, he began his training in the profession at 1st impression Corporate Clothiers, a tailoring house in Warri, at the age of 22. The innate talent he possessed became apparent within a few months. My guardian was so impressed with my efforts that he gave me my first sewing machine in the same year,” he reveals. “It was a gift from him.” “That present went a long way” Inspired, I dedicated myself to maximising the potential of this esteemed profession.

Learning the Craft: Patience, Precision, and Passion

No journey worth telling is without its challenges, and for Mr Omoluogbe, one of the earliest was something that may sound trivial to outsiders: fixing a flap neatly without wrinkles. It may not sound like much, but to a young apprentice eager to prove himself, it was a mountain.

“The biggest challenge I encountered was fixing the flap neatly without wrinkles, which I eventually did,” he says with a laugh. “I learnt that you can achieve your dreams and goals with determination and patience.”

Patience and attention to detail quickly became his signature traits. The tailoring house where he trained instilled in him a culture of precision and attention to detail. Nothing was ever done carelessly. Every seam, every cut, and every finish mattered. “It is either you do it neatly or not at all,” he recalls. “There will always be time to do it right.”

This ethic has not only guided his own work but has become a mantra he enforces among his apprentices and staff. Quality, for him, is not negotiable.

ALSO READ:

Growing a Brand in the Niger Delta

By the early 2000s, Mr Omoluogbe’s passion had grown beyond apprenticeship. He wanted to establish himself and create designs that reflected both his creativity and his clients’ love for high-quality fashion. His first step was to open a modest space that served as both his home and office.

From that small beginning, he began building a client base that quickly grew, mainly due to his professional touch and impeccable attention to detail. The people of the Niger Delta, renowned for their appreciation of luxurious fabrics and high-quality tailoring, admired his work.

“To get commendations from my clients, delivering well-tailored outfits was never enough,” he explains. “The quality of the fabric was always a factor. Niger Delta people are globally known and recognised as lovers of very high-quality fabrics and ceremonial outfits.”

As demand grew, so did the need for expansion. By 2020, Matthew’s business had grown large enough to require a bigger office space and more staff, including apprentices. What started as one young man learning in Warri had transformed into a fashion house that trains and serves many.

Life in a Tailoring Shop: No Closing Hours

Building a brand wasn’t without its quirks. In those early years, the tailoring shop was more than just a workplace; it was almost like a community centre.

“Customers could come anytime of the day or night,” he recalls with a smile. “In fact, we never had closing hours. It was equally fun, though.”

Those long days and nights didn’t just sharpen his sewing skills; they built his resilience. They also deepened his understanding of customer service. For him, tailoring was never just about producing clothes; it was about creating trust, reliability, and satisfaction.

The Fashion Philosophy: Quality Above All

If there’s one thing Mr Omoluogbe insists on, it is quality. His philosophy is simple: “Whatever is worth doing should be done very well. It’s never enough to have quality fabrics; well-tailored outfits are equally important to remain and be relevant in an evolving and competitive fashion industry.”

That belief has shaped his brand over the years. He emphasised attention to detail from start to finish, justifying the charges his clients pay with quality work that speaks for itself.

And while his personal style has evolved over the years, he remains open to inspiration from fellow designers. “No man is an island,” he says. “One thing that is constant is change, and I have been following the trend in fashion styles while adding my own touch.”

Navigating Global Uncertainties

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on industries worldwide, and the fashion industry was no exception. But while social activities slowed down, the need for clothing never stopped.

“In the midst of global uncertainties, food, shelter, and clothing have always been the three basic needs of mankind,” he notes. “Uniforms and work clothes were in high demand from corporate bodies and companies operating in the oil-rich Niger Delta.”

That resilience, the ability to adapt to changing times, has kept his brand thriving, even when challenges arose.

Looking Beyond Borders

Despite his success in Nigeria, Mr Omoluogbe is now focusing his dreams on the global stage. “The next big dream is to break into the international scene,” he shares with quiet determination. We aspire to see our finished clothing spanning across all nations.

It’s a bold vision, but one built on decades of steady growth, quality work, and the timeless principle that necessity is the mother of invention.

Lessons from a Life in Fashion

When you sit down with Mr Omoluogbe, you don’t just hear the story of a fashion designer; you learn about a man who transformed chance into destiny and challenges into stepping stones. His journey is filled with lessons:

Patience pays off. The flap that once gave him sleepless nights eventually became a symbol of perseverance.
Details matter. A culture of finishing work neatly has set him apart in a competitive market.
Quality justifies price. His philosophy ensures that customers always feel their investment is worthwhile.
Stay adaptable. Trends change, and global realities shift, but relevance comes from evolving with the times.

From the bustling streets of Warri to his growing vision of international recognition, Mr Okoruwa Matthew Omoluogbe’s story is one of resilience, passion, and craftsmanship. What began with a friend’s offer and a guardian’s gift has blossomed into a career spanning decades, one that inspires not just his clients but also the apprentices who walk through his fashion house doors today.

As he reflects on his journey, one thing becomes clear: fashion, for him, isn’t just about clothing. It’s about destiny, discipline, and determination, always to do things right. And if his story is anything to go by, the world stage might soon be graced by designs that trace their roots back to Warri, stitched with patience, perfected with passion, and made to stand the test of time.

FAQs

1. Who is Mr Okoruwa Matthew Omoluogbe?

Mr Okoruwa Matthew Omoluogbe is a Nigerian fashion designer who began his tailoring career in Warri, Delta State, in 1995. Over the years, he has established a reputation for exceptional tailoring, careful attention to detail, and training apprentices in the craft. He’s a graduate in Mechanical Engineering Technology with working experience in the Aviation and Oil & Gas Industries.

2. How did he start his fashion career?

His career began when a friend, unable to repay his support, offered to train him in tailoring. He walked into a fashion house on January 12, 1995, and within six months, he had already made his first pair of trousers.

3. What inspired him to continue in the fashion industry even when he gained admission to study Mechanical Engineering in 1996?

A significant turning point was when his guardian gifted him his first sewing machine in 1995. That gesture gave him the confidence and motivation to pursue tailoring as a lifelong career. With this profession, he was able to pay his tuition fees and support himself from his first year in school until he graduated.

4. What challenges did he face as a young designer?

One of his most significant early challenges was learning to fix a flap neatly without wrinkles. He also had to adjust to long working hours, as customers often came at all times of the day and night.

5. What makes his designs unique?

He is known for his precision and finishing. His philosophy is simple: “It is either you do it neatly or not at all.” He emphasises quality tailoring, attention to detail, and using high-quality fabrics that meet the tastes of his Niger Delta clients.