Fashion designer Patricia Onumonu, the creative force behind luxury brand Trish O Couture, has opened up about the challenging beginnings that shaped her remarkable eighteen-year journey in Nigeria's competitive fashion industry.
Early Struggles and Building Resilience
In a recent interview, Onumonu revealed that her career launch faced significant hurdles including staffing problems, unreliable power supply, and difficulties translating her creative vision into physical garments. Managing workers, power supply, and aligning production with creative vision represented the core challenges during those formative years.
"Building a reliable team was especially tough," she admitted. However, through consistency and faith, combined with dedication to quality and positive client referrals, the brand gradually established its reputation and began growing organically in the Nigerian fashion market.
Evolution into Luxury Brand
Reflecting on eighteen years of building Trish O Couture, Onumonu described the experience as both demanding and rewarding. "It feels surreal. Eighteen years in any business, especially in fashion, is no small feat," she expressed, noting that this milestone celebrates not just the brand but personal growth, resilience, and grace.
The designer explained how early production setbacks ultimately strengthened the brand's foundation, transforming it from a small bespoke atelier into a recognized luxury label. Trish O Couture has consistently blended African heritage with modern luxury, evolving from dramatic fairytale-inspired designs to refined pieces celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and detailed finishing.
Expansion and New Ventures
The brand's success has enabled expansion beyond fashion into luxury interiors and, most recently, jewellery. Lady Trish Diamonds, her new jewellery line, emerged from years of client requests for accessories that complemented their couture pieces.
"Lady Trish Diamonds was born out of my love for timeless luxury and the desire to create something personal and lasting," Onumonu explained. "Each piece is crafted to make her feel beautiful and empowered." She described the collection as an extension of the brand's creative identity, rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and emotional connection.
As part of the eighteenth anniversary celebrations, Trish O Couture is preparing for an exclusive showcase themed "Classics Across All Seasons" on December 14 at The Mikano Center in Victoria Island. The event will feature more than sixty designs tracing the brand's evolution and include the official unveiling of Lady Trish Diamonds.
Support Systems and Industry Advocacy
When discussing the balance between creativity and business management, Onumonu credited her husband as her steadfast supporter. "My husband has been my biggest support from day one, my backbone. Without him, there would be no Trish O Couture as it stands today," she acknowledged.
The fashion entrepreneur also emphasized the importance of supporting emerging designers in Nigeria, noting that many creatives are underestimated due to industry politics. "We should support emerging talents just as much as established names," she advocated, while expressing gratitude to industry supporters like Olori Ronke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, founder of African Fashion Week London, who believed in her potential early in her career.
Looking ahead, Onumonu aims to take both her fashion label and jewellery line to international audiences. "This is a new chapter. We're expanding internationally and creating more lifestyle collections," she revealed, expressing her vision for both brands to be recognized globally for elegance, empowerment, and timeless creativity.
Despite eighteen years of success, Onumonu believes the journey has only just begun. "I'm thankful for how far we've come and excited for what lies ahead," she concluded, embodying the resilience that has defined her remarkable career in Nigerian fashion.
