ROLE: Wardrobe Assistant
PRODUCTION: BET Hip Hop Awards
PRODUCTION TYPE: Live Broadcast / Awards Show
SCOPE: 3 Performances | Nelly, BIA & Tobe Nwigwe | Performance & Presenter Wardrobe
I worked as wardrobe assistant for the BET Hip Hop Awards, supporting performance wardrobe for Nelly, BIA, and Tobe Nwigwe, as well as presenters. The role covered pre-show prep, on-site organization, and live wardrobe support across each performer's set.
My Role
• Supported wardrobe production across three separate performances for Nelly, BIA, and Tobe Nwigwe, as well as presenter wardrobe during the live awards show.
• Tracked wardrobe spend and supported budget management across planned purchases and last-minute production needs.
• Sourced and problem-solved time-sensitive wardrobe requirements in real time during show-day production.
• Maintained wardrobe inventory and item tracking through post-show returns and reconciliation.
How I Handled It
With no lead time to source through traditional wardrobe channels, I contacted beauty supply stores near the venue to locate the exact teal needed to match the set design. After identifying two stores with the correct shade, I secured inventory holds to prevent the quantities from selling through and coordinated pickup of all 30 pieces before the team was required on set.
Throughout the last-minute sourcing process, I maintained budget tracking and item accountability to ensure the additional wardrobe need was resolved without disrupting show-day production.
The Challenge
On show day, Tobe Nwigwe's performance required 30 additional teal wardrobe pieces in a specific shade that needed to match the set design, with no advance lead time for traditional sourcing. The challenge was securing the full quantity locally without delaying wardrobe preparation or the live production schedule.
The Result
All 30 pieces were sourced, color-matched, and delivered in time for Tobe Nwigwe's performance without disrupting the show-day schedule. Wardrobe execution was also successfully completed across BIA's performance and Nelly's dancers, with assigned items accounted for through post-show return.
