Photograph by Annette Navarro
Occupation: Guitarist, Legal Hustle; Shop Manager, Marde’ Couture
Tell me about your background in music.
I was classically trained as a kid, and played baritone horn, tuba, and saxophone. I got a guitar when I was around 9, and by the time I was a sophomore in high school, I was in a group that opened for the Ohio Players. I also opened for The Isley Brothers at Cincinnati Gardens and toured with The Manhattans, among other things.
Your given name’s Marvin Coleman. What’s the story behind Ohge?
My friends would call me “OG,” as in Original Gangster. But I wanted to think of a way I could write it without actually calling myself an Original Gangster. So one day I came up with “Ohge” and that was that.
How has the entertainment industry shaped your style?
Your everyday environment has a lot to do with how your individual style develops, whether you’re punk or country or whatever. I was always around guys who wore suits, pressed ties, and starched shirts. Now, I just try to be glamorous. To me, it doesn’t take much more time to look good than it does to look bad. Why not take a few extra minutes to shave, or a couple extra minutes to press your shirt?
Where do you like to shop around here?
Actually, Gabriel Brothers. If you know how to look for labels, you can find some great designer pieces—I really like Dolce & Gabbana—at wholesale prices. Nothing fits me right off the rack, so I have to keep a tailor.
I love your tie.
I selected it! I’m getting my start in fashion couture. It’s a silk tie, and I’m selling them packaged with a pocket square and matching cuff links. I call it P59 Select Silks.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue.
Photograph by Annette Navarro
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