Lila Crichton loves a bit of dressing up.
In fact, the World of WearableArt show is one of his favourite things.
So when the WOW organisers invited him to become one of the featured musical artists in this year's show in Wellington, Crichton was in with bells on.
Actually he's in with one of the costumes: "I'm wearing some really beautiful custom garments which have been designed for me".
Crichton says WOW, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary of hosting the show in the capital city, is so well run that the makers of his costume have even left space in the garments to allow him to breathe as a singer.
And singing is something Crichton does very well.
Speaking with RNZ Concert host Bryan Crump ahead of his WOW gig, Crichton talked about how he got his start in music singing gospel - his Samoan-born parents with both church leaders.
It was his parents' decision to move from Auckland to Hastings that opened up the world of operatic singing to Crichton.
His Hastings Boys' High School music teacher Justin Lindsay suggested the then 13-year-old audition for a spot in Project Prima Volta, the Hawkes Bay-based organisation supporting talented young singers.
Crichton didn't know much about opera at the time, apart from the soapy ones he watched on telly.
"I thought I was auditioning for Shortland Street."
While the experience wasn't what he'd expected, Crichton fell in love with the music.
Lila Crichton: lives in Wellington these days. Photo: Anthony Kiwi Scalley
Now based in Wellington, the young tenor is a singer who's comfortable performing across a range of genres, from Handel's Messiah to his own soul music.
His WOW appearance is likely to feature more of the latter, and he also has a soul album coming out later this year.
But the good news for opera lovers is Crichton hasn't ruled out returning to the stage in an opera costume not too far into the future.
