About 10 years ago, i think during my final year of studying architecture; the dad of one of my classmates (and friend) passed away. The man was not young thankfully (my friend was the last of six), and so it was one of those occasions when you're not happy a person is gone (of course!), but sadness is tempered by the knowledge that the person lived a fulfilled life...
My friend is question was quite popular (and i mean that in the best of ways) so it was; that we (his friends) were gonna represent...i.e... leave Lagos (where we attended uni) for Ibadan (where his family lived) to support him during the final burial rites.
Now, if you consider that at this (st)age we had started doing "adult" things... after all...being in final (6th) year we were ready to take on the world and all...thus buying aso-ebi was part of this package. Also consider that up till now, my aso-ebi experiences were limited to family weddings (which my mother always paid and got a tailor (that i couldn't afford of course) for).
But now, as i was buying and sewing the aso-ebi on my own... i needed a reference for a good yet affordable (make that cheap) tailor that would my appeal to my awesome sense of style (pls be reminded that i consider a bit of vanity essential to my existence) and yet work well on my meager student and aristo-less allowance. The search led me to a tiny room at what was then a N10naira bus ride from school (give or take a few streets)...
A mother of 5, living in one of the very densely populated parts of Lagos...struggling to support her family. She was of course thrilled to have a new customer and assured me of a speedy delivery of the style we had agreed on. I in turn gave her an advance. The episode ended with a very satisfied customer (and happy service provider too i'm sure).
Fast forward 10years to what must be over a hundred fittings, outfits and adjustments; some outstanding, others unwearable and we have what i now like to call...
I . M . Creations...inspired by rondo