The Barber Who Became a Designer

In a narrow shop off Awolowo Road, the mirrors still face the chairs. The clippers are gone. In their place: chalk, shears, a single mannequin that has outlived three landlords.

He will tell you he did not leave barbering. He only followed the line further. A fade is a silhouette. A jacket is the same conversation, held longer.

Customers still sit. They talk. He listens the way he used to — for what they will not say about themselves. Then he cuts the cloth to meet them there.

Tandara is gathering stories like this one: not the runway, not the press release. The room where the work actually happens.