The Sapeurs

The African Couture is come of age and gaining prominence on the Runway. The New York fashion show, the adoption of African prints amongst contemporary high end European Designers, to mention but a few. However, the buzz is on a small group of Africans by the bank of the Congolese River whose style and underling culture for fashion is far becoming a global trend. Solange Knowles, was so hooked, she would travel to Africa to feature these gentlemen in her music video "loosing you". http://youtu.be/Hy9W_mrY_Vk

"The Sapeurs", otherwise known as the Society of elegant persons of the Congo defines a group of  refined and distinctive fashion dandy gentlemen of the Congo and their cult of Elegance. An insanely  excruciating style that is uniquely profound and elaborate. These gentlemen often referred to as 'Sapologie Au Congo' depict the robust fashion sense and style of a working class, whose robust creativity and magnanimity ooz charisma and elegance.

The Sapeurs who transcend age and creed have catapulted into the world stage by gaining  prominence amongst fashion enthusiast, celebrities and "Guinness". The trendy Lads, their tale of perseverance and extreme love of fashion are featured in a recent 2014 Guinness Ad. The ability to cajole admiration and  respect with a "joie de vire" attitude despite difficult odds defies all circumstances.
Their trademark: pilgrim's staffs, keychains, rare Colours, prince of wales pants and shirts, oversized blazers, tailor made suits, kilts, multi coloured brogues, hats, foulards and squares. Borrowed coutures of colonialism with a twisted mildest touch depicts their uniqueness and distinctive style.

                          

"La Sape",  abbreviated from the french phrase "Societe des Amblanceurs et des Personnes Elegantes" (the society of advancement of elegant people) originated as a resistant movement in the 60s when Mobutu Sese Seko bared Zairean men from wearing western suits to shun colonialism. However, modern day Congolese soukous musicians like Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomide and Fally Ipupa are instrumental in revitalising the trend

                         

The everyday working class Sapeur in their quest to redefine elegance, have turned the streets of Congo into Runways. This culture and trend exported by the gentlemen of Bacongo is vivid on the red carpet, european runways, congolese gigs and weddings across the globe. The Sapeurs are walking mannequins and trendy models bracing the global stage day in, day out.

Dean & Dan

The Canadian siblings Dean and Dan Caten, originators of international house of fashion "Dsquared2" have adorned the runway with extravagant and essentric "chic" designs since launching their fashion Lebel in Milan. The Duo, known for their signature designs and elaborate fashion shows are synonymous with elegance and luxury. Gone are the days when runways were boring and short of carnival, thanks to Dsquared2

There is no gainsaying the fact that the Caten twins have created a lebel that is elegant and debonaire.
Their quest for excellence and attention to detail is rewarded with a cult-like following and accolades from Golden Needle and GQ.

Hand made beautifully woven moccasins, mid rise skinny pants with cuffed hems, distressed denims with front button fastening, overlapping rear belt loop are unique and synonymous with the brand. No other designer does it like Dean and Dan. The combination of rare shades, (orange, ochre, garnet, coral, lavender) with natural colours for their male collection depict the aura of the brand. The brand's ability to incorporate denim into formal dressing, a brilliant mastery of their act, sets them apart from their Peers.

The theme for the brand's Spring, Summer 2014 men's collection is "Jungle". This is portrayed by the 50s Indigenous style. Raffias, tropical colours and tribal prints. The theme is derived from the storey of a crashed plane in the Jungle and the idea of survival. The runway is littered with jungle fever adorned by a debris of a crashed Aircraft. This depicts the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the duo.
Dsquared2 will introduce "MadLock", the fall winter 2014/2015 men's collection in Millan on the 14th of January. 9.30 CET. Features live and thereafter on demand on http://bit.ly/L5NX1f