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.