The Sapeurs.. xxx
Suave and sophisticated, the title Sapeur comes from la SAPE, an abbreviation of Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes – The Society of Tastemakers and Elegant People. Over the past twenty five years it’s emerged as a brightly coloured African subculture inspired by the myth of Parisian elegance and Dandyism.
Mostly centred around Brazzaville and Kinshasa, the adjacent Capitals of the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively, the Sapeurs cultivate their refined gentility amid their countries war-torn, extreme poverty.
But despite this nations history, Sapeurs are pacifists – for them style is about being respectful with a pure attitude and impeccable manners.
Creativity is paramount – although many will spend whatever they have on clothes, it’s not about the money, it’s about style and being flamboyant in oneself, despite the circumstances.
(All the pictures above by Baudouin Mouanda)
They are ordinary people, with ordinary jobs who break free by transforming their dusty pavements into fabulous fashion runways. But the truth is these characters are teachers, creatures of spirit with a powerful, requisite flair and passion.
(Photo by Hector Mediavilla)
Sharp and sly, like poetry in motion with their hearts turned to the sun, they demand that there can be great riches in small spaces..their irresistible sense of pride says you can be whatever you want to be…and sometimes we all need that fairytale.
(Photo by Hector Mediavilla)
A very short documentary – worth watching! x
To those that say their style is part of a legacy of cultural imperialism and a post-colonial carry-over they say:
‘White people invented the clothes..but we turned them into an art form’
Personally, I doff my bright yellow trilby to them.
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
These are amazing photographs, especially the first one I loved so much. Thank you, love, nia
Funky fabulousness on yet another grey day! Xx
How cool do those cats look..?
They look fabulous! I love a well dressed man who is not shy about standing out. My late dad was a bit like that and he made me proud 👍
Wow! They look amazing!
That is coolness personified!!! Xx
Being flamboyant despite the circumstances is something we should all aspire to ! Thanks for making my rainy day much brighter ! xxxxx
This lot are wonderful! I would definitely be their friend. Jx
I feel like going out and buying a yellow trilby just so I can doff it to them with you.
How beautiful — dressing under duress — to find or create joy. Inspiring.
LOVE The Sapeurs!
What a great way to brighten up a melting snow day-anything more depressing? the Sapeurs have my heart in their hands. Today I am going to dress up as fine as I can and just go have a coffee at the bakery. I am a Sapeur at heart!
Very interesting!!!
Thanks Kate for yet another fantastic and informative post, loved it! Channeling my inner Sapeur now. Bisous Amanda
They are brilliant! So dapper.
every time I visit your blog I discover something new and interesting.thank you for showing through your blog that women who love fashion are intelligent and insightful 😉 xxx Tiziana
http://www.nopleatedpants.me
This is fascinating–what a hopeful and creative way to respond to troubles in their world! Such verve!
Having fallen in love with these dapper chaps in the Guinness advert it’s brilliant to see some more shots of them looking fabulous. Their passion and pride is clear and I certainly think they could teach me about creating style from the ordinary.
Thank you for sharing, very informative!!
love the socks and ties especially! great post!
Oh, I’ve been admiring the Sapeurs ever since I came across them some years back. I’ve always admired the way Africans use and combine colour but these gents elevate style to a whole new level! xxx
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