FAR FROM CONSERVATIVE - THE EPONYMOUS LES SAPEURS - MEN OF STYLE

The husband is a very well dressed, but conservative fellow. These stylish men from Congo are well dressed too, but far from conservative. I just love these photographs. The juxtaposition of their flamboyant clothing against shabby impoverished backgrounds are truly indicative of the vibrant zest for life, despite enduring hardship, which typifies African spirit.

You may have already seen Les Sapeurs in the stunning Solange Knowles' music video 'Losing You'.  

They are part of a Brazzaville subculture of men dedicated to elegant dressing known as  La Societe des Ambianceurs et Persons Elegants. In French the word "sape" means to dress with elegance and style. VOILA, dandyism is alive and well!

For more information / images please go to the following sites:
Daniele Tamagni's book Gentlemen of Bacongo
Hector Mediavilla's photo story The Congolese Sape
Francesco  Giusti's photo story book  La SAPE Collection

I so much enjoyed looking at them, I hope you do too.