Meanwhile, in the Congo

Hanging out after the street show The name of the movement comes from the phrase Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes (SAPE). In Congo, it doesn't matter who you are and where you work - anyone can be le Sapeur, men and women (les Sapeuses). The movement is supposed to embody the elegance in style. Some say le SAPE began with soldiers coming home from the First World War who brought the latest Parisian fashions with them. They took to dressing up and showing off and it made them feel rich and important. At the beginning les Sapeurs were not very popular, sometimes even banned from public spaces. Now, they have status as a part of Congo’s cultural heritage and became a symbol of the country. They participate in public cultural events or just stroll down the streets, showing off their elaborate outfits. Some are beginning to create their own original designs, as they believe it is not about the price but rather about the style - how you combine colors is more impor