Gentlemen of Bacongo by Daniele Tamagni

The Sapeurs today belong to 'La SAPE' (Societe des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes) - one of the world's most exclusive clubs. Members have their own code of honour, codes of professional conduct and strict notions of morality. It is a world within a world within a city.

Designer brands of suits and accessories are important to sapeurs, and they work hard to save as much money as they can to dedicate to the most beautiful suits and accessories they can find. But their amazing style is also based on strict rules of elegance, beauty and harmony of colours. They dress to impress, whilst also being ambassadors of etiquette, peace and music, as well as the essence of style. The result is a unique and inspiring style, that has captured the imagination of people all over the world - the sapeurs are now truly the kings of elegance.

Introduction written by Paul Smith, one of the world's most renowned and influential menswear designers. The cover image was also chosen for Paul Smith's London Fashion Week show invitation for September 09.

Preface written by Paul Goodwin - Cross Cultural Curator, Tate Gallery, London

The exhibition 'Gentlemen of Bacongo' was held at the London Newcastle Project Space, London, as part of Photomonth November 2009. It then travelled to the Prince Claus Foundation in The Netherlands for six months.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Sapeurs
• Congo
• Brazzaville
• Le Bachelor
• Daniele Tamagni
• Trolley Books
• Sape
• design
• fashion
• Paul Smith

[jacques4034]

en effet, le berceau de la sape de pd !

[jacques4034]

kié,kié,kié ! pantalon orange !, kié,kié !

[asscaaslife]

LA MODA E BELLISSIMA. CHI PIACE LA MODA ,AMI STESSI. PERCHE L"ELEGANZA E DI PRIMA SEMPRE.

[ArthurAllblack]

This completely reminds me of early Mod culture that took place in England during the late 50s-early 60s. Many working class British kids emulated the ivy league look of African American servicemen who frequented the jazz and soul clubs in places like London and Chelsea. The whole subculture soon took off and Mod was born.

[jacques4034]

en effet, comme ils ont leur système d' acheter les rideaux pour faire les vetement de leur création de brazzaville !, voici, l' autre a porté une paire de chaussete signé un prince au congo !,kié,kié,kié!, et l' autre ssi, qu'il a porté le meme rideau en rayure, rouge et blanc, que leurs compatriotes souvent s' en habillent !, si tu veux le voir, tapez , l'élégance, et tapez aussi, le dandysme à l'africaine !, en effet, un sapeur ne porte pas le rideau !

[ggregson1]

Dandyism

[jacques4034]

ça fait vraiment pitié et la honte pour le peuple congolais de brazzaville de voir le drapeau français en flotant, et les vieux papas sont des guignols pareille à leurs enfants, car eux tous qui s' habillent sans catologue, ni série et sans la haute couture, sont les adorateurs des français!

[kronk99]

What in the world is a US hip-hop gang? Seriously?!

[watertothepeople]

I need this book. I always thought they tailer their own dresses!

[jvangurp]

Absolutely bizarre!