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Slums Inspire Fashion
By admins | December 10, 2009
In the world of fashion, it is hard to surprise us. Almost anything goes these days and we are all a bit jaded with the “been there done that” attitude. However, when we came across this book, Gentlemen of the Bakongo we were transfixed by the photographs. The book, by photographer Daniele Tamagni, captures a group of men living in the Congo slums who are part of a fashion movement called, Le Sape. Though incredibly poor, members of this group live by their own unusual code which includes strict rules of professional conduct, morality, and fashion direction. These men practically worship designers like, Pierre Cardin, Fendi, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few.
These photos show the unique and often bizarre juxtaposition, between luxury fashion and intense African poverty. As one member put it, “a Congolese Sapeur is a happy man even if he does not eat, because wearing proper clothes feeds the soul and gives pleasure to the body.”
For more information and to purchase the book (which would make an excellent Christmas gift for the dapper fella in your life) please click here.
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Topics: books, fashion | 6 Comments » 
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December 10th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
This is awe-inspiring. I like to think that I can be fashionable on the cheap, but these guys take it to a whole other level. I applaud them for their ingenuity and creativity. I also will be adding that book to my amazon wish list. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Yes, yes and more yes. It is such a wonderfully inspiring book. So amazing :)
December 10th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
So interesting! How do they afford all their clothes??
December 12th, 2009 at 2:40 am
That cover image is unbelievable!
December 14th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
This is a fabulous look into how the clothes make the man, in South Africa there is a similar movement where men also save all they can and have fashion show parties to show off their wonderful silk and wool suits. I think oppression and poverty are hard things to deal with and these diversions bring a light of hope to those who work hard and believe there’s something better, the hope of achieving success even if it’s obtaining a designer suit :)
Much love,
Glendy
January 19th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
There was a documentary on the BBC a few years ago about Le Sape, also entitled “The Importance of Being Elegent”. It was extremely insightful and entertaining, mostly because of the way brand culture speaks to those in the third world. A lot of the documentary centers on a Congolese singer called Papa Wemba, who loves his Cavalli.
I highly recommend checking it out, if you can find it on the internet or elsewhere!