The World Is A Strange And Wondrous Place

"Daniele Tamagni has documented the creativity of a community in the Congo, known as the Sapeurs. The Sapeurs (consisting of mostly men) adhere to a subculture of high fashion called Le Sape (Society for the Advancement of People of Elegance). Their style and attire is their identity in life. Their look seems derived from the wardrobe of a British dandy yet is very much its own evolved creation, based on a strict and detailed code of aesthetics. Socks, ties, pipes and handkerchiefs are chosen with meticulous care - many save up for years to buy the best suit and accessories they can. Le Sape is more than just a look - it is a lifestyle imbued with a deeper, more profound moral undertone and identity. The series of images Tamagni made of the Sapeurs, are wonderfully dynamic and fresh. The sense of celebration and pride Tamagni has captured amongst the Sapeurs is all the more remarkable given the background of extreme poverty and recent violent history that mars the Republic of the Congo."