A Jaunty Pose

This is a Congolese Sapeur who are a part of an unique African subculture who believe and live a style from a specific period in history - generally 1950s French style of dress (the French colonized the Congo). Everything about them is about their look from shoes to their hat to the walking stick and to their watch chain.


Some of the very poorest of the poor will take up this 'profession' to gain status much in the same way that rappers in the inner city dress a certain way to project a certain image. They would rather give up food than the parts of what make their outfit stylish. They consider themselves artists and often are afforded great respect in their towns and villages.


I am fascinated with the way these men have invented/reinvented themselves and taken fashion (traditionally the purview of women) and used it to advance themselves in their culture. I guess in the Congo, looks really do make the man.