Congolese Sapeurs Kilts

[CMcG]

Apparently there is a sub-culture in the Congo that has adopted the kilt. Sapeurs (members of the Society for the Advancement of People of Elegance) have been defined thus:

"sapeur (n, var):
A sapeur is a member of
'La SAPE' (Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elégantes), an exclusive club based around a flamboyant, but impeccably groomed style
of dress.

Sapeurs elevate European haute couture designer fashions to the status of mock religion, enjoying street posing & style demonstrations. Sapeurs also have their own code of honour, based on good manners, politeness and morality. Sapeurs reject violence, as its thought that if your clothes can't do your fighting for you, you're not a real sapeur."

Franca Eirich, 2009
social researcher
www.oranges-and-apples.com

While I think they are more successful with their take on the suit, I applaud their appreciation of the kilt. Let's not be too hard on some of the less successful kilt outfits... I can't imagine how difficult finding a proper Highland attire shop in the Congo must be Their style is sort of retro but has a definite dandy or foppish overtone.

Here are some pics. Anyone ever been to that part of the world? Any thoughts on les sapeurs?








For comparison here are some pics of sapeurs in suits, which seems to be a more common and successful choice: