Photo Hector Mediavilla
So finally what I promised you month ago;
Via Hector Mediavilla photo documention I came to know of the Congolese Sape Culture, a 25 year old african subculture consisting of so called Sapeaurs dressed up in the most extravagant and expensive suits you can imaging, always under the 3 color rule.
Pape Le Sape, the originator of the culture is said to be musician PAPA WEMBA who developed a flamboyant style inspired by European and Parisian Fashion, in a time when Zaire just had been liberated from years under Belgian government - and when western clothing was not accepted by the new leader Mobutu Sese Seko!
The culture innit self, over focus on the actual looks and has non of the bourgeoisie attitude which high end brands ususally want to see attached to their brands. The braggadocio has as a matter of fact a lot in common with the flashing of Lo-life Culture (Ralph Lauren PoLO-lifes) SURFACE IS EVERYTHING!
Read more on this in COLORs Magazine over here
Recently PAUL SMITH togheter with author Daniele Tamagni followed the same trace, making the book GENTLEMEN OF BACONGO (get it here), after a trip down to Zaire. This trip also came to, as the daily reader know, inspire Paul Smiths lovely WMNs Collection of SS 10 (scroll down)
Photo Hector Mediavilla
sape1bPhoto Hector Mediavilla
Photo Hector Mediavilla
Photo Hector Mediavilla

Photo Paul Smith
Photo Paul Smith
Get it at Trolley Books
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