The Sapeurs exhibition unveils the secret society of Congo Brazzaville’s finest and most elegant people. Featuring a series of flamboyant and extravagant photographs, Baudoin Mouanda portrays the Sapeurs, members of the S.A.P.E, Societé des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elégantes, in other words, Society of Party Revelers and Elegant Persons. Inspired by the elegance of French men and British dandies, the dandy of yesterday is the Sapeurs of today.
Unlike traditional African studio portraiture, Baudouin Mouanda explores the streets of Bacongo district and documents the sub-cultures of Brazzaville. The Sapeurs have arisen in 1960’s in West Africa and among their Diasporas in Europe. Devoted to elegance and refinement, they wear the latest high fashion of the moment. In a society in crisis, the Sapeurs generally come from modest households and believe in the power of clothing to upgrade their social status and correct inequalities. They are highly respected by their community who see in them the progress and ambition of their country.
