Slogans on the streets of Africa

In the fashion world, the annual fashion week touches the hearts of countless fashionistas, and at the same time leads the trend of global fashion trends, affecting the trend and development of global fashion circles, as if gathering the dreams and pursuits of world fashionistas.

In Africa, a dirty environment, a slum that is often dragged down by poverty and backwardness, such as being unable to eat and go to school, often has a group of "fashion hipsters" wearing suits and shoes and shining shoes walking on the streets of Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. Their clothes seem to be incompatible with the impression of "poverty, backwardness and chaos", but all their suits and ties are so dazzling step by step. At first glance, this wonderful scene can be said to be comparable to the fashion street shooting of European and American international brands.

They would rather not eat or drink, live in a thatched cottage and save money to buy gorgeous and luxurious suits and dresses, such as Armani, Gucci, Saint Laurent and other international first-line luxury brands; The leather shoes that set foot in this barren land are top custom brands. Speaking of which, some people will think that they are wearing fakes. On the contrary, they are all wearing real famous brands.

It is such a "magical" place that has formed the "most exquisite" fashion association on the African continent today, which is called "Sapeurs" locally. People who dress neatly, are polite, do not drink or take drugs, are self-reliant, know fashion and have strict requirements on themselves, and strive to bring positive influence to others through their positive energy behavior.

Elegant cut silhouette, bright colors, tall and straight details, elegant top hat with a gentleman, holding a staff, tying a bow at the neckline, and even pocket towels on clothes will be elegantly displayed, which will light up the messy land in slums and add a touch of bright colors and fun to life, just like a group of jazz "bands" full of retro years, exquisite and elegant.

The "Sapeurs" in this fashion association are not rich second generation, let alone "nouveau riche". Most of them are engaged in basic ordinary jobs, such as ordinary employees of the company, taxi drivers, policemen, carpenters, bricklayers or small tailors. It is convenient for leisure time, transformed into retro and fashionable street style in suits and ties, and has now become a fashion subculture in Africa.

Perhaps, in the eyes of many people, they can't understand these "Sa Pailes" behaviors. Their monthly salary is only over 200 to 300 dollars, but they will dress themselves up for weekend activities, exchange clothes according to the theme of the party, and take every activity seriously. Even if it takes half a month to half a month's salary to get style, it will not hinder their instinctive pursuit of fashion and beauty.

This fashion subculture originated from the retro style at the end of 19 and the beginning of the 20th century. In 19 13, Jean de Witte, a Belgian archaeologist, recorded the changes of African local people's clothes: "They have several pairs of trousers and sweaters shipped from Europe, as if to show off, and they try to stack them together as much as possible, even though this way of dressing is totally unsuitable for the hot weather in Congo. Many locals are proud that they can follow European fashion. "

Some people say that it was the local people who resisted the "voice" of the colonists at that time and tried to resist the colonial trend of thought through clothing language; It is also said that this is a kind of potential inferiority complex to be colonized.

In a word, I think "Sapeurs" has become a culture and a way of life in African fashion circles. It also shows the African people's pursuit of fashion and beauty and breaks people's impression of "poverty" in Africa. At the same time, through constant change, development and exploration, with unique collocation and fashion concept, we will wear our unique fashion style out of Africa's own fashion style. Even in a bad and chaotic environment, maintaining a good positive attitude is the secret to happiness.

As "Sapeurs" said, "we ignore the surrounding environment and life is full of fun."