In Kinshasa (the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Brazzaville (the capital of the Republic of Congo), situated opposite each other on both banks of the Congo River, the “Society of Elegant People” is gaining momentum. Bright suits, noticeable socks, ties, hats, dark glasses, canes, and cigars with pipes are the essential arsenal of the “sapeurs” (Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes).
Only here can you encounter such a combination of fashion and hardship, where enthusiasts dress in extravagant costumes from the sixties of the last century on weekends, heading to clubs, stepping over trash in polished shoes.