Sapeurs: Ladies and Gentlemen of The Congo

• Prize
  Gold in Book/People, 2nd Place winner in Book
• Jury Top 5 Selection

  Geoff Reed Wonderful, colorful photography, full of expression and contrast, this sample left me amused and intrigued and eager for more! A truly excellent book! If I came across it in a bookstore, I would definitely read it cover to cove, then purchase it.

• Photographer
  Tariq Zaidi
• Photo Date
  Images made in 2017-2019. Book Published 2020

The photographer showcases Kinshasa and Brazzaville's fashion culture: La Sape, the Society of Ambiance-Makers & Elegant People. Sapeurs work regular jobs but transform into stylish dandies, spreading joy. Brazzaville favors French suits, while Kinshasa embraces eclectic styles. True Sapologie values creativity over labels, with Congolese women joining to challenge norms. La Sape evolves as youth use fashion to navigate their nations' paths toward a hopeful, cosmopolitan future.