The Sapeurs today belong to ‘La SAPE’ (Societe des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes) – one of the world’s most exclusive clubs. Members have their own code of honour, codes of professional conduct and strict notions of morality. It is a world within a world within a city.
Designer brands of suits and accessories are of the utmost importance to Sapeurs – Pierre Cardin, Roberto Cavalli, Dior, Fendi, Gaultier, Gucci, Issey Miyake, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Yohji Yamamoto – are their patron saints. Unlike some US hip-hop gangs who are dressed in similar fine threads, there is no bloodshed here – here your clothes do all the fighting for you, otherwise you are not fit to be called a Sapeur. The result is a unique and inspiring style, that has captured the imagination of people all over the world – the sapeurs are now truly the kings of elegance.
this fascinating exhibition is now open in amsterdam at the ‘prins claus funds’ gallery, a book documenting the whole phenomenon has also just been released
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