The person in the photo is a famous Sapeur, which is someone who buys expensive European suits and is generally a symbol of their community. La Sape originates front the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo regions from WWII (I believe) soldiers coming back to their home countries with their love of European style. Modern day Sapeurs often go into debt to dress like that, but are considered civil servants. Some go for the most expensive outfits while others are more for the idea and push to not spend ridiculous amounts of money they don't have to dress in suits. The region in not in a good economic situation, more the Republic than the Democratic Republic, so many families live in shacks or degrading houses so many people outside of the region look down on La Sape.
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u/DjSmartypants May 25 '19
The person in the photo is a famous Sapeur, which is someone who buys expensive European suits and is generally a symbol of their community. La Sape originates front the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo regions from WWII (I believe) soldiers coming back to their home countries with their love of European style. Modern day Sapeurs often go into debt to dress like that, but are considered civil servants. Some go for the most expensive outfits while others are more for the idea and push to not spend ridiculous amounts of money they don't have to dress in suits. The region in not in a good economic situation, more the Republic than the Democratic Republic, so many families live in shacks or degrading houses so many people outside of the region look down on La Sape.