The Power of Dressing Well

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Dressing well was a significant aspect in La Sap culture, reflecting elegance and creating a positive ambiance. Papa Wimber's song emphasized being well-dressed, well-shaved, and well-perfumed as a philosophy adopted by Saphors. This philosophy suggested that dressing expensively could influence how one is treated in society, regardless of their profession. Clothing was seen as transformative, creating distinctions among individuals based on their attire, such as students' uniforms, athletes' jerseys, lawyers' robes, doctors' coats, and soldiers' uniforms.

Hailing from central African cities of Brazzaville and Kinshasa, sapeurs have become increasingly recognizable around the world. Since the 1970s, sapeurs (from: le sape, short for "Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes") have been known for donning technicolored three-piece suits with flamboyant accessories like golden walking sticks and leopard-print fedoras, and then cat-walking through their city streets.

In recent years, Solange, Kendrick and SZA have all featured sapeurs in their music videos. The iconic British menswear designer Paul Smith did a whole spring line of sapeur-inspired suits and bowler hats.

The Society of Ambiance Makers and Elegant Persons