[Sarvi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CScqFDtelrQ

Great little video that’s been making the rounds on Facebook. Guinness-funded mini-doc on the sapeurs — Congolese dandies. I am totally going to draw on something of these glorious looks for my daughter. Bit much for a trip to the park or library, but with such terrific style, I’ll find an occasion.

[Nicole]

Pinning this for my next MacDonalds trip (free wifi)

Thanks Sarvi.

[Sarvi]

My pleasure! I don’t usually like ads very much because the branding feels so forced and so obtrusive but they kept it to a bit of product placement and left it at that, and really gave a lot of time to the men they were spotlighting. Loved the lines about how it’s not what the clothes are worth, it’s about what the wearer is worth.

[Lightning McStitch]

Quand il y a la paix, il y a la vie.

Merci Sarvi.

So, if I dress my kid as a dandy he won’t get into fights as a teenager? Hilarious but really sweet idea. If it’s working for these men hopefully it’s rubbing off on some youngsters in the Congo.

Some cool outfits and I admit to an out loud laugh at the Congolese kilt wearer inspired by jug-eared Charlie! (off with my insolent head, I know)

[meleliza]

Absolutely fascinating! Thanks for sharing. I’m really curious now about how big of a tradition this in Africa. It seems like I’ve seen people around here following that tradition but I hadn’t quite understood the significance. I just thought it sweet to see old gentlemen nicely dressed. But what interesting ideas they have about what it means to be well dressed!

[Sarvi]

What I know about the Congo would fit on the head of a pin, alas, but yes, I don’t think it’s intended for daily wear. I loved the kilt! It reminded me a lot of the ‘ball’ culture like in Paris Is Burning. I loved the idea of performance through dress and getting together and inhabiting a character for some period of time, one that expresses your sense of elegance or drama, during a time/place where you have a lot of grief.