Real Dedication:

[Dave the Hick]

I've just been introduced to the world of the sapeurs, Africans who barely have enough money to eat, live with their parents, and endure months of privations to save the money for a nice suit.

http://www.viewbookphotostory.com/2009/10/sape/
http://zonezero.com/exposiciones/fotografos/mediavilla/
http://www.colorsmagazine.com/issues/colors64/04.php
http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/2008/11/stylish-sape-return-to-elegance.html
http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/la-sape-fashion-above-everything.html

Now, they don't all have great fashion sense by our standards, but it's still interesting to see.

 

[Geesie]

Reminds me of a story I read...

 

[reetpleat]

Wow. these guys are great. From the article, a pity it is becoming now about labels rather than looking good. Most of us try to look as good as possible on as little as possible. But whaever makes them happy I guess. Love their style.

As for the Ice Cream Suit, it was made into a movie in the 90s. I own it and it is awesome. Esse Morales, edward james Olmos, and others. Find it if you can. I have it on video casette. Not sure if it is on dvd.

 

[dhermann1]

A fascinating sociological phenomenon, amusing, but also terribly sad in a way. Zaire, and in its previous incarnation, the Belgian Congo, has had a history of unmatched misery, suffering and chaos for a couple hundred years. The Belgians utterly raped and plundered a land that should be among the richest in the world. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Dave the Hick]

I remember reading that story, but sadly Netflix doesn't have the movie. Amazon does, but the DVD is 40 bucks.

 

[Geesie]

A fascinating sociological phenomenon, amusing, but also terribly sad in a way. Zaire, and in its previous incarnation, the Belgian Congo, has had a history of unmatched misery, suffering and chaos for a couple hundred years. The Belgians utterly raped and plundered a land that should be among the richest in the world. Thanks for sharing.

And the Congolese have picked up where the Belgians left off.