A photo book with a preface by Paul Smith, "SAPEURS: The Gentlemen of Bacongo," will be released by Seigensha in mid-June.
This photo book, with a foreword by Paul Smith, provides a comprehensive look at the "Sapeurs," a group of Congolese gentlemen who aspire to "devote everything to elegance." This is the Japanese version of the book, which was published in the UK in 2009 and garnered much attention.
Based in the Bacongo district on the outskirts of the capital of the Republic of Congo, the "Sapeurs" enjoy limited incomes, dressed in high-end clothing carefully selected with a unique fashion sense, and garnering respect throughout the town for their gentlemanly and elegant demeanor. While not financially wealthy, they have attracted worldwide attention for their stylish, elegant, and gentlemanly lifestyle, which they take pride in and are passionate about.
The fashionable and lively images of the "Sapeurs" were captured by Italian photographer Daniele Tamagni. The book also includes interviews with the Sapeurs by the photographer, who has been covering African communities around the world for the past few years, making it a valuable addition to the history of fashion culture.

"To me, the attire of the Sapeurs was astonishing. Even in world capitals like Paris or London, men dressed so elegantly would stand out. That's Congo." (*Excerpt from the preface by Paul Smith)

[Book Information]
"SAPEURS the Gentlemen of Bacongo"
Author: Daniele Tamagni
Publisher: Seigensha
Language: Japanese
Softcover / 224 pages / 148 x 210 mm
Publication: Mid-June 2015
Price: 2,300 yen