# Dapper Congotography The Sapeurs Form Gentlemen Subculture in Africa By Meghan Young | Published 2009-12-15 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sapeurs References: [lifelounge](http://www.lifelounge.com/Dandies-from-the-Congo.aspx) & [africafeed](http://www.africafeed.com/post/73905767/the-sapeurs-of-congo-open-gutters-and-gucci-loafers) The juxtaposition between The Sapeurs (African gentlemen) and their surroundings leaves me speechless. These images depicting the lifestyle (and simply, style) of [elite African males](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/afrofuturism-1) are really extraordinary. I wish I knew who the photographer was. According to Mikolai from LifeLounge.com, The Sapeurs spend all of their time and money in order to maintain their [designer, high-class looks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/day-3-capsule-2). Dating back to the 1950s, it has become a subculture of hardcore modelling, dancing and grooming. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 70% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Elite African Style:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce sustainable and affordable designer fashion options to the elite African market. - **Subculture Modelling:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop an online platform that connects aspiring African models with international fashion agencies. - **Grooming Culture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a line of grooming products specifically tailored to the needs of African men. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore partnerships with African designers to promote their work on a global scale. - **Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build an online marketplace for African photographers to showcase and sell their work. - **Modeling:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish modeling agencies in African countries to provide opportunities for local talent. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Silky Camouflage-Design Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lisous-empire-collection.md) - [Designer-Approved Western Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dapper-dan-1.md) - [Sophisticated Menswear Runway Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gucci-men.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Streetwear-Inspired NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hapebeasts.md) - [Evolutionary Menswear Fashion Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ss-daley-1.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md) - [History-Inspired Apparel Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-scorpion-the-frog.md) - [Art-Infused Workwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nepenthes-capsule.md)