
While in Paris for an exhibition of my work with the charity Act & Help, I had the chance to visit Sape & Co, a fashion store that serves the Sapeurs—a community of individuals who express their identity through vibrant, carefully curated clothing. Store owner 'Le Bachelor' was kind enough to let me document a day in the life of Sape & Co. The experience proved to be a powerful reminder of how fashion can be more than just a surface-level expression; it can reflect a deeper connection to culture, history, and personal pride.
The Sapeur movement, which originated in Central Africa, is deeply connected to a history of resistance. The term Sape stands for "Society of Ambiance Makers and Elegant People," and it began as a response to colonialism. During colonial rule, Africans were often forced to adopt European clothing and behaviors as a way of asserting control. Rather than submit, the Sapeurs reimagined this imposition as an opportunity to assert their own dignity and independence. They began wearing the most extravagant and colorful clothing they could find—not to show wealth, but as a statement of pride in who they were.


What the Sapeurs wore became a symbol of resilience. For them, fashion wasn’t just about trends or appearances; it was a way to assert their identity in a world that tried to impose a foreign one. It was an act of defiance, a way to reclaim agency over their narrative and their cultural expression.
When I visited Sape & Co, I felt the weight of this tradition in every corner of the store. The clothes weren’t just garments; they were part of a broader cultural story. Brightly colored suits, polished shoes, and bold accessories weren’t simply about looking good—they were about making a statement. They were about owning one’s identity with pride and expressing it confidently.




What struck me most about the Sapeur movement was how fashion is used as a powerful means of asserting identity and autonomy. In a world that often seeks to suppress or define people by external standards, the Sapeurs use clothing as a tool to take ownership of their narrative and express their individuality. Their choices are deliberate acts of self-expression that refuse to conform to outside expectations.
The Sapeur movement serves as an important reminder of the power of cultural expression and community. It’s a story of resilience, told through every outfit worn with intention. This experience reinforced how clothing can carry more than just style—it can carry history, pride, and a sense of identity that runs deep.


