The lifestyle of the La Sape community in Congo is seen as extreme by netizens because they are willing to be poor and eat less for the sake of style. But many also praised them.
Congo, which is one of the poorest countries in the world, has a unique community where people dress elegantly like crazy rich in a slum village so they go viral.
They are adherents of "La Sape" who are known for their love of wearing expensive branded clothes, even though they live in poverty.
La Sape is the French acronym for Société des ambianceurs et des personnes elegantes or Society of Atmosphere-setters and Elegant People.
Sape itself implies a French slang word which means to dress up. This culture is centered in the cities of Kinshasa and Brazzaville, Congo. Its adherents are nicknamed sapeur for men and sapeuse for women.
La Sape's origins are believed to date back to the early 20th century during the Belgian-French colonial period where Congolese slaves worked to get used clothes. Photo: Instagram @artxlagos
Outside of working hours, Congolese men began to dress like fashionable French men, characterized by colorful clothing, fancy shoes, accessories such as bowler hats, sticks, and sunglasses. Wearing such clothes, they feel cool and get energy and joy.
La Sape is a form of social expression of people who have been colonized. Sapeurs used this movement as an escape from their misery, which later became an inspiration to other communities.
Some netizens criticized the sapeur style and thought they were shallow. People who criticize, can't understand why someone is willing to starve and be poor by choosing to buy clothes made by famous designers rather than eating.
"Spending money on aesthetic clothes instead of daily meals is reckless behavior," said one netizen.
"It's stupid to be willing to starve to look fashionable," said another.
The opinions of those who criticize may be right. But La Sape also became the ideology of the movement about being happy and elegant even if one actually lacked food.
"Their style is very cool and elegant. The colors not only entertain themselves, but those of us who see it are happy," commented a netizen.
"La Sape is more than a subculture. It is an important part of Congolese culture. In fact, politicians and musicians respect this movement," another commented.
Some observers rate, La Sape aims more than just to help people forget their problems. This culture has become a subtle form of social activism, a way to turn the tables on power and rebel against their economic conditions.
Others believe this lifestyle can bring a glimmer of hope. For the sapeurs, their art is not just an expression, but also the lifestyle, behavior, and philosophy they live.