Francesco Giusti lives and works in Rome, Italy. He recently won 1st Prize in the Viewbook Photostory competition for his documentary series, SAPE(Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes). A portrait story of the members of the SAPE from Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo. In Congo-Brazzaville SAPE is an old passion that has never stopped, not even during war years. At the arrival of the French in Congo at the beginning of 9oo, the mith of elegance was born among young people working for the settlers.
In 1922, Andrè Grenard Matsoua, well-known for his resistance to the settlers, was the first Congolese to come back from Paris, well dressed like a true French "Monsieur", greatly admired by all his fellow citizens.
Today’s members of the SAPE consider themselves as artists and are respected and admired by the whole community. "Sape is an art that is not referred to the means people have at their disposal. It’s a matter of harmony and matching colours". Making up his own clothes, choosing the right accessories, surely answers a clothing code as well as the pleasure of being unique and original. The members of the SAPE take a touch of glamour into their humble environment with their refined style and faultless clothes.
