Dedicated followers of fashion: Congo's designer dandies

By Mark Tutton, CNN

Updated 1421 GMT (2221 HKT) February 13, 2012

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<a href="http://www.photodantam.com/" target="_blank">Daniele Tamagni</a> photographed the Congo's "Sapeurs" for his book 'Gentlemen of Bacongo."
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – Daniele Tamagni photographed the Congo's "Sapeurs" for his book 'Gentlemen of Bacongo."
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The Sapeurs are a Congolese sub-culture of dapper dressers.
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – The Sapeurs are a Congolese sub-culture of dapper dressers.
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<a href="http://www.photodantam.com/" target="_blank">Tamagni</a> traveled to Brazzaville in 2008 to photograph the Sapeurs. Kinshasa, in DR Congo, has its own Sapeur scene.
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – Tamagni traveled to Brazzaville in 2008 to photograph the Sapeurs. Kinshasa, in DR Congo, has its own Sapeur scene.
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Smart suits in pastel colors are a trademark of the Brazzaville Sapeurs.
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – Smart suits in pastel colors are a trademark of the Brazzaville Sapeurs.
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Accessorizing is essential.
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – Accessorizing is essential.
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Sapeur Eric Mezzekempe with a Mozart cane.
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – Sapeur Eric Mezzekempe with a Mozart cane.
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Sapeurs posing in front of Memorial Savorgnan de Brazza.
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – Sapeurs posing in front of Memorial Savorgnan de Brazza.
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Suits are often finished off with a cigar or and pipe.
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – Suits are often finished off with a cigar or and pipe.
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Brazzaville's Piccadilly group of Sapeurs wear tartan and kilts.
Photos: 'Gentlemen of Bacongo'
'Gentlemen of Bacongo' – Brazzaville's Piccadilly group of Sapeurs