Members of the 'Societe des Ambianceurs et Personnes Elegantes' (SAPE) pictured in Paris, France on October 14 2009. SAPE stands for ÒSociete des Ambianceurs et Personnes ElegantesÓ which translates as the society of atmosphere setters and elegant people. Its members put fashion above all the other issues a developing country like Congo is facing right now. The origins of La SAPE can be traced back to when the first French colonists arrived in the area. They brought with them their famous fashion sense and inspired the locals who regarded the white man as far more elegant and educated than they were. In 1922 Andre Bernard Matsoua was the first local who traveled to Paris and came back dressed as a true French gentleman. Photo by Thierry Orban/ABACAPRESS.COM