J Lawrence: Congolese Fashion Hits the Paris Scene

Even though hip hop and causal wear have taken over fashion over the past decade, there's always room for classic men's styles to return. The Gentlemen of Bakongo, Brazzaville found a new way to be fashion-forward, but still remain classic.

Known in their home country as "sapeurs" -- a play on the French word for "well dressed" -- Congolese luxury fans have perfected the art of matching candy-colored suits, crocodile shoes and cocked hats in a tribute to male vanity.

"We came here, and we brought our history with us," said Armel, who designs all the clothes for his label, "Connivences", and produces them in Italy. Nicknamed "Le Bachelor",

Now, Europeans are discovering the style. French magazine L'Express has just published a fashion shoot about the "sapeurs", featuring handsome black men in sharp suits and loud colors. There are photo exhibitions on the trend at Paris's Dapper Museum and Amsterdam's Prince Claus Gallery.

These very elegant, Cohiba cigar smoking men spend any money they have to look and abide by strict moral codes.