As The Metropolitan Museum of Art opens its doors to ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’, this story honours La Sape, the original Congolese dandies. “The Costume Institute’s spring show takes its notes from Black dandyism in Europe and the US but Black elegance finds its roots in Africa’s traditions and movements – and La Sape is one of them, “ says French-Congolese stylist Iggy. “The society was born in the Republic of Congo through the influence of French colonisers and was globalised by Congolese music legends such as Papa Wemba and King Kester Emeneya. La Sape has become a religion to some, with its own codes and icons. And still to this day, it is a source of endless inspiration.”