In early 20th century France, a section of the criminal underground invented their own subculture with a unique style of dress and behavior. Known as Les Apaches (Uh-PASH) they carried special weapons and spoke their own obscure dialect, known as Jare.
Les Apaches dressed fancifully for the time, paying particular attention to the quality of their shoes, for which they’d steal or kill. The height of Apache style was a pair of freshly polished pointed yellow boots with golden buttons. Each Apache gang dressed slightly differently, setting themselves apart with scarves or other accoutrements. However, they all wore trousers that were tight at the knee and flared at the bottom, along with sailor shirts, waistcoats, and hats.
Les Apaches even had their own dance, a violent pantomime that combined elements of tango, ballet, and stage combat. The dance is believed to be an artistic interpretation of a violent confrontation between a pimp and prostitute, and includes mock slaps and punches. The male partner also may pick up and throw the woman to the ground, carry her while she struggles or feigns unconsciousness.
Les Apaches gangs disappeared after the First World War, as many young people died in the conflict.
Interesting cats, street criminals who created their own style of dress and dance while terrorizing Paris. Who were these fashionable thugs and the girls who joined their violent dancing? Whoever they were, they could be great characters or local color for a novel with an historical setting. If you’re not inspired by Belle Epoque France, what other elements could you use in your story about a criminal subculture?
