The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s misfortunes have often eclipsed its good news, with ongoing armed conflicts and most recently an Ebola outbreak. Much of the world knows little of the country’s vibrant arts scene, and last weekend in the capital, Kinshasa, models showed off daring new looks dreamed up by local designers on the catwalk. (Photo by Olivia Acland/The Guardian)

Manson Gerasimov of Russia and Agustina Piaggio of Argentina, representing the city of Rio Grande, Argentina, perform during the Stage style final round at the Tango World Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina on August 23, 2018. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Reuters)

A traditional game that earned hollers from the crowd saw a male rider gallop after a young woman, stretching for a kiss. Only a handful of the men managed the risky peck before the young women turned the tables and thundered after the men with whips in hand. (Photo by Amos Chapple/Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Models pose for a photograph backstage before the Miss Koch beauty pageant, titled “Getting to Zero Teenage Pregnancy”, at the Korogocho slums in Nairobi, December 6, 2014. The winner of the pageant, Miss Koch Kenya, will represent and lead the non-governmental organization to encourage youths in slums to overcome challenges such as poverty, crime, drug and sexual abuse, according to organisers. (Photo by Thomas Mukoya/Reuters)

Miss Costa Rica Maria Fernanda Rodriguez Ávila competes in the evening gown competition during the preliminary round of the 71st Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in New Orleans, Wednesday, January 11, 2023. (Photo by Gerald Herbert/AP Photo)

A model presents a creation by Kazakhstan's designer Naiyl Baikuchukov during Kazakhstan Fashion Week at National Academical Theater of Opera and Ballet in Almaty, Kazakhstan on April 11, 2018. (Photo by Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters)

Models prepare backstage before presenting creations of Belarussian designer Tatyana Efremova during the Belarus Fashion Week in Minsk, Belarus, 14 April 2018. (Photo by Tatyana Zenkovich/EPA/EFE)

Attendees arrive dressed as their favourite comic characters for the MCM London Comic Con, a convention to celebrate the culture of comic books and related art forms, in London, Britain, May 25, 2018. (Photo by Toby Melville/Reuters)