21 Jul 2011, Posted by admin in Dawn,Headlines,Thoughts, 1 Comments

The Chaps Are Back!

Words by Dawn

We Brits cannot be deterred by a spot of rain. It is, after all, the true British summer. Rain certainly did not stop play for the die-hard tweed clad competitors of the Chap Olympiad 2011 who posses the stiff upper lip, pluck and spirit for hearty competition. Their ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude was only matched by the vintage spectators who insisted on picnicking beneath a sea of umbrellas.

Who says chivalry is dead? These dapper, debonair fellows take their tom-foolery seriously through a whole day of quirky sporting events. Only true chaps take their swooning, briefcase bashing and umbrella jousting as seriously as this array of impressively attired competitors. The games were opened by the ceremonial lighting if the Olympiad Pipe (which took a few attempts due to the deluge) and then the competitors were subject to a drugs test. Those found to be carrying illegal substances such as water or a healthy salad were heavily penalised, bonus points were awarded for chaps ready with their hip flasks. The spectators were talked through this array of silliness by a commentator who made sure the audience knew their ‘foul play’ from their ‘good show’, awarding extra points for the wearing of plus fours and sock suspenders.

The personal highlight for the Cloak & Swagger crew was the swooning event (Chaps have to employ their wily devices to induce the biggest swoon from the ladies) where one brave fellow proposed to his beloved and the event was declared ‘game over’ as this act could not be beat! Many congrats to the happy couple.

After a spot of afternoon tea we enjoyed the pomp of the closing ceremony, where the best chaps of 2011 received bronze, silver or gold cravats as well as a hearty hand shake and puff on the pipe of victory. There were certainly a few dab swing dancers in the crowd looking to take a blushing lady like me for a spin, by this point the rain had (thankfully) let off so the band was able to strike up and get the garden party going.

To conclude this day of vintage frivolity we took ourselves off to the Blitz Party. If you’ve got a taste for vintage then the Blitz Party is definitely worth checking out before it becomes over popular. From the air raid sirens to the crystal glasses and sand bags, the club feels 1940’s throughout- an alternative clubbing experience not to be missed by any Londoner.

With a strict 1940’s dress code it’s an absolute luxury being surrounded by gorgeously classy women in tea dresses and men of the armed forces- not a pair of jeans or Ralph Lauren polo shirt in sight thank-you-very-much. For the July party the ladies could also treat themselves to a free pin tuck or victory roll courtesy of The Beauty Queens hair stylists.

Live music is mixed with gramophone records and electro swing remixes to give a modern twist, whereas the arches and brickwork of the Village Underground nightclub almost catch you believing you’re underground during an air raid. Remember baby, we could all die tomorrow…