The Chap Olympiad is always one of the high points in London’s vintage calendar. For those who have never been before it can be hard to describe, but essentially it is a sporting event for people who prefer laughter, dressing up, and carousing, over any pursuit of physical excellence.
The aim of each contest is never to win (perish the thought!), but more often than not, to come up with the most creative way of cheating. Events include Butler Baiting, Umbrella Jousting, Swooning, Hop Skip and a G&T, Gentleman’s Golf (played with walking sticks and bowler hats) and Moustache Tug of War. It is all very silly, very English, and not at all serious.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day is seeing what competitors and spectators are wearing. What is nice is that everyone is so very different – some people come in military uniforms, some in Victorian gowns, some as sheiks, 50s rockers, 60s mods, in 20s tea dresses, 30s suits, and always a vast amount of tweed. This year we even had Queen Victoria and Mr Brown. It really doesn’t matter what you wear, but it is great that most people put so much thought and effort into their outfits (which is probably why the fake-moustache-and-plastic-bowler-hat-contingent annoys everyone so much. Make an effort guys!).
We even had our own celebrity this year, in the form of all-round nice guy Tony Robinson. You can see him looking dapper in a striped jacket and panama behind me in the photo above, while I pose like an oblivious moron. Luckily we did see him again later; having no shame I ran over to ask for his photo, and knowing my friend Charly was a huge fan dragged her in to have her pic taken with him. I consider that my good deed for the year.
There is a large gallery of photographs below, but if you want more you can also check the Chap Olympiad album on my Facebook page.
My outfit details: 1980s striped dress by Valentino, 1960s shoes, circa 1930s Japanese haori jacket, clear glass 1950s necklace, ethical teal glass modern necklace by Oxfam.
1950s bone china rose brooch 
1970s blue silk ikat beaded kaftan maxi dress 
1980s Zandra Rhodes galaxy heels 
1970s does 30s tan leather spectator heels 
1970s does 30s two-tone brown stripe mid heels 
1970s green and red tartan knit jumper dress 
1970s dark brown striped boots 
1930s pale blue seersucker day dress 
1960s pink quilted dressing gown 
1950s black dress with confetti lucite buttons 
Ooh, how fun! Everyone looks great and i like Tony R even more now!
Looks like a fun time was had by all :) And how cool is it that Tony Robinson was there? I love him :)
Awesome day out with the coolest people I know. Fact.
I always enjoy seeing photos of the Chap Olympiad. Everyone look so dashing and sharp! Thanks for sharing.
You guys just do it so much better over there. :) Fabulous!
It looks like it was so much fun this year. I spy my lovely friend Sophie in these pictures. Everyones outfits were amazing, especially loving your Kimono. x
Hello! You look like you had such a fun time! We went on the Sunday and got very wet and muddy but it was great fun, the suitcase phalanx (a new event methinks!) was my favourite as it was so riotous!! Your outfit is gorgeous! It looks like more people went on the Saturday than the Sunday!
Oh I missed that one, must have been too busy eating our picnic ;) What a shame we were on separate days, it would have been nice to meet you in real life!
You genius, nabbing the notoriously photo-shy Robinson for a snap with everyone’s favourite landgirl! :) Great day! Same place, same event, next year old chaps..?
I LOVE how everyone’s got into the true spirit of things…. fab pics – and so great that Tony Robinson was there – from what I can see he looks very dapper!
That looks like so much fun! And everyone looks so amazing dressed up! Love your Valentino dress.
Sigh. Further proof I was born in the wrong country. I am sure I could do well in the Hop, Skip and a G&T! Your outfit is fabulous, and I love that range of well-dressed eras represented.
oooh Valentino! looks like such fun. I really, really love your shoes as well xox
I see photos and every year I decide I must go the next, looks like so much fun and everyone looks fabulous!