The magazine takes a dry, humourous look at the horrors of modern Britain and, in turn, seeks a return to a gentler, more refined way-of-life.
Unlike said publications mentioned above, The Chap resists the temptation to fill its non-glossy pages with sports cars for the nouveau riche, tales of debauchery involving overpaid footballers, and air-brushed photos of semi-literate, scantilly-clad models.
This fine gentlemen's quarterly chooses instead to focus on more pressing issues of the day, such as moustache-growing techniques, the best place to purchase sock-suspenders, which shops sell brown bowler hats, and the joys of pipe-smoking.
The Chap's Mission
The Chap makes a firm, but dignified stand against the distinct lack of manners and values shown by both adults and young people alike in today's throwaway, celebrity - obsessed society. Those at the magazine, and indeed its army of followers, believe that politeness and decency must be upheld at all costs, and not just regarded as a thing of the past..
"We must show our children that the things worth fighting for are not the latest plastic plimsolls but a shiny pair of brogues," states the Chap Manifesto. "We must wean them off their alcopops and teach them how to mix martinis."
The Quiet Rebellion of the "Chaps"
The "Chaps" and "Chapettes" do not wish to right the wrongs of today's world through violence or protest. No, by simply advising the public-at-large on appropriate neck-wear, monacle usage and the correct way to press a pair of trousers, they hope to bring about a revolution based on style, elegance and respect for their fellow man.
The Chap's website speaks of a "revolution of panache:"
"We shall bewilder the masses with seams in our trousers that could cut paper, trilbies angled so rakishly that traffic comes to a standstill," they promise, "and by refusing the bland, watery substances that are foisted upon us by faceless corporations, we shall bring the establishment to its knees, begging for sartorial advice and a nip from our hip flasks."
The Chap and Controversy
Amazingly, there are those that see a group of well-turned-out men and women instructing passers-by in the art of hat-doffing as a threat.
A few years ago, when a group of 40 or so people took to the streets on their "Civilise the City March," they were accompanied by a police escort. Apparently, the sight of "Chaps" and "Chapettes" greeting Londoners with a polite "good afternoon" as they exited Oxford Circus Tube station was perceived as something of a danger to public safety.
Conclusion
If you are bored with wearing denim and witnessing society's seemingly irreversible decline, then why not put down your copy of FHM, stop drinking at Starbucks and shopping at Gap and try living the more fulfilling lifestyle of the "Chap." You won't regret it.
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