On 21 March around 8:00PM I took a visit to Kentish Town. I wanted to see the place at night, because it’s interesting to see the things you notice when there’s less congestion and noise to distract you. Below, I have listed some of the places that stood out the most to me and caught my attention.
There were also a few interesting individuals about on the street all appearing to be in their own world/element but interacting with their surroundings as unique characters.
Chris Ruocco Tailor, Est. 1952
020 7485 7521
· This menswear tailor shop was established in 1952. The owner will definitely have some interesting stories to tell. We could talk to him about what menswear fashion is in Kentish Town, how it has evolved and how has he maintained an important place in the market. The tailor is an important character in a neighborhood, because he knows how people add up…literally. I am sure he has some interesting stories to tell about his customers from the past and present that could lead us to discover more about how men impact this community. His thoughts on menswear fashion today would also be enlightening.
Christ Apostolic Church
020 7485 6899
· One of the most interesting things that caught my attention was the church. On my visit, I noticed three churches all of different denominations, but all so similar in their architecture. This made me think about the role that churches play in a community, and the many characters that exist within a church. What I also found ironic is that each denomination prides themselves in the makeup of their religion, which makes each religion so different, but from the façade (the building) they all look the same. This to me has a double meaning, because for someone who is a non-believer, no matter what the religion all churches look the same from the outside. As I observed the churches in the night, they appeared to be quite daunting and unapproachable. I begin to think why is it that I a place that is supposed to provide unending comfort closed at night. Do people stop needing God at night? One would think that the most popular time for the church to be open would be at night. To give back to the community. I have strong views about the church, as you can see. I don’t understand why churches don’t have to pay taxes and there’s so many of them. Research has shown that if each church paid minimal taxes it would help alleviate the debts of countries experiencing economic hard times right now like the UK and USA.
· Next, I thought about how in a world where everything is ever evolving the one thing that seems to have remained the same is the church. If you look at the architecture of the churches through history they have not changed. Religions don’t evolve, they also stay the same. This creates the wonderful world of conflict with religion. If everything else is evolving, why does the church not evolve? It puts it in a weird time capsule. Think about this, over time people have become more accepting of homosexuals, minorities, etc. Had this evolution not happened, what would the world be today? The church needs to catch up, but it’s interesting the power the church has to remain the same, to reject, to accept and to stand by principles that are so controversial that only the bravest dare to protest.
· Obviously, we cannot do an entire magazine on the church, but the principle of the church to me is quite interesting and encompasses a lot.
o Those who reject change or evolution
o The power of not changing
o Double standards
o Hierarchy of the church
HMV Forum: Persian Night, 21 March
A. George Clinton: 18 June
B. PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi): 20 May
C. Dry the River: 25 May
· It was the lady with the black and white sequined scalloped dress that made me stop. The fashion was hideous, but these people strode with a confidence that made you stop and stare. They were Persians gathering together for a night of fun and Persian music. Here again is this principle of rejection and not evolving. Many ethnic groups that immigrate to other countries are often caught in the middle of trying to maintain their ethnic identity and conform to their new home. However, you do have some who don’t conform and end up looking ridiculous, because no one else dresses like they do except for the few members of their ethnic community who have also chosen not to conform. Then you have those who do conform, and only put on the clothing that would identify them with their ethnic backgrounds for special occasions, etc. Does this make their ethnic dress a costume? Also, a look at what role different ethnicities make in recreating a community. If you think about London, every area is known for the type of people that live there, but how do these people get to these places and decide this will be there hub? How do they influence the people already living there to accept and adopt their culture?
Hair Salon & Gallery
020 7267 5323
· A team of what appeared to be hairstylists all gathered in the front part of the hair salon and looked as if they were at an auction as they all examined pieces of contemporary art. What they were doing was selecting the next round of artwork to be exhibited in their hair salon. What a unique idea, but does it work? There has definitely been an ongoing dual purpose trend developing of the facilities we use having more than one purpose (restaurant/music hall, book store/post office) Just thought it would be interesting to speak to the people here, because they looked cool and would be good to inquire about the success of their creative endeavor and how it has impacted business. What made them decide to do it?
Blustons: Classic Ladies Clothing
020 7485 3508
· This shop made me laugh. Once you see the pictures you will know why. The clothes are so dated! I have to know who is shopping here. What do they do? Why have they chosen not to evolve to current fashion trends? Once again the notion of rejecting change and staying true to what you feel works best for you. If you think about it though…Anna Wintour has had the same hairstyle since the start of her career, yet she dictates to other women that change is principle and mandatory. Another double standard. I am sure the owner of this shop is a character and will have some funny stories and opinions on what is fashionable, what is not fashionable and the idea of change.
~Zadrian Smith
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