Was at Rockabaret (www.rockabaret) on Saturday night, with all of London’s freaks and transvestites and exhibitionists, it was a one of those fantastic nights where you are allowed to become someone else, even if only for a couple of hours. The night was a glamourous one, most of the men were wearing more eyeliner than me and there were more corsets and sequins than you can poke a stick at.
In all honesty it was one of the friendliest and most esoteric nights I have ever attended, the music was loud and aleatoric with Brittney Spears sitting in the same playlist as Piaf. The atmosphere was more like a school disco or private club than a club, a factor only helped by the fact that it was held in the grand Victorian Ballroom of the Cobden, a private members club. I think this sensibility was only enhanced by the interlopers and spectators that had meandered up from the members bar downstairs; sloaney types, all artfully tousled hair and pearl earrings. One man was like a spectator at a zoo, gawping at the night’s denizens whilst attempting to find someone with a membership who would support his application.
These are the new children of the (internet) revolution, escaping from vulgarities and sterility of daily existence (and myspace) for one of mystery, glamour and escapism. I think that so much of this freedom may be the harbinger of a new renaissance in London, following the marvellously subversive set that came out of the 80s producing such arbiters of style such as I-D and The Face. I think this is an amazing time to be unusual or creative in London. Take for insance Gareth Pugh; London’s fashion darling is yet to create a wearable collection, yet the performance art quality to his clothing (dare I even call it that?) allows him to continue to keep his head above water.
This is a very exciting time to be in London…