VICE FASHION - GIRLS OF THE SQUATSPublished May, 2007
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PHOTOS: Gavin Watson STYLIST: Aldene Johnson COORDINATED BY: Pegah Farahmand
Paying rent is a pain in the neck, but paying rent in London is like having your head slowly nibbled off by mean rats with pointy teeth and rabies. In the third quarter of 2006, rents in the capital rose by 20 percent. Everybody groaned and went, “Oh no, I can’t take it anymore,” and then in the final quarter, they rose AGAIN by 30 percent. It’s the highest-ever hike in history according to a survey by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, and, unless you’re a millionaire, it really sucks. Maybe that’s why more and more people we know are breaking into abandoned buildings and becoming squatters. Gavin Watson went to visit some squats and he said that they’re cold, smelly, flea-ridden, and a bit dangerous. Here are some of the girls who live in them.
American Apparel dress, Criminal cardigan, vintage coat
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JULIA
28, Kennington
Vice: Hi there! How long have you been squatting for?
Julia: Six months.
Girls always have so much stuff. Where’s all your stuff?
It’s not much. Most of the stuff I have is found or junk from markets. Since we’re all art students we also have all our priceless pieces of art here.
What’s the best thing about squatting?
Not paying rent and the freedom that comes with that.
The worst?
Winter.
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Hummel top, Franklin & Marshall shorts, Marks & Spencer hat
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BETTY
19, Elephant and Castle
Vice: It’s fucking freezing in here. How do you deal?
Betty: Well, not paying the rent allows me to use my time in other ways and avoid having some hideous job that I hate. It also allows me to live with my friends and others like me in great spaces.
Do you freak out every time you see a cop?
I don’t live in fear of the cops because it is not illegal to squat. However, you can get in trouble while breaking in, so that is always a little nerve-racking. Being pulled out of bed by some huge landlord and thrown on the street with all your belongings is also a worry at first but it goes away the longer you live in a building. |
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Vintage shirt, Ecko Red & Fly53 t-shirts, Topshop leggings, Nike shoes
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MARIA
24, Camberwell
Vice: Isn’t it weird waiting for a landlord to come and kick you out?
Maria: Landlords are scary in a “ghost villain” kind of way because you never know when they’re going to turn up and whether they will go the legal way or turn out to be a scary porn baron like once happened to a friend.
Do you guys ever throw parties? I bet squatters know how to party.
We had Foals play a gig in our basement where people went mental and which resulted in some “redecoration” involving fire extinguishers, broken walls, and Darren Shitdisco randomly deciding to saw into one of the doors. |
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Ecko Red top, Gsus jacket, hat model’s own
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STEPHANIE
20, Elephant and Castle
Vice: How long have you been here?
Stephanie: I’ve been squatting for just over a year.
Describe your journey to squatterdom.
I had always wanted to initiate live-in artist studios, and when I came across some artists living in a squat on High Street Kensington, I knew squatting was a possible method to realize this dream. After a few months, we formed an art collective called DA.
What’s awesome about squatting?
Having an inspiring space in central London to use as an art studio. Creating your own system, rather than letting the system create you. It’s about being resourceful and creating an alternative way of living. |
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American Apparel dress, Topshop tights
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KARLEY
21, Elephant and Castle
Vice: How long have you been of the squatter persuasion?
Karley: I’ve been squatting for nearly two years now and have lived in three different buildings. To be honest I’ve been pretty lucky in that I’ve been able to stay in each for a considerable amount of time.
Is there anything especially icky about living in a squat? Besides the word “squat”?
Umm. Not having hot water or heating in the winter is pretty unamazing to say the least. Picture having to boil like 30 kettles every time you want to make a bath. Basically, we all smell pretty bad. |
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Vintage top
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CRISTINA
20, Central London
Vice: What’s your favorite thing about squatting in a squat with squatters?
Cristina: So many things. I guess mainly that it’s so different from everything else. I mean, we’re not trying to sell anything, we’re not exclusive, and we’re not following anyone’s rules. It starts to make you think differently too.
How’s that?
It shows you how you can shape your environment rather than it always shaping you. |
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