London

London: Boxing Day in Camden

December 27, 2014

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As my friend Roger was staying over Christmas and wanted to go get himself some t-shirts, on Boxing Day we marched down to Camden Market, to see what was what. I don’t go to Camden all that often, maybe once a month but sometimes not even that. Do I like Camden? It’s a tricky question…

Some of it is fun. Some of the stuff on there takes me right back to my teenage years and my twenties – the studded bracelets, the Doc Martens boots (which frankly, I still wear and always will), a somewhat alternativeness – and I like it. At the same time it feels somewhat passé, or rather, a not so genuine version of these things. As you meander through the market you will see 100 versions of the same thing, all cheaply produced. You will see all the tacky London souvenir shops, filled to the brim with tat that no one really wants (except for tourists, who invade the area like hordes of Huns invaded Europe back in the day, raiding all the cheap stuff). You’ll every now and then bump into a shop with something a little bit more interesting only to be disappointed that that originality is to be paid for dearly – funky sweat pants for £100, anyone?

Despite all these things, it is a colourful neighbourhood that it’s fun to visit, especially on days like these – there were people but it wasn’t as crowded as it usually is. It’s a great for people watching too, you’ll see some interesting looking individuals every now and then, girls with fantastical makeup or outlandish hair, who look like walking works of art. Other than that and besides the tourists, it’s the same old stuffy versions of mass produced goths or 40 year old rockers who still think they’re in their teens. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with dressing the way you want to and one shouldn’t feel compelled to dress ‘one’s age’ but, at the same time, I find it weird when people don’t seem to evolve all that much. It’s like being stuck in time, and I don’t think that’s a good thing. But I digress.

Regardless of what Camden might have been one day – exciting, new, anti-establishment, alternative and everything else in between – the present, seems to me, like a corpse that is being dragged around, not realising how mainstream it has become but with delusions of still being oh-so different and original. Made in China, of course.

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6 Comments

  • Reply Jasiminne Yip December 27, 2014 at 11:20

    Oh you went! I wish I had as much energy, Henry and I stayed in and I slept in till it was dark. Loving your sentiments about Camden, it’s refreshing to hear the honesty about London that not many bloggers dare to be candid about. I feel the same way. x

  • Reply Ella December 27, 2014 at 11:41

    ahh this makes me nostalgic but I know what you mean in your thoughts! I loved looking at the pics though and they made me feel more positive about it than last time I was actually there. It is so strange how it hasn’t evolved even a little…. it needs an injection of life that can’t be done since the individuals who could do it could never afford the rents now and would be fighting with mass produced dirt cheap tat. Love the colourfulness of that young lady though, ahhh that takes me back to when I had time and the inclination to really dress up! 🙂 x

  • Reply PinkCheetahVintage December 27, 2014 at 14:33

    Everything changes, right? I felt the same about the Village when popped into NYC the last time. The girl with the rainbow dreads is pretty 🙂

  • Reply Jo December 27, 2014 at 18:42

    I was just in Camden a few days ago and was thinking along the same lines as you. I recall seeing so many original clothes and jewelry there in the 90s, but now it’s all alike and made in China. Still fun for people watching, if I can stand the crowds. And one of my favorite vegan cafes, Inspiral Lounge, is there.

  • Reply Connie* December 28, 2014 at 03:58

    Your blog is looking pretty darn gorgeous. Yes it is! It’s funny about time warp people. I have a friend that has always stuck faithfully to her 1980’s cheerleader style. Now that she’s older it’s a bit disturbing but VERY interesting. I can’t wait to see if she keeps this up forever. It’s probably getting harder and harder to find those sweaters with the shoulder pads. Luv ya.

  • Reply sabrina t. December 28, 2014 at 16:01

    wow this is so cool! I’ve been there only 2 weeks ago and I love that place! Are u based in London?:)
    kiss from

    Patchwork à Porter

  • Leave a Reply to Connie* Cancel Reply