Vice Fashion – Girls Of The Squats

April 30, 2007, 8:00pm

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.

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American Apparel dress, Criminal cardigan, vintage coat

JULIA
28, Kennington Vice: Hi there! How long have you been squatting for?

Julia: Girls always have so much stuff. Where’s all your stuff?

What’s the best thing about squatting? The worst?

Hummel top, Franklin & Marshall shorts, Marks & Spencer hat

BETTY
19, Elephant and Castle

Vice: It’s fucking freezing in here. How do you deal?

Betty: Do you freak out every time you see a cop?

Vintage shirt, Ecko Red & Fly53 t-shirts, Topshop leggings, Nike shoes

MARIA 24, Camberwell Vice: Isn’t it weird waiting for a landlord to come and kick you out?

Maria: Do you guys ever throw parties? I bet squatters know how to party.

Ecko Red top, Gsus jacket, hat model’s own

STEPHANIE 20, Elephant and Castle Vice: How long have you been here?

Stephanie: Describe your journey to squatterdom. What’s awesome about squatting?

American Apparel dress, Topshop tights

KARLEY 21, Elephant and Castle Vice: How long have you been of the squatter persuasion?

Karley: Is there anything especially icky about living in a squat? Besides the word “squat”?

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