Friday, 6 June 2008

• Prev
• Next

God is not a DJ

Now Magazine’s Style Editor Alison Tay is unimpressed with London’s latest VIP party venue

I prefer not to drink champagne served from an altar

One Marylebone Road is the London destination du jour. Usher chose it for the launch of his fragrances, New Look decided it was the must-have location to preview its Autumn Winter collection last week, and new TV show Scarlet launched there with a celebrity guest list included Sophie Ellis Bextor, Holly Willoughby, and Miquita Oliver plus a live performance from the legendary Grace Jones.

One Marylebone Road has been described as a unique and absolute destination space with decadent values and a personality that is un-traditional, discerning yet curiously selective.

But what it never says on the invite is that it‘s actually a deconsecrated church, so much of its atmosphere, awe and austerity comes from architecture designed for the entirely higher purpose of praying not partying.

That our places of worship have become more profitable as fashion party venues may seem more like a fitting metaphor for 21st century spirituality, but seeing the pulpit turned into a DJ booth, dancing in the aisles, and having champagne served from the altar rather than holy communion leaves a rather unpleasant taste in my mouth.