Categories: Expat Life

Real ‘Made In Chelsea’ worth crossing the Thames for

FOR those who don’t know, the London suburb of Chelsea, and in particular King’s Road , is world renowned for being super-dooper posh.

Wikipedia emphasises this, describing the residents who live in the area as “investment bankers and film stars”.

Even our very own pop queen Kylie Minogue has allegedly scored herself a pad in the exclusive, fancy-pants area.

Keen to learn what all the fuss was about, a friend and I ventured across the Thames for a sticky-beak.

We were not disappointed.

The area and its residents lived up to the pretentious reputation.

Despite being less than half an hour’s walk from my (ever-so-slightly less flashy) home in Wandsworth, it felt like another world.

We sat and watched as women with handbags that cost more than my monthly salary walked their tiny rat-like dogs.

The dogs themselves donned flashy collars that probably cost more than my monthly food bill.

It’s certainly an entertaining sight.

Air kisses and “Hi darlings” swamp the sidewalks, while fancy European cars dominate the road.

We casually strolled in to expensive designer stores, like Cartier, Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss — but perhaps wearing Primark was a mistake (or an achievement, depending on how you look at it).

I was too common and too poorly dressed to be worthy of a glance, let alone a greeting, from the upper-class shop assistants.

We were soon bored with the glamorous lifestyle and decided to return to our common lives south of the river.

But I have to admit, I have since backed up my rich and famous experience with a visit to a Chelsea night club.

Sat in the corner, my friends and I watched, mesmerised.

The locals danced more modestly, dressed more expensively.

Even the way they tried to hit on one another was different.

They were like a different species.

But, naturally, after a few too many vodkas, and a magnum of expensive champagne (which was bought for us by a random guy at the table next to us I might add) we joined those aliens on the dancefloor.

Unfortunately, I can’t remember how they reacted to us, but I do remember having loads of fun.

So, if you get the chance, I’d highly recommend a visit to Chelsea, to see how the other half lives with your very own eyes.

Shannon Crane

Shannon Crane is an experienced journalist who has recently returned to Australia after living in London for two years. Travel, music, shopping and discovering Melbourne's best-kept secrets are just a few of her favourite things. Oh, and The Sound of Music features quite highly on that list, too.