Monique Kent on her role at Turner Contemporary in Margate and why a nice blazer always works for her

Tell us a bit about you

My name is Monique Kent and I am the Press Manager for Turner Contemporary, the visual arts gallery located in Margate. My role is to manage the PR for the gallery such as its exhibitions and the events programme.

I have always had a passion to work in the arts.I went to the University of Kent where I studied History and Philosophy of Art with French. I worked for an arts publication in London and then was drawn back to working in the area when I saw the position at Turner Contemporary. My heart lies with a career in the arts sector and undertaking communications for exhibitions by international artists.

My professional life extends into my personal life as I enjoy spending my time going to see exhibitions. I also love going to the theatre when I can, particularly in London. I’m quite a foodie, my partner and I are always looking for new restaurants to try, particularly international cuisine such as Persian and Israeli. You can’t beat British food, however, and Kent has some great restaurants – I would recommend The Sportsman in Seasalter and a burger at the Greedy Cow in Margate.

What are you wearing?

I’m wearing an Oliver Bonas dress, Zara blazer and shoes from TK Maxx. My style is very much smart/casual and my work and weekend clothing doesn’t really differ. I do love a blazer so this look is quite typical for me. My clothing colour palette is blues, teals, greys and whites. I love unusual and colourful jewellery, I’m wearing a ring I bought from a Moroccan accessories shop in Hastings Old Town. I often like to brighten up my clothing with a colourful necklace or earrings, Oliver Bonas is great for this. During the winter and autumn time I live in leather boots, I love Jones for this.

Where do you live?

I live in Penge East in Bromley. Kent is so varied and I love spending my weeks working beside the seaside in Margate and then weekends near the hustle and bustle of London in Bromley. Living in Penge means I can easily get out to shop in places such as Kent’s Bluewater too.

Where do you like to shop?

I love shopping at Zara, Anthropology, Oliver Bonas and Mango. Canterbury has a lovely Zara, where I never fail to find something to add to my wardrobe. You can find Oliver Bonas in London Victoria or St Pancras International station, so if you’re coming into London from East Kent then they’re great to pop in. I love shoes from Barker, Kurt Keiger, Jones and I have found some really well-priced shoes in TK Maxx – the one in Westwood Cross in Ramsgate has a great selection and is also a great place to buy a good leather handbag! n