Forget Fashion Week. The best way for Toronto to up its fashion cred isn’t merely to celebrate emerging designers, but to actually sell their clothes. And so, the arrival of Ruins, a clothing boutique that opened in West Queen West last month, marks a notable leap forward for the city’s fledgling men’s fashion scene.
The shop, co-owned by local music industry vets Josh Reichmann and Mikey Apples, offers the city’s most fashion-forward consumers a collection of simple, edgy clothes and objects. “I’m tired of retailers who try to cover all possible markets,” says Reichmann, emphasizing that Ruins will mix vintage finds with new items by local and international designers. “That’s not what Ruins is all about.”
Here is what Ruins is all about:
1. Exclusives. It’s the only place in town for labels like Assembly NYC, Opening Ceremony x Pendleton and Patrik Ervell.
2. Cork. This new denim label from New York makes jeans ($140) that fit well. Really, really well.
3. Androgyny. It takes a big man – and we mean a very small man with very big balls – to pull off the often-tiny, geometric, unisex pieces by local label, Thomas.
4. Basics. The fellows stock Alternative Apparel, a company that uses butter-soft fabrics and ethical labour to create T-shirts that feel as good as they look.
5. Haircuts. That barber chair at the back is more than a quirky décor choice; Reichmann’s girlfriend is offering haircuts.
6. Art. The walls will display work by friends and local artists. (Currently showing: Andrew Harwood’s resin railway ties.)
Ruins, 960 Queen St. W., 647-351-0960.
Image courtesy Ruins.
