Multi

167 Augusta Avenue Website
Phone: 647.637.6139

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Posted by Tim
July 16, 2008

Currently 2.50/5
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Rating: 2.5/5 (8 votes cast)

Multi has recently opened on the suddenly bustling stretch of Augusta in South Kensington Market in a small space formerly occupied by the Kapisanan Philippine Arts and Culture Centre. It's the product of one-time Korean Fashion editor Sunshine Won and Samuel Swanson from New Zealand who were inspired by the trendy streetwear shops dotting large Asian cities like Tokyo and Seoul.

Inside, metallic silver paint sits on the walls with raw gas pipe racks expressing futuristic feelings while traditional Japanese Asanoha patterned wooden benches evoke the beauty and balance of old and new. Racks of t-shirts, shorts and jeans come hand-picked from the owners' buying trips to South Korea and Japan. There's an emphasis on menswear although they're slowing expanding their smallish selection of women's t-shirts and accessories.

The brands that can be found here are mostly exclusive to Toronto and include such hard-to-find labels as Brixton, Ctrl, Dime Piece, Eriffs, Graniph, Foreign Family, Homeroom, Name Ribbon, Nicole Club, Rocksmith Tokyo, Operation, Sixpack France, Triko and Too Blackguys. There are also a few Japanese magazines and some fashion and design books that would blend in nicely with Function 13 across the street.

Sunshine tells me that every six weeks the store rotates the art on the walls - they're currently showing French artist Jimmy Chiale who's larger pieces are priced from $500 to $1,500. There's also a DJ booth and a downstairs party space (shared with the Kapisanan Philippine Arts and Culture Centre). Prices come in at about $40-$50 for the t's, $50 for the shorts and around $150 for the jeans.

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Whether or not the place is any good, that sounds like a horrible way to run a store. Handpicked items from Asian buying trips sounds to me like a sure-fire way to have huge mark-ups on items that normally shouldn't be that expensive. Wouldn't it make more sense to carry items 'inspired' by Japanese streetwear, but made for multi rather than reselling stuff from Japan? Even if it's just for t-shirts and not the harder to make stuff.

Posted by: rocketeer at July 16, 2008 7:55 PM

I like the idea of bringing back authentic japanese streetwear from the real place, instead of selling perhaps those played out american brands that are "inspired" by japan... even if you have to pay a little more, its not like streetwear is fairly priced anyways, and its nearly impossible to find a variety of japanese brands in toronto

Posted by: mickey at July 16, 2008 11:50 PM

I have been to the shop and the prices are very reasonable for what is on offer. Found some brands I haven't seen in other places in Toronto. Hope the shop keeps heading in this direction.

Posted by: amanda at July 17, 2008 3:09 AM

This place has a wonderful feel. As soon as you get in you will you will be greated by both Sunhine and Sam. The friendly demeanor is a change from all other urban boutiques which pride themselves with snobish and arrogant behavior. The clothing is both stylish and original. I like the fact that the brands are not Japanese "inspired" but authentic. The prices are totally reasonable given that this is probably the only place you can find these brands in Toronto. In the busy hustle and bustle of Kensington market this place is a great place to relax, take in some goodvibes and chill.

Posted by: Kirony at July 18, 2008 1:09 PM

what are the stores hours of operation? I'm looking for what time theyre open on saturdays to be exact.

Posted by: ron at July 18, 2008 11:47 PM