UKULA, 492 College, 416-619-9282, www.ukula.com Rating: NNNNN
The five-month-old Ukula shop is a bricks-and-mortar version of the indie culture-clash quarterly and wears just as many hats. The lofty College and Palmerston space is a clothing shop (focusing on Scandinavian streetwear labels like Junk de Luxe and Cheap Monday jeans), coffee bar (only iDeal beans will do), bookstore (author Steven Hall launched The Raw Shark Texts here) and CD boutique (local acts like the Jewish Legend and the Coast have premiered their discs in the store). A light box message board behind the café counter/cash desk keeps visitors in the Ukula happenings loop.
Publishers and owners Graeme Maclean and Kevin Renton compile each issue of their mag in the basement, assembling work by writers, editors and photographers from around the globe. Upstairs, store manager Kylee Maki is developing an eye for local labels, and lines like Kity and Biko jewellery are already on Ukula’s wire-suspended racks. Ukula picks: Nudie Jeans ‘ Thin Finn style in a dry black wash is popular with stovepipe denim lovers, $185 scalloped white stripes accent Zeha Berlin sneaks, available in green, brown and white, $170-$190 newbies and seasoned music lovers can sample locally recorded tunes in the inviting listening station.
Look for: A winter sale featuring discounts of up to 50 per cent and a backyard patio space sprouting in time for spring.
Hours: Monday to Friday 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm.
