Urban fashion, tattoos elevating the Kensington experience

A group of people browsing and talking at the grand opening of Urban Sidewalk on Jan 18.
Photographer: Angelica Sydney

In the midst of Kensington Market lies a yellow brick house now occupied by a brand new clothing store, Urban Sidewalk.

Urban Sidewalk is an urban clothing and tattoo shop which, opened its doors on Jan. 18.  Located at 20 Kensington Ave. the shop is now one of the only urban clothing stores in the distinct neighbourhood.

Jake Muttart, 25, is the mastermind behind the clothing venture. His friend, who goes by the name Vincent, 26, is the tattoo artist.

Jake Muttart, business owner of Urban Sidewalk.
Photographer: Angelica Sydney

“I was selling clothes out of my car for months. This was summer 2013,” Muttart says.

Sneaker heads, hipsters and fashionistas gathered inside checking out the latest fashions.

Scott Free and Tremayne, who are from the same neighbourhood as Muttart, the “N section” which is located at North Park and Dixie in Brampton, Ont., were the MCs of the night.

“We want to create an environment that is chill, good vibes and a place where people could come in and kick it. People can relieve their stress, talk shit, whatever you want to do, its here for you to release yourself,” Tremayne Leach says.

Urban Sidewalk features the latest in men’s and women’s fashion. From Los Angeles based Crooks and Castles to Air Jordans.

“It’s really about bringing the urban lifestyle to Kensington Market. In Kensington Market there is not really a clothing store for an urban lifestyle. We wanted to show that we can be apart of Kensington Market, we’re about culture, progression, everybody here is friendly and we are friendly too,”  Scott Free says.

In recent months, there have been talks of the big box giant, Wal-Mart taking over the Kensington area.  Muttart isn’t too concerned about the potential move.

“Kensington is my stepping stone. I would start and find a new area, to franchise my store,” Muttart says.

Opening the clothing store is not the only venture up Muttart’s sleeve. He plans on dropping his clothing line, Saviourself, before this summer.

“I was never a school person. I jumped from the street to this. I love my life and I love my job,”  Muttart says.

Tattoo artist, Vincent, tattooing a man inside Urban Sidewalk.
Photographer: Angelica Sydney

For more on Urban Sidewalk:

Instagram: URBAN_SIDEWALKTO

Twitter: @UrbanSidewalkTO

Facebook Fan Page: URBANSIDEWALK.TO