Model Citizen is a Kensington Market clothing boutique dedicated to Canadian designers and men’s fashion. “Selling to guys is a lot easier than selling to women,” says owner Julian Finkel, explaining his shop’s male-centric merchandise. “It’s a shop for fashion ninjas.”
While he originally carried women’s clothing when he first opened Model Citizen, Julian realized that Toronto’s Kensington Market – a destination for cheap and cheerful vintage dresses – really just needed a shop for men, with a few items for women.
“I love the dandy kind of thing. I’m a little eclectic,” he describes of his style. At Model Citizen, guys can find jackets, jeans, T-shirts, footwear and accessories with brands like Fred Perry, Kovalum, Outsider Denim and Julian’s own designs. “Tons of guys got my dagger necklace,” he smiles.
Originally a silkscreen studio, Model Citizen is curated with an appreciation of fine materials, prints and quality craftsmanship. Unlike most of the dress-up shops in the market, this one will appeal to the more masculine inclined. Model Citizen features local designers and will have you looking sharp in labels like Chapter, Kovalum, and Sully Wong. Styles lean toward the sophisticated and preppy, with a dash of eccentricity. Printed ties, bow ties and belts are the perfect finishing touches for a suave modern outfit. As one the shop’s slogans says, "you deserve a better dressed boyfriend."
Situated in Kensington Market, this is destination for fashion-forward men from across the city. Style-savvy gents will find up-cycled vintage clothing as well as private label stock. But what you should really go here for are the incredible silk screened t-shirts. Pair a graphic tee with a sport jacket and you will be the definition of cool, without question.
Men in search of their own distinct sense of style should come here directly. The devil-may-care attitude about their clothing only heightens the shop’s cool factor. You do need a sense of daring to wear this shop’s clothing, as just about nothing here can be considered conservative in style (especially with its swallow logo printed on everything). Silkscreen printing classes are also available, offering the chance for you to create your own clothing and original design.