The 90’s were great. We had our first (and last) taste of Crystal Pepsi, Clinton “did not have sexual relations with that woman,” and everyone smelled like teen spirit. I miss those days. I miss Pogs. I miss slap bracelets. I miss Joey Lawrence. Heck, I miss Zubaz. Some say that nostalgia for the 90’s has become unfashionable, and that “loving the ’90s is so yesterday.” But I would have to disagree. At least in part. After all, I learned everything I know about humanity from Danny Tanner. And I’m better for it, I think. Like me, Community 54, which is about to open at 1275 Queen Street West, still has this abandoned decade pulsing through its veins. If you’re looking for a time warp, look no further than the damn near gentrification-proof Parkdale. 
Trung Hoang, part owner and ThinkContra founder, has overseen the entire project from the ground up. Community 54 was first opened in New York’s lower east side, after owner Daymon Green saw an opportunity. Everyone loves the 60’s, reminisces about the 70’s (or about what they can actually remember from the 70’s), and jokes about the 80’s, but who really, really, gives a shit about the 90’s anymore? Green wanted to change this. Hoang wanted to help. After running into Green, a long time friend visiting from the big apple on Nuit Blanche, the two decided to join forces and bring Community 54 to Toronto. Drawing obvious parallels between the LES and Parkdale, with the gentrification, and assembly of young families and artsy types, it only made sense that the dude-centric boutique set up west of The Gladstone. 
“What’s not to love about the 90’s,” says Hoang, who also founded ThinkContra magazine four years ago. “The snapbacks, the ghetto blasters, the video games,” he lists enthusiastically. And, speaking of video games, from the curb, you might mistake Community54 for an arcade. Old consoles line the store walls, and you can actually play them! Of course, you have to insert a quarter, and the graphics are totally quadric and ancient-looking – I mean, compared to today’s games, they look like Paul Klee paintings – but they do still work. 
The gaming systems are available for purchase, starting at $900, as well as a good mix of vintage and new 90’s-inspired pieces from labels like Japanese North Face, Mitchell & Ness, Gumball 3000, Goodwood, Yaudie and Eh Life, which = Hoang’s own line of “dope” backpacks and snapback hats. At 9pm tomorrow, the store officially opens its doors, with a party sponsored by Belvedere Vodka, Great Lakes Beer and Hennessy Black. Dig up your soother necklaces, Modrobes and Member’s Only jackets, and head back in time with Community 54. Carli Stephens Rothman has a doggy style blog and last wrote for the Toronto Standard about Movember for girls.
