Think of Apocalypse as the brick-and-mortar version of a mullet — but instead of "business in the front, party in the back," it's more "fashion in the front, art in the back" and a party the whole way through.

Apocalypse is not your typical clothing store. For one thing, it's located on London's funky Talbot Street, also home to Commander Salamander, Frilly Lizard and From Mars. Apocalypse is a Mecca for grown-up skater kids who still want to make a fashion statement — minus the baggy, ripped jeans.

"It's all brands that are relevant to the skate culture, but it's more grown up skate stuff. Everything's cleaned up a little bit," said owner Bryan Ramsden, who kind of looks like a grown-up skater himself, wearing grey Dickies skate shorts and a backwards black hat. "It's a really unique mix of brands and products — something you won't find anywhere else in the city."

Apocalypse carries brands like Fenchurch, Lifetime Collective and OBEY Clothing. The store features more than just clothes — a huge display wall features Clae, Vans OTW and Tretorn shoes alongside WeSC headphones and more. The shop carries mostly men's clothing, but is starting to expand more into the women's market as well.

Ramsden is not only the owner of Apocalypse — he's the sole employee. "(It's) me, myself and I! Owner, operator, janitor," he laughed. He's also curator to the gallery in the back of the shop.

"It's not a stuffy gallery space, it's kind of a chill environment, different than all the other places you typically find art," he explained. The gallery always features local artists, many who participate in monthly Art Fusion meetings. "I'm almost booked 18 months out now. It's awesome."

In October, Fanshawe student Andrew Mitchell will be showing his art in the gallery. "The work shown in Apocalypse truly defies explanation, and needs to be seen to be believed, but is a reflection of the brightest side of our culture," said Scott Mitchell, the artist's management. "The same can be said of the store itself, and that is why Andrew's work is such a perfect fit for the space."

You can check out some of Andrew's work at http://tinyurl.com/andrewmart. Apocalypse also features a Meet the Artist night, so you can come meet Mitchell himself on October 8 from 7 to 8 p.m. After 8, the party heads over to Nite Owl next door for free food for all gallery-goers.

The shop has been a lot of hard work, but Ramsden said he couldn't be happier. "I've been in retail my entire life, and it's been a dream of mine to open my own shop. It happened, I love it. It's not a job to me. I get to come and live my passion every day."

Check out the student handbook you received in September — it's got a coupon for 15 per cent off all regular-priced goods, excluding art. You can also show your student ID to get this sweet discount as well.

Check Apocalypse out on the web:
Facebook: Apocalypse
Twitter @FashionArtLife
You can order all in-store items online at the store's website: www.apocalypseshop.com