Cannabis isn’t the sketchy, gateway drug we once thought it was. With legalization fast approaching, it’s becoming common knowledge that harem-wearing hippies aren’t the only ones recognizing its many benefits. Along with a new class of consumer, innovative companies like Tweed are aiming to make the helpful herb more mainstream.

So naturally, when I learned Tweed was going to be at TOM (Toronto Men’s Fashion Week), I became excited. I caught up with Amy Wasserman, the Director of Marketing for Tweed to get all the details on the stylish event (it involves a runway!) and its purpose to erase any faux-paus around the conversation of cannabis.

1. What has been the focus of Tweed as we approach legalization?

Over the years, Tweed has committed to engaging with and supporting the creative community. Between the Front Yard Shindig music festival we run every year, to the first of its kind Artist in Residence Program, it was a natural progression for us to move into the fashion space.

2. What was the aim of Tweed?

This event was a great way for us to get out into communities we admire and support the creative class in Canada, while at the same time introducing ourselves to that crowd. The creative class is hugely diverse but it’s generally progressive, innovative and inclusive – all highly admirable traits.

3. Why collaborate with TOM?

I started my career in fashion after studying it in University.  I’ve always understood how important a medium this is to a lot of people. It’s a form of expressionism and a form of creative freedom, and we value that at Tweed.

4. How were the designers chosen to partake in the project?

We worked with TOM* to identify a list of designers based on their network of Canadian talent. When we initially discussed the opportunity, I was keeping my fingers crossed to secure 3 to 5 designers… Lo and behold, we managed to secure 19 incredible designers to participate, with a total of 38 looks at the show. How cool is that?

5. How do fashion and cannabis mix?

There are still individuals with deeply-rooted stigmas associated with cannabis use and its consumers and it’s on us as an industry to change people’s mindsets with our actions. The fashion industry is filled with taste-makers , innovators, and creators – together with a shared vision for progress, we can move things forward.

6. A lot of companies are targeting creatives – how is Tweed different?

Not all cannabis companies could have done what we did with the same level of authenticity and integration. I’m very proud with how it turned out. Art doesn’t need to be sacrificed for commerce – they can peacefully coexist to bring about something fun and different, which I believe is what we did. Plus, Tweed, the brand, is inherently tied to fashion by way of its name. With strain names like Argyle, Houndstooth and Herringbone.

7. What does the future of Tweed look like?

This event marks the first of many creatively disruptive and fun collaborations for Tweed. We will have to wait and see how the regulations and laws net out over the coming weeks and months, but with clear guidelines in our hands we will know exactly how we can activate and collaborate,

8. What is the biggest take away you want consumers to have?

An open-mindedness to this new and exciting industry.

Just because something is different, doesn’t deem it bad. A fun fact Wasserman shared about cannabis is that cannabinoids (medicinal property in cannabis) triggers the endogenous cannabinoid system found within every single mammal on Earth.

What this means is that many have reported cannabis as an aid in treating an array of conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, arthritis, stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, epilepsy, female sexual health and so much more. As Wasserman says, ‘weed is part of our biology!’

Excited to hear what Tweed has planned next? Visit tweed.com to learn more.

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Style Spotlight: Meet Kat Stefankiewicz, In-Game Host for the Toronto Raptors

The runway can be a source of great inspiration but also a place of unforgettable flops. When the tastemakers get it right, they get it right. When they get it wrong? Well, let’s just say that calling it crap is an understatement.

Some designers should learn to stop when they’re ahead because we wouldn’t even call these looks fashion. These trends from the Spring/Summer 18 runways are total garbage. Copy or wear them at your own risk!

Massive Hats

Our next Style Spotlight is one of Toronto’s most familiar sports personalities.

Allow us to introduce you to Kat Stefankiewicz.

As the in-game and digital host for the Toronto Raptors, Kat is always in the limelight and understands the value of sticking to one’s own unique style. Since graduating from the triple threat Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College, Kat has also dabbled in feature film, television and live theatre. If it’s something involving the entertainment industry even in the slightest, it’s safe to assume Kat’s already done it.

Kat joined the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment family as a member of the Raptors Dance Pak shortly after graduating college, which she was a member of for five seasons and standing as captain for three. Kat then joined the NBA TV Canada team as a reporter, replacing her dancing shoes with a microphone as the Raptors in-game host.

We had the opportunity to chat with Kat about her style, her favourite places to shop in Toronto and what it means to live a balanced life.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeQZqr8hYi0/?taken-by=matterofkat

Tell us a little about who you are and what you do.

I’m a creative nerd at heart, a performer by trade and a storyteller by what the world has called me to do. I’m a host and personality in television and live events including my ties to the Toronto Raptors as their in-game host and the host of NBA XL on NBA TV Canada. I’m also a spin instructor at Spokehaus, an Adidas ambassador and I dabble daily in the digital media field as an influencer and use it as a platform to share my raw tales and theories to unite us on an imperfectly perfect level… Every day is a different beast and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

I’m also an avid supporter of a healthy lifestyle for both the body and mind. Balance is my favourite word and my days are molded around this. You should see the length of my bucket list! I try to attack it daily. I’m fueled by coffee, sarcasm and happy people so those are always in my 24/7.

Define your style in three words. 

Eclectic, tomboy, chic.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdUB4zGBqGq/?taken-by=matterofkat

What are some of your own ‘style rules’ you like to live by? 

I don’t believe in rules. I believe anything goes because it’s your confidence that carries the outfit. Style is an expression of the characteristics and unique traits that you hold within you that sometimes you can’t find words for or don’t even know that you carry with you every day. Honestly, I like breaking the rules. I don’t feel comfortable following trends. I don’t feel comfortable when I’m wearing the same outfit as others in the room. Maybe that’s why “this is me” is the vibe I give off in my style.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbssQW1BQd9/?taken-by=matterofkat

Looking back, what are some trends you wish you hadn’t worn, aka your style regrets? 

I did the velour tracksuit when it came back for a hot minute in high school and now it’s back again! Adidas has some fabulous ones right now but I just can’t give in yet. I did it all in high school; the posh spice haircut with multiple colours, fake glasses. I went to a Catholic school and wore a uniform so your hair and accessories were where you could express yourself. I don’t think I regret anything, it just makes me laugh. Maybe leg warmers with EVERYTHING in theatre school was a bit much.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcWOx6jBTMl/?taken-by=matterofkat

What’s one item in your closet you can’t live without? 

A leather fanny pack. I hate purses.

You’re running late. What’s your go-to outfit? 

It’s winter, so a black turtleneck, jeans, military boots with too many buckles and bling and a fedora.

What are your go-to shopping destinations in Toronto? 
Zara is my absolute go-to. They cater to both simplicity and pieces that no one would wear until they see you in it. I also love Anthropologie and Durumi at Queen and Spadina.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbQtPTABeZg/?taken-by=matterofkat

Do you have any favourite local designers? 
I’m obsessed with Greta Constantine. Their pieces are classic with personality. I constantly hope to be invited to weddings so I have a place to wear two of my favourite dresses.

If you could give style advice to your followers, what would it be? What about life advice? 
Be you! The real you won’t shine if you cover it with what everyone else is doing. Just rock what the day is asking for with confidence. Some days I want to hide in the most simple ensemble, and the next day I’m in thigh-high red boots. Enjoy the artistic outlet, if that’s your thing.

“Trust that you’re enough. When you believe in yourself, amazing things happen.” – Kat Stefankiewicz

As for life advice, trust that you’re enough. When you believe in yourself, amazing things happen. Make trying new things a priority, even if they scare the crap out of you, because they cater to your growth. Find the simplicity in your days and notice why it’s important. Live in the moment and not the tomorrow, it will guide you to your next steps. Life is too short to rush. Watch the snow fall, spend a day at home alone on your couch and read a book by yourself on the dock in the summer. Always live with the intention of making moments and stories worth telling your grandkids about. When you are comfortable and confident in yourself, that’s when the beautiful shows up. Make loving yourself your number one.

How can our readers keep up with you online?

Instagram is my thang! @matterofkat is my handle everywhere. I love connecting with people, so reach out! And katstefankiewicz.com.

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