In preparation of Kenneth Cole store opening in Canada later this year, influencers and media attended a breakfast to talk about the Fall 2018 collection and, in particular, the “urban uniform” and what that meant to each of the panel speakers.
Thanks to Kenneth Cole for having me shoot.
Over the summer, Canada legalized the sale and use of marijuana. While legalization has become a trend in different parts of the world including various states in America, Canada’s actions were a major step in this movement as they were the first G7 member nation to do so across their nation. Those who support the legalization feels that it’s about time for legalization to happen. Marijuana has numerous medical applications and can help this with a variety of health issues. Also, the stigma behind marijuana is lessening with more seeing it as a recreational drug. Despite those who support the legalization, the majority of Canadians have reservations about the move. October 17th is the date set for legalization which means that Ontario has only four months to prepare for the change. Many feel that this window should have been at least a year to give more time to ensure policies are in place to prevent negative results from the sale of marijuana. The economic effects of legislation are of course positive as a new industry is growing with not only places to purchase the drug but also another market for a variety of accessories. Many expect to see the creation of more entrepreneurs capitalizing on this new industry. It is expected that in 2018, over $10 billion will be spent on legalized marijuana with projections showing that by 2027, this could grow exponentially to $140 billion. Toronto plans to permit private dealers to sell the drug however they do plan to regulate online sales which have the potential to put the drug into the wrong hands as well as keeping a black market from developing. Additionally, the government will now be able to tax these sales enriching the Canadian economy. By adding a tax to marijuana, it will increase the price which can help deter young people from purchasing it. Since the sale of marijuana has been an underground illegal industry for years, making it legal and subject to regulation ultimately makes marijuana safer for users. It also eliminates the need for black markets which can often have high crime rates associated with them. One concern of marijuana legalization is for the youth of Canada. Studies have shown that this demographic is at risk to suffer from mental health issues if the drug is used long term. In order to ensure against this, one of the key aspects of the legislation is to keep the drug out of the hands of teens. Legalization does set a minimum age of 18 making it illegal for anyone younger to possess or use marijuana. However, Toronto will be going a little further making this age 19 as established by their province’s Cannabis Act of 2017. Along with this increased age limit, marijuana cannot be used in public or in workplaces. Other safety concerns include driving under the influence of marijuana. Side effects of use can affect driver reaction time, memory and concentration. While the legislation includes guidelines to keep marijuana from youth, being over the limit has not been established. The national government has left a lot of the implementation up to the provinces and territories. Many worry that having different limits in each region could be rather confusing. As with most controversial issues, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to legalizing the sale and use of marijuana in Canada. While citizens are left to make up their own mind about the change, questions still abound. As October 17th dawns and sales commence, more answers will add information to this debate.
One of Toronto’s signature culinary fundraisers, Toronto Taste, brought together the local food scene for its 28th year on Sunday June 4th. The evening was in support of Canada’s largest food rescue charity, Second Harvest. Toronto Taste has been a long-standing supporter of Second Harvest, where over $13 million has been raised cumulatively to reduce food waste and in turn feed the hungry with nourishing meals across the GTA. The Daniels Corporation has also provided continuous support as a presenting sponsor for Toronto Taste. They believe in Second’ Harvest’s mission to “rescue fresh, surplus food and deliver it to those experiencing hunger in our communities”. Additionally, the power of people was most prominent when this year’s attendance was outstanding. “Over 70 chefs, 30 beverage purveyors, 60 sponsors, 400 volunteers, and 1500 guests” as quoted by Debra Lawson, Executive Director of Second Harvest, this year’s goal in providing 1.9 million meals was reached from this year’s ticket sales.
The who’s who of Toronto’s fashion scene and society pages put their best Manolo-clad foot forward and hit the Bata Shoe Museum on Tuesday, May 15 for a glamorous party to celebrate the arrival of the anticipated Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes exhibit.
Good weather season is upon us in Toronto and we we want to help you freshen up your style.
Check out a few photos of weekend shoppers at Square One to get you inspired to freshen up your style.
If it’s been a hot second since you got done up and hit the town in all of your glory in support of an important cause, you should probably clear this Thursday night (May 31)…and Friday morning.
Summer is almost here and it’s time to get outside. Check out our list of the top events this summer to take advantage of the beautiful weather.
Shinta Japanese Barbeque introduces Toronto’s first All-You-Can-Eat Wagyu beef dining experience, a rare and highly valuable type of beef that is known for having intense marbling and is bred from the Wagyu cattle. With a well-established connection to international Wagyu farmers including the U.S’s award-winning Snake River Farms, Australia, Japan’s Zen-noh and the Japanese Agricultural Cooperatives (JA) group, Shinta BBQ provides a farm-to-table experience with a variety of cuts.
Dazzling lights and sparkles decorated every space in The Carlu, as evening gowns, party crowns, food, seafood and dessert stations, casino games, and performances filled the fifth annual Glitter charity gala. On Saturday, April 14th, over 400 Chinese-Canadians attended this whimsical event in support of SickKids Hospital.
100 percent of the funds raised went into the redevelopment of operating suites at SickKids (Hospital for Sick Children).
What can we say… the event reflected real effort. Honorable cause.
As we get ready for this year’s Ever After Music Festival headlined by Excision, here’s a look back at last year’s Ever After Music Festival, the ground was shook with headliners like:
BASSNECTAR, EXCISION, FRENCH MONTANA, and ZEDS DEDD
As the spring season begins to blossom, Downtown Toronto gives a warming welcome to Kaka All You Can Eat’s second location. Coincidentally, the name “Kaka” was originally based off the Japanese pronunciation of the Sakura Flower though even the owners themselves have recognized that it could be mean something on quite the opposite spectrum of pretty.
Somehow I was lucky to attend a special pre-opening dinner at Drake’s restaurant, Pick 6ix, hosted by co-owner Chef Antonio Park.
It aims to be a high end sports bar.
The 2nd annual The Organ Project gala took place on March 28th, 2018 at the Fairmont Royal York. It was another successful sold out gala for the organization with a star-studded musical lineup.
Toronto designer Lesley Hampton is not only making headlines for her red carpet-worthy creations, but also for the attention she’s attracting to important issues like mental health, body positivity, and inclusivity.
Earlier this month, Hampton wowed attendees of Toronto Women’s Fashion Week (TWFW) with a show that featured models cast on personality rather than physical appearance, bodies of all sizes, and a collection of clothing inspired by mental health struggles.
We recently caught up with the designer backstage.
Ontario Changes Marijuana Sale Plans at Last Minute The world has been watching with ever deepening interest as Canada gears up for the legalisation of marijuana. It has been a long road, full of many unexpected twists and turns, with debates flying back and forth as to the best fashion in which the legal sale of marijuana should occur. For the most part, it seemed that a consensus had been reached in most areas of the country. But, although there is still no question that marijuana will officially become legal countrywide on October 17th, there are still surprise decisions taking place. Ontario, in what can only be described as an extremely abrupt change of heart, has scrapped plans for government organized and run marijuana outlets. Instead, it seems that all outlets will be privately run. Regardless of other perceptions on this change of heart, the snap decision comes with a major drawback that already has Ontario residents up in arms. The sale of marijuana via outlets in the area will be pushed back by a considerable period, with April 1st being the soonest any outlets will be operating. Ever More Complications Speaking on the change, Finance Minister Vic Fedeli was quick to make the situation clearer. He made it well known that although there would be no land-based outlets selling marijuana, that purchases could still be made online, from the first day of legalisation. A relief for many, to be sure, and perhaps some indication that the immense financial benefit of legalised sales had been taken into account, at least to some extent. But Fedeli had more complications to add. He confirmed that the previous four locations identified as venues for official Ontario Cannabis Stores had been completely dropped. The extra time Ontario has bought themselves will be used for serious consideration to be put into how a privately run system would work. Plus, the addition that really raised eyebrows; Fedeli declared that local municipalities would be given the option to opt out of having any outlets in their area. Although this would be a once-off chance only. Time Is Ticking It’s worth noting at this time that Ontario is almost the last province in Canada to declare a working system. Quebec has already announced that the province will sell cannibals via the already established alcohol sale systems, a smart move to be sure. Alberta, on the other hand, has gone for the private sell option, the same now being adopted by Ontario. It is little wonder then that some Ontario residents are growing more than a little impatient. This impatience was worsened by the words of analyst Matt Bottomley. According to him, the plans laid out by Ontario make very little sense as far as timelines are concerned. Although he agreed that the private sale of cannabis in the province would be great for local growers, it would likely take a great deal longer than 1st April to get the systems in place and operating. A Year Of Lost Sales According to Bottomley, awarding licenses to retailers, as well as going through tender process is no small task. Plus, with what he referred to as “bumps in the road,” it would likely be closer to a year before private sales actually got underway. A very costly delay, given the projected value of sales. Predictions are that revenue could easily sit around $4,9 billion by 2022, making apparent the incredible potential that could easily be tapped. With the delay, it is clear that a serious amount of potential local revenue will be lost. Not to mention the ever-souring attitudes of residents. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but either way Canada is gearing up for official legalisation on October 17th.
The Carbon Bar is one of Toronto’s destinations for Southern-style fare and BBQ, and now welcomes Chef de Cuisine Jonathan Viau. New exciting items have been added to the menu this month, along with Bourbon Month. Chef Viau brings a fusion of tastes Southern and urban, as well as his expertise from Pure Spirits. Here’s a look at what to expect from The Carbon Bar’s Bourbon Month menu.
When Toronto’s young professional set thinks of motionball, the annual glitzy fundraiser likely comes to mind.
Starting off 2018 in style, 55 Avenue Road’s Yorkville-Village opened its doors to Toronto Fashion Week – and the Fall/Winter season has never looked so good! The 3-day festival, in Toronto’s most prestigious and stylish luxury neighborhood, welcomed designers, influencers, the who’s-who of Canadian fashion, and fashion lovers alike. Traditional runways, paired with studio presentations and designer showrooms, created a unique atmosphere of the here and now.
The Exhibition Place welcomes Toronto’s only hotel, Hotel X Toronto, on the West end of the lakefront where the 30-floored property provides a multi-faceted experience to their guests. Hotel X aims to offer lavish accommodations with refreshing new views, exceptional hospitality, and impeccable venue spaces for events and weddings. The incorporation of Ten X Toronto (a 90,000 square foot athletic facility home to 4 tennis courts, 9 squash courts, a 50 foot pool, 4 group fitness studios), spacious theatre rooms, and the historic Stanley Barracks showcases amenities of a novel appeal.
Here’s a look back at our 5th year anniversary party which took place at Brassaii.
Yayoi Kusama’s much-anticipated “Infinity Mirrors” exhibit at Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the hottest tickets in town – and trust us when we tell you that it’s about to saturate your social media feed.
Sponsors, guests, and media attended the Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation’s 29 th annual
Dragon Ball, celebrating Year of the Dog, on February 10th, 2018. This signature fundraising event is the largest Chinese New Year Celebration in North America.
In addition to the ample networking opportunities, the photo ops, and the design inspo (the last two of which are naturally synonymous), Toronto’s annual Interior Design Show (IDS) offered a harsh dose of reality that my place isn’t as great as it could be.
Hublot official debut in Toronto started with a home run. Hublot collaborated with Toronto Blue jays baseball slugger legend José Bautista to release an exclusive timepiece. Jean-François Sberro, Managing Director for Hublot North America, unveiled it at an intimate cocktail reception and dinner hosted at The Adelaide Hotel on January 30th, 2018.
For the love of quality food, Winterlicious is one of the best reasons to emerge from hibernation in the dark depths of the Canadian winter.
With the new revitalized Union Station, Amano Pasta is a great addition as the first full-service restaurant. Chef Michael Angeloni envisioned the restaurant concept since childhood while making pasta in his nonna’s basement. Similar to Angeloni, as a second generation half-Italian Canadian, the dishes are Italian while many of the ingredients are not.
When you get an invite to dinner hosted by Top Chef Canada: All-Star’s winner, Nicole Gomes, you know you’re in for a heart-warming celebration. The evening began with our very own cooking competition at Nella Cucina; to help the co-owner of Cluck ‘n Cleaver prepare dessert. With all the ingredients for a rum and almond bread pudding, we ground up almonds into butter, spread the paste among layers of bread rounds and handed it off to the professionals to bake. The winner’s dessert would be judged on taste and presentation.
Since the first opening of this tea-cafe franchise in Toronto last year, “The Alley” has rapidly expanded to four more locations in the GTA including their newest one which opened in November in Markham – a hot spot for bubble tea fanatics. Originally from the Taichung region in Taiwan, The Alley boasts an upscale ambiance accompanied by high-end artisanal drinks in comparison to its competitors.
Last week on December 13th, 2017, Bacardi Canada hosted an exclusive event to get us into the holiday spirit. First we were told to just save the date for a party with a special musical guest. While I skip out on many invites lately, previous experience tells me you can’t say no to a party with Bacardi.
As usual it was a fabulous time at Shangri La Hotel for Fete Chinoise on Saturday, November 18, 2017.