Smash + Tess Launches Collection With Trans-Activist & Creator Jamie Pandit (Win!)

Smash + Tess—the purveyors of “everywear” and inclusive fashion—has launched its all-new collaboration with content creator and trans-activist Jamie Pandit. Timeless with a hint of glam, the Smash + Tess x Jamie Pandit collection is inspired by Jamie’s chic style and love for versatile pieces. Ranging in size from 2XS-4X, the collection includes a modern and timeless cardigan, a skort, and a Romper that can be worn for work, happy hour or simply lounging at home. We chatted with Jamie, who uses her voice to support the LGBTQ2S+ community while also raising awareness about the daily struggles she faces as a transgender woman of colour, to learn more. —Vita Daily

Hi Jamie! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

 I’m a South Asian transgender woman, I’ve been married for 3 years to my amazing husband, we have two dogs and are living in Toronto. I create content surrounding beauty, fashion, living authentically as myself and share my unique experiences, challenges and my joy with the hope of educating and creating change for the transgender community. Growing up, I didn’t see someone like myself or someone that I can relate to and it makes me feel incredible to not only be the person that I needed, but also a role model; a visible person for other trans folks. In my spare time, (if I ever get to have that lately!) I like to go window shopping and explore my favourite neighborhoods in Toronto, check up on what’s happening with the latest fashion and beauty trends and spend time with my little family and friends.

How did your new collab with Smash + Tess come about? What made it a good partnership/fit for you?

Smash + Tess was one of the first brands that reached out to work with me in a paid capacity. Not only did they value me as a creator, but they also amplified my voice in solidarity with the trans community. We have been working together for a few years now, and I truly value what the brand stands for, inclusivity and allyship in so many areas, be it gender, race, diverse size range and models, the LGBTQ2S+ community as a whole, and giving back to charities and organizations in some capacity when they can. Growing up, I would sketch in my notebook, dreaming up my latest designs, hoping that one day I would make them a reality. So when Smash + Tess approached me to collaborate on a collection that feels like me, and also encompasses their values, it felt like the perfect fit.

What does the Smash + Tess x Jamie Pandit collection include, and what inspired the pieces?

The collection includes a romper, a jacket/cardigan and skort- all the pieces you need for a capsule wardrobe that can be worn so many different ways. The first piece is the romper, which is obviously a staple for the smash + Tess community. It’s not just any romper though, it’s an elevated look with pockets, black trim detailing and buttons, that gives it a sophisticated feel. The inspiration for the next two pieces is my love for a matching set. I’m obsessed with the preppy look especially for fall, and all things Clueless! The second piece is the jacket/cardigan that is super comfortable, can be worn as a top but also makes the perfect layering item. Last but not least there’s the skort, which is obviously super on trend this year. The built in shorts makes it so easy to wear during the day running errands to going out with the girls in the evening – you don’t need to worry about an oopsie. All three items are made of the most comfortable and stretchy tweed like fabric that falls on the body really well. It was especially important to me to keep the skort a longer length, and make sure it had an ultra flattering high waist to create the most flattering silhouette.

What’s your personal style mantra/philosophy? How does the Smash + Tess aesthetic fit into that?

The truth is, I don’t love everything on my body, so I’m not going to wear every single trend out there. I truly believe that when you look good you feel good. For me I wear pieces that bring me joy, makes me feel good about myself so that I can feel confident stepping out of my home. Fashion has been my armour for as long as I can remember, and it helps me deal with my everyday struggles. Smash + Tess’s aesthetic is all about being comfortable yet trendy, and as I get older I value comfort while also always being on point. They also always want everyone to feel included, feel good in their bodies and it’s one of my favourite things about the brand.

How can we all better support the LGBTQ2S+ community in Canada? Also, how can fashion brands better support LGBTQ2S+ folks?

Obviously it’s important to be educating yourself on the reality and political climate for LGBTQ2S+ community. They are being targeted all over the world and in Canada at present, and we must take action. If a fashion brand champions inclusivity, they should make a point of using their platform to say something, even if it’s uncomfortable. It’s important to work with LGBTQ2S+ individuals all throughout the year and not just June during pride month as we are our identity everyday and all 12 months of the year. Specifically now, trans folks are being targeted through dehumanizing laws and policies targeted to take away our human rights. so it’s important to show support by working with trans people to continue normalizing our identities. The hate in person and online has gotten very loud, and brands need to make the effort to stop it.

Final, very tough question: your fave piece from the collection, and how you plan to style/rock it this fall/winter?

That is tough, but I think I would have to go with the skort. Being able to fully design and create the perfect skort that’s been missing in my closet (and yours) has been great. Pairing it with a skinny black belt with gold detailing has been my go to, wearing it with the matching jacket/cardigan closed as a top. Once the colder weather rolls in, I’ll definitely be pairing it with some sheer tights, chunky sweaters, oversized blazers and maybe even a headband! If you think there’s a more perfect piece for this season, I just have one thing to say: ugh, as if!

smashtess.com

Win! The Entire Smash + Tess x Jamie Pandit Collection ($385)!

Congrats Mindy C. of Toronto, ON, who will receive the entire Smash + Tess x Jamie Pandit collection ($385 value)! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.