Drake’s Brand OVO Taps the University of Toronto for Its FW21 Collection + More Fashion News

Plus, a K-pop supergroup is collaborating with a Canadian accessory brand!

It’s hard not to feel wistful in September. As back-to-school promotions flood our screens, academic anticipation reaches an all-time high, as does our urge to shop the latest fall fashions. In this week’s news roundup, brands were feeling the scholarly love — Canadian talent Ellie Mae released her Pre-Fall 2021 collection, K-pop’s Blackpink unveiled their backpack collaboration, and Drake’s OVO University of Toronto collection launches this weekend.

Drake’s Brand OVO partners with the University of Toronto for their new collection

The king of The Six has released his latest homage to his hometown — a capsule collection in partnership with the University of Toronto. Drake’s brand October’s Very Own (OVO), is collaborating with the school to celebrate Canadian excellence and the rapper’s roots. Proudly designed and manufactured in Canada, the OVO x University of Toronto assortment features 12 collegiate-inspired menswear styles, including a varsity jacket, polo shirt, athletic shorts and a baseball cap. Sure to be a coveted collection amongst Torontonians and graduates alike, pieces will be released in-store and online at octobersveryown.com and the UofT Bookstore, starting August 21.

K-pop group Blackpink collaborates on collection with Canadian brand Bugatti

Worldwide K-Pop sensation Blackpink and Canadian accessories brand Bugatti are partnering on a four-part collection featuring backpacks, fanny packs, duffle bags and other accessories, just in time for back-to-school shopping. In an adorable ode to their name, the assortment is available only in black and pink colourways (because, of course, it is!). With a special launch event on August 21 and 22 at select Bentley locations, be sure to act fast as we suspect it will sell out.

Clove Sneakers have come to Canada

Clove has come to Canada to save your feet! Specifically designed for healthcare workers, the brand is beloved for offering stylish sneakers that are easy to clean, odour-fighting and provide long-lasting comfort throughout a 12-hour shift. Available in neutral and pastel colours, your feet will thank us later.

Ellie Mae unveils its Pre-Fall 2021 collection

Ellie Mae’s 13-piece collection inspired by “magic hour” landed at its Toronto flagship this week. The assortment features decadent yellow, pink and sunset orange hues and offers early fall essentials, from blazers to cardigans and blouses. If you’re looking to invest in a few key wardrobe items this season, here’s a good place to start.

Canadian brand Tkees will be available at Holt Renfrew

Capture the last few weeks of summer with the arrival of Canadian contemporary footwear and apparel brand TKEES at Holt Renfrew. The label known for its chic neutral colour palette and minimalist sandals will be spotlighted in the luxury department store’s Summer Shop until August 29. After that, TKEES will continue to be available for purchase in Holt Renfrew’s activewear and footwear departments. There’s never been a better time to get your kicks!

Hunter Boots announces a new sustainability initiative

Iconic British heritage brand Hunter is launching its newest sustainability and accountability initiative: Hunter Protect. The beloved rain boot brand has been working on responsible initiatives since 2011, but its latest endeavour will focus predominantly on protecting forests, resources and communities. Hunter has made seven pledges to hold itself accountable and track its progress, including a promise to donate a further 15,000 pairs (they have donated over 150,000 to-date) of fully functional boots to global charities, including those that respond to natural disasters, pandemics and the refugee crisis.

Nordstrom launches Concept 014: Found In Translation

With Nordstrom’s newest curated collection, Concept 014: Found in Translation, the luxury retailer is celebrating classic menswear through “the lens of underground subcultures and global style.” The assortment includes pieces by Baracuta x Needles, Champion Tears and Eric Emanuel x New Era, and exclusive capsules from BEAMS, Bel-Air Athletics and Drake’s, among others.

​Nordstrom is also donating five percent of total sales from the collection to Kids In Need of Defense (KIND), a U.S.-based charity that protects unaccompanied and separated children. Running through late October, Concept 014: Found in Translation is available now online and at Nordstrom Pacific Centre in Vancouver.