It’s virtually impossible these days for OVO Clothing to surprise anyone with a new brand collaboration. Like Disney, the Drake-founded fashion house seems keen to partner with literally any company or organization that has a big name recognition (including Disney, natch).
And yet, with a simple tweak to their age-old formula, OVO has done it again, turning heads across the web with a soon-to-be-released collection featuring a collab that won’t be in the headlines, but a model so little. conventional that people are talking about it.
American rapper and singer Lil Yachty, 25, was revealed on Tuesday afternoon as the face of OVO’s latest collaboration with the University of Toronto and, despite the Atlanta artist’s lack of any connection and school, fans feel it.
It’s no secret that Drake and Yachty are friends, which is the most obvious reason for this seemingly incongruous casting choice.
The rapper, born Miles Parks McCollum in Mableton, Georgia, has been spotted in the past wearing OVO apparel, is known to pilot Air Drake, and is featured on several songs with Drizzy.
Yet… why would an American rapper who has no affiliation with the best Canadian university be chosen to represent a clothing line created in collaboration with said university?
Friends in high places? An unwavering will (like OVO itself) to collaborate with just about any brand? Or is Drake’s company tapping into the hype around Lil Yatchy’s latest viral track, “Poland.”
Commenters on OVO’s post showcasing the collection, his last with the UofT, certainly make it look like the latter.
“Took the WoOOocK in Toronto,” wrote a fan on OVO’s page, referencing the lyrics of Yachty’s latest TikTok banger. “Wock at the U of T,” wrote another.
Either way, Yachty looks great in these Letterman jackets and sweaters.
Could it be that the rapper was chosen solely for his looks? Unlikely, but plausible… and ambitious.
“Imagine if you had class with Lil Yachty,” read a comment on OVO’s tell-all post.
“You didn’t even go to U of T,” wrote another fan, “but I’m trying to represent lol.”
