**Drake and Degrassi Unite with New Collaborative Apparel Line**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Drake-on-Degrassi-Drakes-OVO-Teams-Up-with-Wildbrain-092326-548fa55c84a74e60beabb5b5abab1cfa.jpg)
In an exciting cultural fusion, Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham’s clothing brand, October’s Very Own (OVO), has teamed up with WildBrain to launch the OVO x Degrassi Collection. This new apparel line pays homage to the iconic television series *Degrassi: The Next Generation*, which significantly shaped the early career of the acclaimed artist and remains a beloved part of Canadian television history.
The collaboration draws from the athletic spirit of the fictional Degrassi Community School, showcasing the prominent blue and gold colours that represent the institution. Known for its frank storytelling and relatable characters, *Degrassi* captured the attention of fans across Canada and the United States, enjoying a legacy that continues to resonate today.
Drake starred as Jimmy Brooks in *Degrassi: The Next Generation* from 2001 to 2009, and his experience on the show has been frequently referenced in his music. The upcoming collection will allow old fans and new admirers alike to reconnect with a part of Drake’s history that helped define not only his artistic trajectory but also the cultural landscape of a generation.
The OVO x Degrassi Collection features a variety of standout pieces, including a fleece varsity jacket adorned with layered twill patches and retro graphics, symbolising the spirit of the Panthers, Degrassi’s fictional sports team. In addition, the line includes a cotton jersey that bears number 86, a tribute to Drake’s birth year, premium fleece sweatsuits, and a selection of t-shirts and gym wear designed in homage to traditional physical education uniforms.
Beyond apparel, the collection will also feature lifestyle items, such as a multi-print tote and a classic sport cap, allowing fans to fully embrace the Degrassi-inspired aesthetic.
Ben Peace, Executive Vice President of Franchise at WildBrain, articulated the significance of this collaboration, emphasising the deep-rooted connections shared between *Degrassi* and OVO. He mentioned, “As we approach the 25th anniversary of *Degrassi: The Next Generation*, it feels like the perfect moment to celebrate the franchise’s cultural legacy with this collaboration. The collection captures the school spirit and athletic tradition that generations of fans have come to associate with Degrassi.”
Drake’s portrayal of Jimmy Brooks took a poignant turn in the series when his character became a victim of gun violence, a storyline that left a lasting impression on the show’s fan base. Reflecting on this transformative experience in the upcoming documentary *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes*, Drake recounted the emotional impact of the script reading where he learned of the shooting twist in Season 4, remarking on the profound shock and sadness shared among the cast during that moment.
He expressed how the role significantly altered the trajectory of his character and subsequently his performance, saying, “It gave me something to study. It gave me homework.” Drake spent time with a teenager who used a wheelchair to better understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, illustrating the commitment he had to accurately represent his character’s experiences.
The OVO x Degrassi Collection is set to launch on Friday, 25 September 2026, at 10 a.m. ET on OVO’s website, where it will be available to fans around the globe. Additionally, the line will be stocked in several OVO retail locations across Canada, including major shopping centres in cities such as Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Burnaby. Fans in the United States can find the collection at OVO’s outlet at The Grove in Los Angeles.
With this collaboration, both OVO and *Degrassi* not only celebrate their Toronto roots but also evoke nostalgia in long-time fans, offering a unique blend of fashion and cultural history. The collection serves as a reminder of the impact that *Degrassi* has had on many lives, as well as the artistic evolution of one of music’s most influential figures.