Kevin Leonel and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) collab on the new LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop Collection. Here’s a closer look.
SHIFTER recently attended a preview for an unexpected yet exciting fashion collab at The Well in downtown Toronto. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) and LOTTO MAX have enlisted Brooklyn-based clothing designer, Kevin Leonel, to conceive the LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop collection, including a limited number of handmade hoodies, jackets and shirts made entirely from thrifted textiles, like blanket and vintage t-shirts. Each piece features seven numbers which can be used when playing LOTTO MAX.
The new collection is a part of Leonel’s meteoric rise which also saw him partner with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a Black Excellence jacket. After only purchasing a sewing machine in 2020 and learning to sew to keep himself busy during the pandemic, Leonel has quickly built a reputation for sustainability and high-fashion, with pieces made from upcycled and reimagined sports memorabilia. His pieces have caught the eye of athletes and celebrities alike, with celebrities like SZA counted among his clients.
WATCH: SHIFTER VISITS THE LOTTO MAX THRIFT DROP COLLECTION POP-UP
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The Thrift Drop Collection includes one-of-a kind, handmade garments in four styles—a Knitted Split Hoodie, a Vintage Lace Jacket, a Vintage Lace Shirt, and a Split T-Shirt.
Billed as “the only thrifted collection that could make you a millionaire”, each piece includes a lottery bonus that can be used toward one year’s worth of LOTTO MAX tickets.
All proceeds will be donated to the Ottawa-based registered charity EcoEquitable, dedicated to reducing textile waste and empowering self-identifying newcomer women through sewing skills development.
The pop-up shop is now closed, but shoppers wanting to get their hands on this latest Kevin Leonel collection can sign up on OLG.ca/ThriftDrop by July 21, with the collection going on sale on July 22, 2024.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s Toronto-based editor and Senior Arts & Entertainment Reporter focusing on Black music, fashion and film & TV. He was named one of 310 international voters for the 81st Golden Globe Awards by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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