Drake’s Newest Menswear Collab Blends Edgy Americana With British Heritage Styles
Creative Director Michael Hill and beloved menswear designer Aaron Levine speak to Robb Report exclusively.
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The best menswear collaborations are often unexpected, blending a synergy and dichotomy that, somehow, simply work. While collabs can be hit or miss—some feel forced, others fantastic—the best ones retain each party’s authenticity and bring out their unique strengths.
That’s precisely what menswear creative and designer Aaron Levine and British luxury brand Drake’s have achieved with a brand-new, very limited capsule. Drake’s by Aaron Levine combines Aaron’s edgy, Americana-inspired, vintage aesthetic with Drake’s regal British heritage trad style, resulting in garments that are equal parts refined, rugged, and rakish. Designed for travel, the collection features Drake’s top-notch textiles and garments, while the silhouettes, hues, and prints bear Aaron’s unmistakable signature.
Drake’s hardly needs an introduction. The premium British heritage brand masterfully melds traditional aesthetics with luxury textiles, revitalising classic style with a modern, wearable twist. Since 1977, this luxury label has built a loyal following in the U.S. with iconic pieces like printed scarves (often featuring archival nature motifs), tweed blazers, exceptional outerwear, wool flannel trousers, rich velvets, plush moleskin, and luxurious corduroy. Renowned for craftsmanship and heritage, Drake’s garments transition effortlessly between formal and casual settings, capturing elevated British luxury tailored for today.
Then there’s Aaron Levine—one of the most respected and genuine figures in menswear, with a resume to match. When I worked at Esquire, Aaron would politely ask to dig through our archives for inspiration and research for his designs at Abercrombie & Fitch. His dedication was unmatched; he respects the history of menswear and understands much of it is often rooted in military origins. I still proudly wear my Abercrombie military green parka, one of his designs that feels as relevant today as it will a century from now. Aaron helped revive the brand, creating pieces guys wanted to wear. So, when he became the lead designer at Madewell, it was no surprise those garments would be equally as understatedly cool. His work there produced edgy staples and foundational garments that felt both current and timeless—like the popular ’90s jeans’, chunky cable knits, and cardigans, all inspired by archival designs.
Aaron has a rare talent for crafting clothes that make you feel instantly cooler, blending a contemporary edge with a nod to the past, so this limited capsule collection with Drake’s inherently feels like a natural fit. Both Aaron and the British luxury label share a deep reverence for heritage, history, and authenticity—qualities that make this collaboration both intentional and distinct. Aaron’s moody, effortlessly cool “I woke up like this” vibe, paired with Drake’s refined British aesthetic, produces a collection that’s as unique as it is wearable.
Drake’s
This limited-edition capsule collection is crafted for life on the go, fitting if you follow Mr. Levine and his trademark airport selfies. Featuring a refined palette focussed on black (a rarity for Drake’s), Aaron collaborated closely with Creative Director Michael Hill, exploring the Drake’s archives and incorporating a few of his own favourite vintage influences. The result is a 20-piece collection designed with versatility in mind, covering all the essentials for a few days of travel: a suit and tie for meetings or dinners, rugged denim, a weather-ready jacket for exploring the city, and a cotton jersey, a cap, and comfortable shirts for time spent in airports and hotel lobbies.
Standout pieces in this collection include a washed black MKII Games suit in heavyweight cotton, Goodyear-welted Charles loafers in soft black suede, a waxed cotton canvas trucker jacket, black Japanese denim, and both a classic poplin and a relaxed brushed cotton plaid work shirt, all crafted in Drake’s Somerset factory.
Aaron adds a unique twist to Drake’s classic prints with scarves featuring motifs like Genghis Khan’s horse riders and retro playing cards—a bold, eclectic aesthetic that complements the darker colour palette. A printed white T-shirt with an illustration of a bucket-hat-wearing guy on the phone has a Parisian flair, while the navy tonal rugby exudes cool, traditional style. Each piece merges Aaron’s edgy vibe with Drake’s heritage craftsmanship, offering a collection for those who value style that’s refined and functional.
Aaron and Michael chatted with Robb Report about how this collaboration came to life, their mutual admiration, a few cultural reflections, and some personal favourite pieces from the capsule.
Please Tell us briefly how this collaboration came about.
Aaron: We had been talking about doing something together for a bit as we had done a shoot or two together. At one point, I met the team at Corner Bistro in the village for a burger, and things started to really click. We bonded and came out of that with a renewed vigor to make something happen.
Michael: Like any good collaboration, things happened organically over a few beers and a burger at Corner Bistro.
Aaron, please tell us a little about your history with Drake’s.
Aaron: I love that team. They are such great people. I think they make beautiful things, and I have wanted the opportunity to work with them for a long time. I’ve admired them for years. To be able to work with them is amazing.
What did you want to bring to this collab that was distinctly yours?
Aaron: It sounds silly. I was just like, “black”. I wanted to bring a little black sheep to Drake’s.
Michael, what do you think Aaron brings to this collection that makes it unique?
Michael: I think Aaron’s innate ability to mix different influences and create a sense of purposeful discord sits nicely with our aesthetic – we design our clothing to harmonise, and some of his ideas have taken that idea and run with it in a way we wouldn’t normally have thought. It is certainly a fresh take, but respectful of the way we like to do things.
Aaron, what did you want to retain of Drake’s DNA?
Aaron: Oh, everything. They do such a wonderful job. I didn’t want to mess with their brand at all. I wanted to bring a little bit of punk to it—Drakes, but darker.
Your elevator selfies have become an Instagram trademark. Is that why travel was so important to this collection?
Aaron: When I travel, I often do multiple things. I’m in the city, I’m in the country, and I’m with friends hanging out in the evening. I wanted to be able to work with them on putting a small collection together that could get someone through five days away, no matter the scenario.
Michael, please tell us what you admire about Aaron’s designs and his approach.
Michael: Aaron’s passion for design borders on obsession, but there’s also a discipline there. You can tell he designs clothing not just with a concept in mind but with the intention of wearing it himself, and at that, wearing it into the ground to boot.
I love that you went a bit edgier and darker with the palette here, as Drake’s is often known for its more jewel tones and neutrals. Tell us why you went a bit moodier here.
Aaron: Out of step. Ghost in the machine. Bee in the bonnet. I like pushing a bit, and I’m just grateful they were into it.
Is this the highest-priced (premium) line you’ve collaborated with? And how did that affect your approach?
Aaron: I’ve worked with many premium brands in the past. My approach doesn’t change with price. It’s the bones that matter. Does this feel emotional? Does it offer something new to the customer? Is it potentially a new customer? Does it feel right? Regardless of price, the priority is tapping into the awesome. Does this feel good?
Michael, were there any guidelines you had for Aaron, or was it carte blanche? Did Drake’s have any input on the designs?
Michael: We essentially opened our entire design archive to Aaron, and together, we sat and went through it until we came across a certain piece that sparked a conversation between us. When we had that, we knew we were on to a winner.
This was a wholly collaborative effort from initial conception to the final fit sessions. Seeing the process through a new perspective is always refreshing, and Aaron is a very capable pair of hands.
Drake’s started as a tie brand. Tie sales are up nearly 30%. Do you have any predictions for a return to the classics and any thoughts on the current state of neckwear?
Aaron: We don’t have a crystal ball, and I don’t really want one, frankly. The general consensus is that there’s a bunch of “stuff” fatigue. The adage of less but better is thrown around a lot.
The reality is that different people want different things, and it’s important to keep evolving. Nothing is static. As a customer myself, I know that when brands move away from things that I love buying from them, it’s frustrating. There’s a lot of fine-tuning involved.
I love classics, but I don’t think the word “classic” means we have to regress and dip into what once was verbatim. Everything naturally moves forward, around, up, or down. I enjoy tapping into things that came before and just shaking them up a bit.
Both, what are your favorite garments from the collection, and why?
Aaron: I love our shorter waxed jacket. It’s super versatile and functional, and I think it looks great on everyone who wears it.
Michael: My favorite piece has to be the D-77 parka. We’ve only done it once before, and I still wear mine on rainy days.
Drake’s is known for its heritage and does not often collaborate. Would this appeal to your core base and bring in a new clientele?
Michael: I think it will appeal to new and existing customers alike. The palette is a step-out for us, so it will be interesting to see how it resonates.
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