Urban Outfitters Introduces Exclusive HBCU Capsule Collection Created by the UO Summer Class of 2021

Monday, December 13, 2021 Urban Outfitters is announcing a special-edition UO Summer Class of 2021 HBCU Capsule Collection, an exclusive assortment of collegiate apparel and lifestyle accessories designed by the UO Summer Class of 2021. The UO Summer Class of 2021 was a 10-week internship and mentorship program for five students recognized for their academic excellence and creative prowess, in collaboration with three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

From concept to creation, selected students worked with the UO Buying team to design a 24-piece apparel and lifestyle collection celebrating the culture and community of their respective schools. “Being able to share our resources with HBCU talent, and to work alongside these students creatively as they developed their own product, made Summer Class enriching not only for our students, but for every UO employee who got to be a part of the program,” says Dalila Shannon, UO Women’s Divisional Merchandising Manager and Summer Class Mentor.

The apparel includes Champion sweats and long-sleeves featuring original graphics by students. The collection is another way the brand lets consumers “Be Your Own Champion” by expressing their own style. Tiara Arnold, Director of Career and Professional Development at Clark Atlanta University is thrilled for the students and their designs, “To graduate from college having created a collection that will live not only within UO, but also at your alma mater, is an experience that only a few can say they were a part of.” Special to the capsule are 3 premium letterman jackets produced by Ebbets Field Flannel representing Howard, Clark Atlanta, and North Carolina A&T State University featuring the students’ interpretations of the collegiate staple.

Tote bags, hats by ’47, and playing cards round out the assortment, creating a collection that embodies the history and culture that define HBCU communities. Dr. Elizabeth Newcomb Hopfer, Fashion Merchandising and Design Program Coordinator at N.C. A&T, is honored that one of their students was selected to participate in the UO Summer Class 2021. “This experience will allow her to shine in the brighter, more inclusive fashion industry of the future while providing her and other Summer Class participants the chance to celebrate the historic accomplishments of N.C. A&T and other HBCUs.”

The collection, officially licensed by CLC, the nation’s leading collegiate licensing company, will be available for purchase exclusively at urbanoutfitters.com and include a charitable donation to the student’s respective alma maters. Marketing and corresponding content for the Summer Class Capsule Collection will feature a behind-the-scenes look at the collection’s design process, highlighting the individual students, their backgrounds, and what inspired their unique designs.

Meet the UO Summer Class of 2021:

Dacia Redmond, Clark Atlanta University. Dacia worked with the UO Men’s Buying team and is currently a 2021 Fashion Scholarship Fund Virgil Abloh “Post Modern” Scholar award recipient. Through her case study with the Fashion Scholarship Fund, she discovered a passion for ensuring adequate representation in the fashion industry. “There's a sense of pride and honor to be able to attend such monumental and historical institutions that are made with your culture in mind.” - Dacia

U'lia Hargrove, North Carolina A&T State University. During the program, U’lia worked closely with the UO Women’s Sweater Team as a buying intern. She enjoys sewing, writing, sketching and painting and looks forward to continuing her Fashion Merchandising and Design studies at North Carolina A&T State University. “Great things can happen when you step out of the box and into the unknown!” - U'lia

Jasmine Logan, Clark Atlanta University. Jasmine is passionate about art, sustainability, and social/human rights activism. This summer, Jasmine interned with the UO Women’s Buying Team and is excited to represent Clark Atlanta University through her capsule collection. Since the internship concluded, Jasmine has been offered a full-time position as a sample coordinator/buying assistant on the Women’s Buying Team. “To me, going to an HBCU was like being gifted an extended family that understood my disposition as a Black woman and supported me through any and everything.” - Jasmine

Jalen Bradford, Clark Atlanta University. After graduating with a B.A. in Fashion Merchandising & Design, Jalen dreams of one day being an iconic source for creative and artistic direction. He enjoyed collaborating, learning, and working with the Women’s Soft Woven team and looks forward to seeing his apparel produced. “There's this overwhelming feeling of excellence around campus, where you could bump into someone and feel the energy of greatness within your presence.” - Jalen

Janae Claxton, Howard University. Janae interned with UO’s Content Team and is passionate about fashion, social media, and creating inclusive spaces. She hopes to become a lawyer and create a non-profit and give back to Black and POC communities. Post internship, Janae continues to work with URBN, through sister brand Anthropologie. “Giving back to our communities is at the forefront of my career and personal goals, so being involved in a campus that values that as well is important.” – Janae

With the success of the inaugural UO Summer Class internship program, Urban Outfitters will continue the initiative in 2022, expanding the program to additional HBCUs. For more information, visit www.urbanoutfitters.com.

To download hi-res images of the UO Summer Class Capsule Collection, click here. To learn more about the UO Summer Class 2021 Students, click here. To shop the UO Summer Class Capsule Collection, click here (link live 12/13 at 7am).

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About Urban Outfitters Urban Outfitters is a lifestyle retailer dedicated to inspiring customers through a unique combination of product, creativity and cultural understanding. Founded in 1970 in a small space across the street from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, offering experiential retail environments and a well-curated mix of women’s, men’s, accessories and home product assortments. For more information, visit Urban Outfitters at www.urbanoutfitters.com.

About Champion Since 1919, Champion Athleticwear has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms, footwear and accessories. Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel for its consumers. Champion Athleticwear can be purchased at department stores, sporting goods, specialty retailers, and at Champion.com. For more information, please contact us at 1-800-315-0563 or at Facebook.com/Champion, follow us on Twitter @Championusa or on Instagram @Champion. Champion is a brand of Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI).

About CLC CLC is the nation’s leading collegiate trademark licensing company with a mission to elevate college brands through insight and innovation. The company is uniquely positioned to deliver consumer connections and brand visibility for institutions through data-based, customized solutions that include impactful licensed merchandise strategies and innovative marketing platforms to navigate the ever-evolving consumer and retail marketplace. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, CLC is guided by values to serve others, build trust, lead well, innovate often, and be passionate. Founded in 1981, CLC is a part of LEARFIELD, the leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics. About '47 '47 is a privately held premium sports lifestyle brand founded in Boston, MA, by twin brothers, Arthur and Henry D'Angelo in 1947. The D'Angelos were entrepreneurial pioneers who were quick to see the future of sports licensing by selling pennants and other sports memorabilia on the streets around Fenway Park. Through a combination of hard work, sound instincts and incredible passion, the brothers were able to grow their business from a single street cart to a premier sports lifestyle brand that uniquely melds sport and style. Previously known as Twins Enterprises, '47 is currently managed by Arthur's four sons, Bobby, David, Mark, and Steven. '47 is a proud partner of Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association, and over 800 collegiate programs. For more information, please visit www.47brand.com.