Kerry Washington collaborates with designer Dee Ocleppo for Purple Purse

“Scandal” star Kerry Washington has collaborated with handbag designer Dee Ocleppo to create a limited-edition purse. The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, designed to draw attention to domestic violence and financial abuse, was unveiled at a cocktail party co-hosted by Ocleppo, her husband Tommy Hilfiger and Washington on Thursday.

The actress, who serves as a spokesperson for the foundation, teamed up with Ocleppo to design this year’s purse. It is a special-edition crocodile-embossed clutch with a removable crossbody strap. It also features rose gold-tone hardware and suede lining, WWD reported.

Washington and Ocleppo have tied up with Saks Fifth Avenue to sell the bag exclusively, both in its stores and online for US$350 (AS$503.85). Kathleen Ruiz, senior vice president of public relations and marketing at Saks said, “To have Kerry Washington and Dee Ocleppo design a bag that we can sell to raise money for a charity — it’s amazing.”

Designer Ocleppo added that the limited-edition bag, with its beautiful colour, was being offered at a great price with the motive of charity. Out of the entire sales, 25 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to Allstate Foundation.

Washington said that the offer to design the purse was a chance to express her interest in fashion without thinking about competition on the red carpet. “This was an opportunity to work in fashion in a way that wasn’t about making people feel uncool because they can’t afford something, or that they have to measure up,” she said. The actress added that the bag was all about empowering women and making them understand their power.

This year, the purse has an extra accessory: a charm. This new addition comes with the bag but the charm can also be purchased separately, Time reports. Washington said that any bag could be converted into a purple purse, adding that both guys and girls could do it. The charm could also be fastened onto a keychain or on the door.

The “Scandal” actress star joined the charity last year, and she has raised US$2.5 million (AU$3.60 million) from sales of the purse. Allstate is reportedly looking to double the number this year. The event was also attended by Robin Roberts, Alicia Keys and Natalie Joos.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.