Actress Kerry Washington has partnered with a direct-to-consumer jewelry brand for which she also helped design a collection that recently made its debut. According to People, Washington has invested in the company, Aurate, which was started in New York back in 2015 by Bouchra Ezzahraoui and Sophie Kahn.
“I’m so proud to share this Lioness Collection, and all that it represents, with you. In both aesthetic design and in cultural meaning, each piece is built to embody the values of this unique moment while also honoring timeless truths.
“Make no mistake, the lioness is a queen. Her beauty is incomparable. Her strength is undeniable. She is a warrior, built for the hunt, and a nurturer, devoted to her pride. She is magnificently regal, and yet in the world of the Lioness, democracy and collaboration rule. In the #LionessPride there are no egos, there is no pecking order, just fierce felines winning collectively.
“You are a fierce lioness—beautiful, powerful, communal, and winning. And in our shared community we are a #LionessPride. So this collection is for you. I hope that it adds beauty, joy and strength to your day. And I pray that these pieces remind you of the sisterhood of this pride. WITH LOVE, KERRY”
“When I met Sophie and Bouchra, I was so impressed with them as women and as badass entrepreneurs and founders,” Washington told People. “I was so impressed with the product. It really spoke to me, this idea of democratizing fine jewelry by cutting out the middleman and allowing more people to have access to beautiful jewelry. I wanted to be a part of this journey.”
Washington was so impressed by the women and the company that she helped to design the Lioness Collection. She and Aurate’s co-founders are donating 20% of all proceeds from the collection to Supermajority, a nonprofit women’s activism organization.