STYLEKerry Washington Spills on Working With the AllState Foundation's Purple Purse Program and Designing That Gorgeous Handbag
Oct. 3 2014, Published 5:05 p.m. ET
Obsessing over that handbag? Get ready to adore it even more. Not only is that purple mixed-textile clutch designed by Scandal star Kerry Washington, but it was created in partnership with the AllState Foundation Purple Purse program to bring awareness to domestic and financial abuse.
We caught up with Kerry, who serves as the AllState Foundation Purple Purse ambassador, and got the scoop on what the important organization does, why she chose to get involved, designing that gorgeous bag, and more. Check it out below.
OK! Magazine: What made you want to get involved in Purple Purse?
Kerry Washington: I have worked for a really long time for an organization called V-DAY that works to end violence against woman. It’s very close to my heart and when this opportunity came along, I just felt like it was a great opportunity for me because you want to be a part of the solution and this bag is a way to address and help woman in a very tangible specific way. I learned that financial abuse is part of 98% of domestic abuse. Financial abuse is someone controlling a woman’s finances, damaging their credit, jeopardizing their employment—making the woman feel like she can’t leave because she can’t be financially supported economically and independent.
The Purple Purse Campaign is about making woman aware of financial abuse and identifying it, making the woman aware that she gets the help she needs to fix her credit and control your finances, balance your checkbooks.
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OK!: What would you say to women who are really in trouble?
KW: If you go the website, there is a lot of information. There are about 140 organizations that empower survivors and victims and help them take control of their finances. It’s really important to reach out and get help. You can take care of yourself, but you need support to do that because so many people feel like they can’t leave because of finances. So it’s a great way to encourage them to leave and get the help they need.
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OK!: Did you enjoy the design process?
KW: It’s been really fun. I love being a part of it, every stage along the way. From the design process, to my ideas and color, picking the textiles. Purple was chosen because it’s a signature color for domestic violence awareness and the purse because that’s where a woman’s financially identity lives. You’re wallet, your phone, and your keys to your car, all that live in your bag. So to design something that lets you take back control of your money and life.
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OK!: Tell us about your outfit tonight! How did you decide on what you’re wearing?
KW: I just love the purple and green combination. I was dressing around the bag, and I thought these shoes matched perfectly.
OK!: What are you looking forward to with the next season of Scandal?
KW: Getting the family back together. We’re like one big family.
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What do you think of the new handbag for the AllState Foundation's Purple Purse program? Tweet @OKMagazine and leave a comment below.
