Kerry Washington Backs Sustainable Jewelry Startup Aurate
Acclaimed actress and activist Kerry Washington has invested in Aurate, a direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand known for its sustainable practices and accessible pricing. While the investment amount remains undisclosed, Washington’s involvement extends beyond funding—she also co-designed The Lioness Collection, a new line inspired by female empowerment.
A Strategic Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
Washington, a seasoned startup investor with stakes in companies like The Wing and Byte, revealed this collaboration aligns with her vision. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2020, she hinted at a “dreamy” upcoming project, later confirming Aurate as the venture.
The Lioness Collection: Symbolism & Social Impact
- Design Inspiration: Features intertwined gold chains (necklace/bracelet), hoop earrings, and a pendant honoring Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of strength.
- Pricing: Starts at \(150 (below Aurate’s \)300 average), with 20% of proceeds donated to Supermajority, a women’s activist group.
- Ethical Sourcing: Uses sustainably mined gold, reflecting Aurate’s eco-conscious ethos.
Washington emphasized the collection’s deeper meaning:
“Lionesses hunt and nurture together—no hierarchy, just fierce ambition and mutual care. This collaboration embodies that spirit.”
Why Aurate Stands Out
Female-Founded & Profitable
Co-founders Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui built Aurate into a profitable business, with:
- 95% online sales despite having two NYC stores.
- Pandemic resilience: Demand grew as Zoom-friendly jewelry gained relevance.
Washington praised their mission:
“Aurate merges style with substance—just like Kerry herself,” noted Kahn.
The Zoom Effect
With remote work normalizing “waist-up” fashion, Aurate’s pieces offer a subtle yet impactful way to elevate virtual appearances. As Washington quipped:
“Jewelry survived my life edits. High heels? Not so much.”
This partnership highlights a growing trend of celebrities aligning with purpose-driven brands, blending commerce with activism and sustainability.
