Olivia Pope's sophisticated 'Scandal' style comes to The Limited
Even if you can't be Olivia Pope, you can emulate the impeccable style of the confident, sophisticated character played by actress Kerry Washington on ABC's “Scandal.”
On Sept. 23 — two days before the Season 4 premiere — The Limited will release a power-dressing, Olivia Pope-inspired collection in stores and online. The line of apparel highlights her signature style with tailored wide-leg trousers, separate jackets with strong lines and signature trims, chic feminine blouses and heroic outerwear pieces.
Prices range from $49 to $248.
As with most of her character's clients, Washington had a hand in helping with this collection. The Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actress teamed with costume designer Lyn Paolo, in partnership with Elliot Staples, head of design from The Limited, to develop the line inspired by Shonda Rhimes' top-rated drama.
By creating a line inspired by the show, Washington says in a statement, they are introducing “a collection that embodies the elegance and power of the ‘Scandal' aesthetic for real-life gladiators and everyday fashionistas.
“The collection is a nod to our devoted fans, to fans of fashion and to women everywhere who are inspired to boldly pursue their passions and look good while doing it,” she says.
This is the first design collaboration between a national retailer, a top-rated network television show, its costume designer and leading lady. It is a first for Washington and Paolo to have teamed in such a way. The duo is credited for creating powerful looks for Olivia Pope, and for inspiring fans to call themselves “gladiators in suits.”
And this collection is the first Hollywood collaboration for The Limited.
“Our inspiration came from the fans ... who were asking for a way to look like Olivia Pope, and then when Elliot Staples and The Limited came along, we just felt it was a perfect match,” Paolo says. “It has been such tremendous fun and such an honor to design for the amazing characters that Shonda Rhimes and (executive producer) Betsy Beers have created. And now we can help make their style accessible to all.”
Paolo describes the collection as aspirational, sophisticated and feminine. She says it has been a true collaborative experience. From fabric choices to buttons to models and design, they all had something to say and they listened to one another so that the vision was executed in a way that they all loved.
“This experience is so different than the show in that we're designing a collection for our fans,” Paolo says. “I truly love how each piece can work with every other piece in the collection.”
Pope's signature wardrobe is well-represented in the line, Staples says.
“Our plaid round collar cape seamlessly translates television to reality and captures the true essence of the consistent sophistication and style that Olivia Pope represents for confident women everywhere,” Staples says. “By pairing a quintessential neutral palette with soft feminine color, we were able to create effortlessly modern and powerful looks that were easy to mix and match.”
The collection speaks to fans of the show, Staples says, and The Limited customer looking for a polished professional look.
“I admire Lyn and Kerry so much,” Staples says. “Both of them are true collaborators and have a clear vision of Olivia Pope and her confident sense of style. It was wonderful working with them both, and we're so excited to see the collection come to life.
“Being a part of something that has never been done before was really special,” he says, “and I can honestly say we all thoroughly enjoyed every step of the process.”
Details: www.thelimited.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at jharrop@tribweb.com or 412-320-7889.
