'Everybody can find their inner Olivia Pope!' Kerry Washington launches 'Scandal' clothing line inspired by her character’s powerful style

By MailOnline Reporter

Published: 13:14 EST, 23 September 2014 | Updated: 19:41 EST, 23 September 2014

Kerry Washington wants women to look as powerful and put together as her TV persona.

Fashion retailer The Limited has teamed up with the Scandal star and the show's costume designer, Lyn Paolo, for a collection inspired by the ABC drama, which premieres its fourth season on Thursday.

Ms Washington, 37, appeared at a launch party for the line on Monday in New York City, where she said it was important for clothing to be accessible.

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It's handled: Kerry Washington helped launch The Limited's new Scandal-inspired clothing line in New York City Monday

It's handled: Kerry Washington helped launch The Limited's new Scandal-inspired clothing line in New York City Monday

Powerful: Teaming with costume designer Lyn Paolo and retail designer Elliot Staples at The Limited the trio have launched a series of dresses, tops, pants, jackets and outerwear

Powerful: Teaming with costume designer Lyn Paolo and retail designer Elliot Staples at The Limited the trio have launched a series of dresses, tops, pants, jackets and outerwear

'There are women who can literally afford to dress like Olivia Pope, and I don't know how, because those clothes are very, very, very expensive,' she said with a laugh.

'There are other people who can't, and there is no reason why only the people who make a certain amount of money should have access to this feminine power in fashion, you know?

'This line is created so that everybody can find their own inner gladiator. That every woman can be powerful and sexy, brilliant and smart and gorgeous, fashion-forward. You know, it's just there's no limit to who you can be.'

Fashion for all: Ms Washington said that every woman should be able to dress like her powerful Scandal character, Olivia Pope

Fashion for all: Ms Washington said that every woman should be able to dress like her powerful Scandal character, Olivia Pope

Powerful and sexy: 'This line is created so that everybody can find their own inner gladiator,' Ms Washington added

Powerful and sexy: 'This line is created so that everybody can find their own inner gladiator,' Ms Washington added

There are 42 looks in the Scandal Collection, including tops, jackets, outerwear and, of course, pants, because, as Ms Washington says: 'Olivia Pope wears the pants both literally and figuratively.'

Last year, Ms Paolo, with Ms Washington's input, created window displays for Saks Fifth Avenue by dressing its mannequins like Scandal characters. The displays featured clothing by high-end designers such as Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Donna Karan and Carolina Herrera.

The actress wasn't as keen to talk about a New York Times article by TV critic Alessandra Stanley, where the writer referred to Scandal producer Shonda Rhimes as an 'angry black woman.' On Monday, the newspaper's public editor called the article 'astonishingly tone-deaf and out of touch.'

In the trenches: This belted coat is one of the looks in The Limited's Scandal collection

In the trenches: This belted coat is one of the looks in The Limited's Scandal collection

It's a cinch: Ms Washington's character, Olivia Pope, is known for her sophisticated style which features looks such as this smart trench coat

It's a cinch: Ms Washington's character, Olivia Pope, is known for her sophisticated style which features looks such as this smart trench coat

'I really think it's important to focus on all the good things that are going on,' she said. 

She added: 'It's such an honor to be a part of an historic Thursday-night lineup and to be in one of her three shows, to be part of her magical (production company), Shondaland.'

Ms Rhimes is also the producer of How to Get Away With Murder and Grey's Anatomy.

In the hit drama 'Scandal' Olivia Pope dresses to impress as a political crisis manager in D.C. Now Kerry Washington, the actress who plays Pope, has created a series of power outfits inspired by the show. Teaming with costume designer Lyn Paolo and retail designer Elliot Staples at The Limited the trio have launched a series of dresses, tops, pants, jackets and outerwear. "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," said Washington, 37, who has also appeared in movies such as Ray, Django Unchained and The Last King of Scotland. The clothing line goes on sale to the public on Tuesday, September 23rd. Prices start at a reasonable $49 USD. Pictured: Clothing line inspired by the Scandal TV show Ref: SPL849207 230914 Picture by: The Limited/Splash News Splash News and Pictures Los Angeles: 310-821-2666 New York: 212-6

All her out work: '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,' said Washington

Pretty in pink: The outfits could easily be costumes from Washington's hit show
Pretty in pink: The outfits could easily be costumes from Washington's hit show

Pretty in pink: The outfits could easily be costumes from Washington's hit show

Bargain: The clothing line goes on sale to the public on Tuesday, September 23rd. Prices start at $49

Bargain: The clothing line goes on sale to the public on Tuesday, September 23rd. Prices start at $49

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