Three years ago, Debra Lee, former CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks, released her memoir, I’m Debra Leewhich covered “the glamor and glamor of being a high-level entertainment executive” to the reality of often being the only woman or Black person in the room.
Lee can now write a new chapter as she embarks on a creative endeavor with the launch of the Debra Lee Collection, a collection of luxury handbags made in Italy. The line is said to have been designed with the “accomplished woman” in mind, producing pieces that will “move through every dimension of her life” for years to come.
For Lee, the launch is an achievement she has been in the making for many years, and a return to a dream she had while in college. It’s personal, too: Both of Lee’s grandmothers were seamstresses, and her mother taught her to sew. She graduated from Brown University before going on to earn a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University and a JD from Harvard Law School. Then her career took off, leaving little time for such endeavours. Lee served as CEO of BET starting in 2005 before stepping down in 2018. She joined BET in 1986 as general counsel and was promoted to president and CEO in 1996, before stepping up to chairman and CEO in 2005.
“Since my college days, I had dreamed of a career in fashion, but life took me in another direction. I am very proud of the career I built, but I never gave up this love of design,” Lee explained. “After more than 30 years in business, I feel ready to take that leap and create something completely my own. Handbags seemed like the perfect entry point; a limited collection built on the highest levels of quality – equal parts beautiful and functional – designed for women whose style is as distinct as their ambitions.”
The Debra Lee collection includes four styles – Debi, Ava, Billie mini and Quinn – all made from sustainable calf leather and available in a range of seasonal colours. The Debra Lee Collection handbag collection is available now with prices ranging from $900 to $2,300. See the line below.
In addition to her role at BET, Lee founded Leading Women Defined and serves as co-founder of Monarch Collective, both organizations dedicated to mentoring, supporting and empowering women and members of the BIPOC community. “This collection represents a meaningful pivot in my life and career. After decades spent building organizations and supporting culture and creativity through my work, this is an opportunity to create something personal. What’s more, I hope it inspires women to follow their passions, even if the path isn’t always direct.”
