Three years ago, Debra Lee, the former CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks, released a memoir, I Am Debra Lee, that covered “the glitz and glamour of being a high-powered executive in entertainment” to the reality of often being the only woman or Black person in the room.
Lee can now write a new chapter as she’s embarked on creative endeavor with the launch of the Debra Lee Collection, a line of luxury handbags crafted in Italy. The line is said to have been designed with the “accomplished woman” in mind,” producing pieces that “move through every dimension in her life” for years to come.
For Lee, the launch is an accomplishment many years in the making, and a return to a dream she first had while in college. It’s also personal: Both of Lee’s grandmothers were seamstresses, and her mother taught her to sew. She graduated from Brown University before moving on to get a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University and a J.D. at Harvard Law School. Then her career took off, leaving little time for endeavors such as this. Lee served as the CEO of BET beginning 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 she ascended to chairman and CEO in 2005.
“Ever since my college days, I’ve dreamed of a career in fashion, but life took me in another direction. I’m very proud of the career I built, but I never gave up on that love of design,” Lee explained. “After more than 30 years in business, I feel ready to take this leap and create something entirely my own. Handbags seemed like the perfect entry point; a limited collection built on the highest quality — equal parts beautiful and functional — designed for women whose style is as distinctive as their ambitions.”
The Debra Lee Collection spans four styles — the Debi, the Ava, the Billie mini and the Quinn — all of which are crafted from sustainable calf leather and available in a palette of seasonal colors. The Debra Lee Collection handbags are now available, 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 orgs that are 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. More than that, I hope it inspires women to follow their passions, even if the path isn’t always direct.”
Lee poses with namesake handbags: “I want people to feel the care and attention that goes into each handbag. I want them to immediately notice the quality, the craftsmanship, and the thoughtful design. These bags were created with real women’s lives in mind. I spent a lot of time thinking about the different moments in a woman’s day — work, meetings, travel, luncheons, evening events — and how a bag needs to move with her through those transitions.”
Credit: Zhenya Minaieva/Courtesy of Debra Lee
A model poses with the Debi, which is the signature silhouette of the collection, available in noir pebbled, espresso pebbled, khaki pebbled and cashmere mist pebbled.
Credit: Zhenya Minaieva/Courtesy of Debra Lee
A model poses with the Ava, a statement carryall featuring a structured, architecturally refined silhouette with generous interior, signature curved handles, subtle hardware accents and an embossed DL monogram. Available in noir, cappuccino, khaki and cashmere mist.
Credit: Zhenya Minaieva/Courtesy of Debra Lee
A model poses with the Billie mini, which features distinctive looped handles, a bold circular detail and a cascading leather tassel. Available in noir pebbled, espresso pebbled and khaki pebbled.
Credit: Zhenya Minaieva/Courtesy of Debra Lee
A model poses with the Quinn, described as a “modern weekender” and the collection’s first unisex piece. It features an expansive silhouette with clean lines, two large interior pockets, a secure zip compartment and a subtle DL monogram. Available in noir, cappuccino and khaki.
Credit: Zhenya Minaieva/Courtesy of Debra Lee
A model poses with the Debi, a handbag from the launch of the Debra Lee Collection.
Credit: Zhenya Minaieva/Courtesy of Debra Lee
A model poses with the Billie Mini, a handbag from the launch of the Debra Lee Collection.
Credit: Zhenya Minaieva/Courtesy of Debra Lee