Issa Rae Shares That “Barbie” Gave Her 'Permission' to Be 'Girly' as She Launches a Jewelry Collab (Exclusive)

The actress and writer's new Braeve Collection with Cast Jewelry is a reflection of her style journey

For Issa Rae, jewelry is a form of self-expression – and self-care.

The actress, writer and producer has long been an outspoken advocate for women, so when the opportunity to collaborate with Cast Jewelry arose, she couldn't turn it down. The three-year-old fine jewelry brand, co-founded by Rachel Skelly and Eric Ryan, emphasizes the importance of women recognizing their worth and investing in themselves.

"That really spoke to me, especially in the way that [Skelly and Ryan] mentioned how typically jewelers will have men buy jewelry for women," Rae tells PEOPLE exclusively. "They're waiting for this guy to purchase this piece for you. And as someone who lives for the empowerment of women [their approach] was really satisfying to hear."

“Collaborating with Issa Rae for this collection was a dream come true,” Skelly says via press release. “Whether she’s in front of or behind the camera, she brings such an incredible authenticity, creativity and purpose to everything she does. We knew this collaboration would be no exception, especially with her unique style and creative vision.”

The Braeve Collection features 22 pieces of 14-karat gold, sterling silver, black onyx, and Cast-created diamonds, the company's exclusive lab-grown diamond collection. Modern and versatile, the pieces suit a range of budgets with prices from $250 to $5,900.

Related: Issa Rae Says She Gets Called President Barbie on the Street: 'I'm Like, Salute, Yes!'

The collection also pays homage to Rae's personal style journey. As a child, she used to steal her mom's jewelry, particularly her hoop earrings. "There were these bulky hoops that she had that I loved that I used to wear to high school," the star recalls. "And she used to be like, 'Take those off. Stop.'"

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As a nod to her life-long love of hoops, the Braeve Collection features The Braeve Hoop, featuring a unique silhouette that feels both classic and modern.

Growing up a self-proclaimed "jeans and t-shirt, Chucks kind of girl," Rae didn't have a particularly feminine style into adulthood — that is, until Barbie. The Blockbuster movie, in which she played President Barbie, not only made a splash at the box office but sparked a playful style streak on and off the red carpet.

"It was such a fun fashion moment," Rae says. "That was such permission, in a way, to be extremely girly in a way that I'd never approached before... Barbie just allowed me to unapologetically be feminine in a way that has stuck with me. I still hate pink, but that was such a fun moment."

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The Braeve Collection looks ahead to the future, too. Rather than focus too heavily on trends, Rae aimed to create pieces that can become heirlooms.

"It had to feel like this is coming from me," she says, "and something that I'm passing down, that my nieces and nephews, future kids, whatever it is would also feel proud to wear these."

The Braeve Collection launches on September 17, 2024, at Cast Boutiques, CastJewelry.com and exclusively at select Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com.

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Read the original article on People.