I want to thank you, Miss Celie, for everything you’ve done for me. I remember that day in the store with Miss Millie – I was feeling really low, just plain awful. But when I saw you, I knew there was a God. I knew there was a God. These unforgettable lines were ad-libbed by the famous Oprah Winfrey in the original 1985 film “The Color Purple,” directed by Steven Spielberg.
Now, nearly forty years later, the iconic movie has been reimagined as a musical, thanks to Executive Producer Oprah Winfrey and Film Producer Scott Sanders. The new version is set to debut on Christmas Day.
The musical features a stellar cast: Fantasia Barrino takes on the role of Celie Johnson, Taraji P. Henson plays Shug Avery, and Danielle Brooks steps into Oprah’s former role, Sofia. The cast includes some of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
Since the musical’s premiere in London last month, the actresses have been dazzling on their press tour with stylish and luxurious outfits. Yet, Oprah has undeniably stolen the show with her bold and electrifying purple-themed looks.
At a screening event for “The Color Purple” at the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC, Oprah was all smiles in a grape-colored Stella McCartney three-piece suit, made from recycled lurex brocade. The tailored suit from Stella’s Summer ’24 collection fit her perfectly, highlighting her significant weight loss.
In another standout moment, Oprah wore a velvet purple Lela Rose suit, complemented by a plum silk blouse and violet eyeshadow. She has also embraced sequins for several occasions. At the 2023 Academy Museum Gala, where she received the Pillar Award, Oprah dazzled in a custom purple sequined Dolce & Gabbana gown with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a modest train.
On December 12th, the Empire State Building in New York was lit up in purple to celebrate the film’s premiere. Oprah attended the lighting ceremony in a purple ombre Oscar De La Renta sequined coat over a lavender silk Adam Lippes top and matching trousers, looking absolutely stunning.
“It’s celebratory, it’s about hope, it’s about rejoicing, it’s about empowerment, it’s about joy, and we are excited that the world gets to see it and experience it on Christmas Day,” Oprah shared enthusiastically.
At the Los Angeles premiere of the film, producer Tyler Perry showed his support by wearing a matching purple suit, signaling his pride in Oprah and this significant moment. TV host Sherri Shepherd also joined the purple trend by wearing a grey Oprah sweatshirt, a purple plaid skirt, and a statement violet belt.
Oprah stayed true to the theme in an orchid-colored Bottega Veneta turtleneck and leather skirt, paired with the brand’s signature woven wedge heels while promoting the film. Oprah’s commitment to wearing purple in honor of “The Color Purple” is impressive. She embodies the color’s regal essence with unrivaled elegance and sophistication.