Tribute to Jamaican Female Fashion/Style Icons of ALL Time

I haven’t written a post in months; my life has been a bit busy and I took some time to do some much need self-evaluation. Sorry for being MIA it was time well spent. My next post is based on a topic that is close to home, as my homeland, Jamaica will be celebrating fifty years of independence this year. As a country and a people, we have come a far way though there is much more to be accomplished in sustaining growth and development.

Though we are a small island nestled within the Caribbean our culture has a far reaching impact. We are diverse as a people and the many aspects of our culture have inspired our fashion. One such element is a movement born out of the impoverished and tribal inner-city communities of Jamaica. The Dancehall Culture has now transcended across borders within our country and also beyond our shores.  The Japanese for example are fascinated by this phenomenon; and many migrate from their homeland to indulge, participate and export out Dancehall Culture.

I won’t digress too much from my original reason for this post which is to highlight and commend some of our Jamaican Female Fashion/Style Icons. I may do another post about how Dancehall Culture has influenced fashion SOON. This list contains 50 yes 50 women across all echelons of our society, with varying physique, profession, status and age. Even those who may have passed away will still be included. I hope not to exclude anyone of relevance from my list, as it was compiled based on observation, public opinion and global notoriety.

Due to time constraints I will keep it short (somewhat), my tribute will be in a series of posts each month. The list will contain 10 randomly selection females, until I get to 50 in total.

Without any further delays, see my first 10 ladies. Drum roll please!

 Althea Laing: Is called the ‘Queen of it All’ as she has been there and done that in the world of fashion and modeling. This statuesque figure graced the covers of Essence Magazine not once but twice, this was credited to her strong, exotic and overpowering features.  She started modeling in 1985 at the age of 29 after the death of her husband. This was an unusual occurrence as most models’ career would be on the decline at that age. However, she got her big break with Pulse and the rest was history. She would go on modeling until the age of 36; she also had a brief stint at acting. After which she start a grooming school in 1995. She would learn an invaluable lesson about business; as the company’s success was short lived as the Jamaica economy was not ready for such an institution.

These days she can be found in the classroom still looking fashionable as she once did while strutting down the catwalk. During an interview with a reporter from The Gleaner in 2006 Althea expressed her love for fashion shows and the industry on a whole. However, it was her passion for teaching that prevailed; Althea was quoted saying that she “finds more fulfillment from teaching than she does from modeling because she gets an opportunity to impact positively on her students”.

Althea Laing, the international model, mother, educator, creative writer, actress and entrepreneur is the epitome of a well-rounded, empowered woman. She still has grace, poise and style even at the age of 54, and can still rock a pair of pumps or stiletto heels. 

Beverly Manley: The wife of Michael Manley (deceased) a politician and former Prime Minister and leader of the Peoples National Party (PNP), they were wed in 1972 she was 30 years old. This would be the beginning of her rise to fame and popularity though she was an accomplished model and radio broadcaster in the 1960s. She is now considered as one of Jamaica’s most prolific females but this was not always the case. She grew up in Rollington Town in a lower class family, her father was a railway station master and her mother was a house wife.

Professionally she is well accomplished as she was the co-host of The Breakfast Club from 1992 through to 2005; this gave her an avenue to display her broadcasting skills, knowledge of political and economic issues. However, her personal life was just as controversial and scandalous as the topics discussed on her program. It was said that she was having an extra martial affair with D.K. Duncan (a member of the PNP) during her marriage to Michael Manley. She would go on to divorce Manley and discontinue her affair with DK but only for a while.

Her fashion sense is a combination of her humble beginnings and her socialite years being the wife of a politician. Her outfits are usually modest and simple in their design, but also sophisticated and elegant. She is always properly attired for any occasion; whether it is for a formal affair, corporate function or evening out with friends. These days she is still a household name, as she has released her Memoir and most recently married her longtime companion and friend DK. She has aged gracefully, her style and beauty is still elegantly timeless, airy, neutral tone apparel mixed with earthy Afrocentric accessories. 

Grace Jones: Born May 19, 1948 to Jamaica parents, her father was a clergyman. She was and still is a free spirit, a direct opposite lifestyle and personality from what she grew up in. Jones started out as a model and became the muse of photographer Andy Warhol. This was due to her fierce facial features, statuesque and somewhat boyish physique. In 1977 she secured a record deal with Island Records, again no surprise as her voice was strong, fierce and unique in its ability. She has a long list of hit songs, most popular are “Pull Up To My Bumper”, “My Jamaican Guy” and “Private Life”. Her music caught on mostly in Europe, where she had many hits on the Billboard charts and on the Top 40 UK Singles Chart.

Jones was a vocal genius in how she played with her voice and seduced you with her lyrics. However, her unique look and fashion was what made her a true icon. She adapted an androgynous look, making square cut hair style and angular padded clothing popular. Jones had a partnership with world renowned designer Jean-Paul Goude which saw her performances being filled with outlandish costumes. Her strong visual presence gave her an advantage and appeal like no other in her music videos and performances.

She went on to doing some low budget films in the early 1970s and 1980s. Her main stream acting debut was a role in Conan the Destroyer with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1984 and then in a James Bond movie A View to a Kill in 1985. She also appeared in Vamp (1986), Boomerang (1992) and Wolf Girl (2001). She was best known for her acting in America, but in Europe her profile as an artiste was much higher.

Grace Jones’ flamboyant, raunchy and provocative costumes are still being replicated in today’s music and fashion industry. Her physical and facial features are still strong and commanding, even at the age of 64. She epitomizes fashion and creativity at its highest, and serves as an inspiration to upcoming artistes and to her fans she is an icon.  If you think Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj or even Rihanna are over the top take a look at Grace in her element. 

Carolyn Cooper: Born in Jamaica, a prolific author, scholar and sister of the fashion extraordinaire and business mogul Kingsley Cooper. In 1968 she was granted a Jamaica Scholarship which resulted in her being awarded a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English. She went on to pursue a Masters in English at the University of Toronto in 1972; her Ph. D followed in short order at the same university. She is considered one of the Caribbean’s finest female Professor, Author and Scholar. 

Carolyn has been at the head of the department of Literary and Cultural Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI) for many years. She has also been a lecturer for over 26 years at the same university.

She writes scholastic articles on culture, politic and racism and she is fascinated with how these elements affect people of the Caribbean. She has been criticized for her many columns on racism and skin lightening or bleaching which is a growing phenomenon amongst lower class Jamaicans. She often discusses the difference between those of lighter and darker hues as it relates to beauty, attraction and opportunity.

Carolyn is a woman of timeless beauty, her chocolate coloured skin and low cut hair or sometimes bald head and flamboyant clothing are symbolic of her strong personality. She has embraced her African-Caribbean heritage and it is ever present in her attire and accessories. Over the years she has sported many hair styles, from pressed/perm, jheri curls, braids, locks and at one point a low mohawk which brought a youthful look to her mature features. However, she was reported in an article in The Jamaica Gleaner saying that her all-time favourite is her current style – bald head as its nice and easy. She can be spotted at corporate or social gatherings in her eccentric jewellry and African inspired garbs which always seem to create conversation and attract admiration. This may explain why she was listed amongst the most elites, placing sixth in “The 10 Best Dressed Men & Women of 2011” by The Jamaica Gleaner.

Madge Sinclair: A Jamaican American actress, born April 28, 1938 in Kingston as Madge Dorita Walters. She died on December 20, 1995 from Leukemia, she was cremated and her ashes buried in Jamaica. Resulting from her poor up-bringing she was motivated to be self-sufficient and a “go-getter” at an early age. She was a teacher in Jamaica until 1968 when she migrated to New York to pursue an acting career.

While in New York she did some modeling and acting with the New York Shakespearean Festival and at Joseph Papp’s Theatre. Her film debut was not until 1974, when she played a role in Conrack. After which she had roles in movies and television series, such as Coming to America, The Lion King, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Though she was an excellent actress many of her accolades were few and her acclaim was not until after her death. She even reported saying that “if I were a white actress who’s done what I’ve done, I would have been asked to do substantial roles. But the climate isn’t right for it.” She had been nominated for many Emmy Awards for her supporting roles, even for her performance as Belle in Roots. However, she finally got the recognition she deserved in 1991 when she was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Outside of the film industry Madge was a capable and versatile business woman; she was the chairwoman of a women's clothing company Madge Walter Sinclair Inc., and owned an Income Tax Service firm. Her style was conservative, typical of African American women in those era. Her hair was often short, relaxed curls, with minimal make up and simple jewelry.

Marcia Griffiths: She was born November 23, 1949 in Kingston Jamaica, and today she is one of the most successful female Reggae singers. She is also known as the “Queen of Reggae” for her soulfully smooth voice and captivating live performances.

Marcia started her singing career in 1964; she further went onto form a duo with Bob Andy from 1970 to 1974. After which she joined the I-Threes a background group which supported Bob Marley & the Wailers. She started embracing the Rastafarian culture and lifestyle to an extent and her appearance was now very modest and conservative.

Her most outstanding single is the “Electric Boogie”, released in 1976 and then re-released in 1989. This made the 'Electric Slide' a line dance, an international craze. The song reached number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making this her most successful single to date.

Along with her many memorable hit singles and performances; she has been able to remain humble throughout the years. Her appearance is still modest but elegant and her beauty is timeless. She dons a honey coloured kinky curly afro which has become her signature look, and she wears it well. Her attire is always captivating; showing off her lovely curves, reminding everyone that she still has it going, she has aged gracefully.

Audrey Patrice Marks: Is seen as a pioneer and entrepreneur in the corporate arena in Jamaica. This is a commendable achievement as women were and still are marginalized in the board room. She was born in St. Mary, and a graduate of the Mary Mount High School in Highgate. She went on to completing her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management at the University of the West Indies in 1991. She then did a Master’s degree in Business Administration at Nova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship in Florida.

Marks has been a go getter from the start as she launched and managed six businesses right after completing college. Pay Master which is the brain child of Marks start in October 1997, a consolidating bill payment agency. Though faced with the economic meltdown of 1990s Marks did not lose sight of her vision to make her company a success. Today the company boasts over 1.5 million customer and more than $40 billion in annual transactions. Apart from operating Pay Master she has also been bestowed with many accolades and leadership posts, such as FIU Female Business Leader of the year 2003 Award, Deputy Chairman of the Urban Development Company (UDC), Director of the Board of Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI) and most recently the Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States of America.

Marks is another female that embodies brains and beauty; as her flair for fashion is evident in her corporate and formal attire. She wears a suite well and has an appearance that exudes confidence and commands attention.  Audrey Marks a wife, mother, entrepreneur and corporate fashionista, she is an icon to all who seek inspiration and motivation to dream big.

Brigitte Foster-Hylton (O.D.):  An athlete born November 7, 1974 in St. Elizabeth Jamaica. She has been on the international track and field circuit for over a decade. She was the World Champion over 100m hurdle in 2009 and again in 2011 (also setting her personal best). This was not without facing her own set of hurdles in 2010; Brigitte was forced to take a hiatus from the track after suffering injuries at the April 2010 University of Technology Track & Field Classics. She would spend the next year completing surgery and rehabilitation on her injuries. Brigitte has been in top form since her return in 2011 and has once again struck gold at the 2012 Diamond League Meet in Daigu China.

She was awarded the Order of Distinction in 2008 for her outstanding and unprecedented performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in China. She is also married to Group Managing Director of National Commercial Bank Patrick Hylton. Throughout all her accomplishments she had remained humble and dedicated to the sport and her country. However, she has stated that the 2012 London Olympics will be her last as she plans to retire from the sport.

Brigitte like most other track and field athletes has an amazing body, she is well-toned and displays it every time she steps on the tracks. Her chiseled physique is poetry in motion. However, she is not too bulky; as such she still retains her feminine curves and amazingly pleasant face. Her profession often leaves her scantily clad, but when it is time to get all dolled up she wears a dress like no other female athlete (well from my observation). She has proven that female athletes are still capable of being sexy, sophisticated and fashionable outside of their usual spandex body suite and running shoes. 

Lisa Hanna: She was born on August 20, 1975 to parents Rene and Dorothy Hanna and grew up in Retreat, St. Mary. Her father was a farmer and her mother a dress maker. From an early age she was actively volunteering with the World Hunger Project and the JAMAL Program in Jamaica. A philanthropist at heart she was passionate about creating local and global awareness on hunger, starvation, adult illiteracy and rights of children. She would go on to become the Head Girl at her Alma Mater Queens High School and the youngest United Nations Goodwill Ambassador ever to be appointed.

Lisa went on to becoming a Miss Jamaica World contestant in 1993; she also brought home the Miss World crown that same year. She was the 3^rd and last to date Jamaican contestant to achieve this feat. She blazed a trail across the globe, making her island home tremendously proud. After her reign as queen, she pursued roles within politics and she can be fittingly titled as a legend of her time. She is a shining symbol of beauty and brains, as most Jamaican female admire her ambition, charismatic personality and effortless elegance.

Lisa has not only gotten recognition for her ambassadorial role as Miss World queen, but in more recent times this mother, business woman and politician was recognized for her glamour and style. She was placed third in The Gleaner's 10 Best Dressed Men & Women of 2011. The report stated that she was a “fashion classicist with elegance and panache to match.” 

Cecile Charlton: Born February 24, 1977 in the parish of Manchester is a well established female Musician on the Dancehall scene. She grew up between Porus and Mile Gully; most of her early years were spent in Mandeville where her grandfather had previously been the Mayor. Cecile discovered music through a friend of her father, Michael “Ibo” Cooper from the reggae band Third World and did her first single with him. For a while she was writing and producing songs for other artistes, and also doing background vocals for various bands for their live performances. 

Her big break was not until she did a collaboration with Sean Paul a song titled “Can You Handle the Work” in 2001. The song later appeared on Sean Paul’s album Dutty Rock, this went on to selling over 2 million copies and also won a Grammy. She did other memorable songs and collaborations in her earlier days, such as “Changes “, “Bad Gal, Bad Man” and “Gangster Ride”. In 2003 she was signed to Delicious Vinyl Records where she released singles and other collaboration but no album. In 2005 she left the label and went on Tour with T.O.K. in Europe. In 2008 she released her first Dancehall album Bad Gyal with Keystone Records. She was also featured in an article along with a promotional photo spread in the German Playboy but she did not appear as a Playmate. Her next album was in 2009 Waiting with Danger Zone/SoBe Entertainment.

Her appearance has evolved over the years; her great physique is evidence that diet and exercise is a part of her daily routine. Cecile is a true diva and fashionista as she always stands out in a crowd and rocked designs and outfits others would dare to try. The once shy but fashion forward girl has dropped her prude ways to take on a “bad gyal” persona that comes out in her choice of fashion, lyrics and performances. She is rumored to be pregnant for beau Chris Martin, whether fact or fiction you can bet that she will be one HOT mama. There is no doubt that Cecile has been one to watch on the fashion scene, her ability to transform her look and sound throughout the years has kept her relevant both locally and abroad.

Thanks to all the persons who gave their selection of Jamaican female fashion icons for my tribute. Your effort was much appreciated.

Information and photo sources: The Jamaica Gleaner, The Jamaica Observer, Wikipedia, Google, Online archives, Official websites and Personal blogs. 

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