Kariba suit

A Kariba or Kareeba suit is a two-piece suit for men created by Ivy Ralph O.D., Jamaican mother of actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, in the early 1970s to be worn on business and formal occasions as a Caribbean replacement for the European-style suit.[1] The suit was popularised by Michael Manley, the leader of the People's National Party.[2] After the party came to power in 1972, Parliament passed a law affirming the correctness of the outfit for official functions and Manley, by now Prime Minister, wore a fancy black one when he met Queen Elizabeth II.[3] The style of the jacket is a formalised version of a safari jacket common in Africa, worn without a shirt and tie, making it more comfortable clothing for a tropical climate.[4]

Michael Manley in a short-sleeved Kariba suit, 1970s

The style of suit were also popular with other politicians such as Errol Barrow prime minister of Barbados,  Forbes Burnham president of Guyana and Julius Nyerere president of Tanzania. In 1999 Ivy Ralph was awarded the Order of Distinction for outstanding contribution to the promotion of fashion.[5]

See also

References
  1. Blumenthal, Ralph (24 March 1976). "Kareeba: Jamaica's 'Uniform". New York Times.
  2. Race, Class, and Political Symbols: Rastafari and Reggae in Jamaican Politics, Anita M. Waters, Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick, London, page 180
  3. Kareeba: Jamaica's 'Uniform', Ralph Blumenthal, New York Times, March 24 1976
  4. Encyclopedia of National Dress: Traditional Clothing Around the World, Jill Condra, ABC-CLIO, 2013, page 127
  5. "Ivy Ralph the Original Diva, says daughter Sheryl". Jamaica Observer. 7 October 2018. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
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