Paris, 8 October 2018 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has praised the Jamaican fashion pioneer Ivy Ralph who passed away today (Monday).

Minister Grange described Mrs Ralph, the inventor of the Kareeba, as "one of the most creative Jamaicans."

Minister Grange said:

"Ivy Ralph took Jamaican fashion to the world in the 1970s when she created the Kareeba, elegant men's attire, to give men an alternative to the traditional jacket and tie — and it was a tremendous success across the world.

"Mrs Ralph stands tall as a pioneer of the native Jamaican fashion industry.  Whenever and wherever there is talk of the Jamaican fashion industry, the name Ivy Ralph must be called. She laid the platform for the success of several of our fashion designers.

"Today, we salute her creative imagination that knew no boundaries.

"I also honour her as an outstanding mother who nurtured the talents of her children, supported them in their every endeavour and, in so doing, allowed them to take their rightful place in international arts and culture."

Minister Grange has expressed condolences to Mrs Ralph's family and friends.

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