Dear Editor,

Credit must be given to Cedella Marley and the designs she created for our athletes to wear at the London Olympics 2012. Ms Marley got it absolutely right with her creations, as she tapped into all the international trends for our young people to sport at the games.

The military jacket which has been a staple of most people’s wardrobe for the past five years has been given our spin – the “Bob fit”. The jacket looks smart, fits well and represents aspects of our culture: a picture of Bob, the Lion of Judah, our national flag and positive quotes remind the world of what we are about and what we are bringing to the games.

The shade of green is also desirable. I saw it and my instant reaction was: I want one! The shirts are just as trendy, worn with the bright yellow, black or green-seamed trousers. Ms Marley has tapped into the “preppy look” which is favoured internationally by many. Worn with the jacket, “militant” is the adjective that springs to mind. The ensemble represents discipline and going on a mission.

The tracksuits for the men are generic. However, I have to give praise for what was done with the women’s. While the jacket is generic, the trousers are certainly not. High waist, harem-style, skinny-leg trousers definitely accentuate our women athlete’s best assets as they represent us on the tracks. After all, women love looking their best.

My only question is, when are Ms Marley and Puma going to create high-street versions of these? I am not a trackie person, but I would definitely buy one for its style and of course the patriotism.

The skirt, around which most of the controversy has focused, is certainly different- creative too – but the skirts do make our women look feminine. Worn with the women’s military jacket, it completes the military message we seem to be portraying.

Several international media have dubbed our team’s outfit the hippest and the best. After all, the world loves Marley and the world loves Usain Bolt; how could they not? When we stepped out at the opening ceremony, we took two of the biggest names in the world with us. They were recognised and applauded – one of the most laid-back nations on earth had arrived, disciplined, militant, but still carrying the “one love” message.

Marsha Gayle

mzgayle@hotmail.com