Model Kimanee Wilson on the runway wearing Cedella Marley's Olympic outfit

By Walter Greene

When the Jamaican team steps out at the upcoming 2012 Olympics in
London they will be outfitted by popular Jamaican fashion
designer/businesswoman Cedella Marley, daughter of the legendary reggae
icon Bob Marley and Rita Marley. Cedella who runs the family record
company Tuff Gong, is the creator of `Catch A fire' a popular fashion
line she created some years ago which has been worn by several
celebrities like: Angela Basset, Eve, Lil Kim and Gwen Stefani and
covered by Vogue and Glamour Magazines among others. Cedella came into
the family talent pool as a member of the youth group The Melody
Makers, with her siblings. Their popular anthem `Pass De Dutchie' was a
mega hit back in the day and garnered four Grammy awards. Now, as a
designer and CEO of Tuff Gong Records, Cedella continues the family
legacy on a business and creative capacity.

PUMA
Puma, the mega sportswear clothing company commissioned Cedella to
create the uniforms which will be worn at the opening ceremony and
during all sports events in which the Jamaican team will be
participating in. "It Grace Jones meets my father, very music inspired
and a bit retro," said Cedella about the Olympic line. The colors of
the Jamaican flag, gold, black and green are featured into the uniform,
as well as several iconic images like a picture of the first Jamaican
Olympic champion Arthur Wint has been incorporated into the uniform.

BOB MARLEY'S INSPIRATION
Cedella explained: "We took the fit of what my Dad would wear and
updated it to 2012. You have the Iron Lion military jackets, the
Buffalo Soldier shirt. I tried to incorporate the Bob Marley fit in as
many pieces as possible where we were able to accommodate that." The
jackets have a patch with Bob Marley's face on the sleeve with the
words "Positive Vibration" one of Bob's song titles, is on the inside
collar. "You did see Dad on the jacket, right? So that's a little piece
of him that's going to be in London," said Cedella.

USAIN BOLT
The uniforms were also created with comfort and movement in mind. The
performance level of each outfit, be it for the races, opening ceremony
or award presentations, they all were made from durable fabrics and are
also photo friendly and cut for comfort and action. Usain Bolt, the
current track champion who will lead the Jamaican team in London was
the model for the launch presentation and unveiling of the line said:
"I can't think of a better person to design our Olympic outfits than
Cedella. Puma got that right...hooking up with a legendary Jamaican.
She's a great designer but also carries on the spirit of our nation
through the legacy of the Marley family. Its going to be inspirational
to run in London with that energy surrounding me."