Red looks great and she accessorises it well. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

This is the second in our series on Jamaican women who have successfully maintained a stylish look over the years. Professor Carolyn Cooper blends ethnic inspirations with classic textures and ageless designs.

How have you managed to dress age appropriately over the years and still be stylish?

It's a choice you make about how you dress. You don't have to follow fashion that doesn't fit you. And it's not about age. It's about finding a style that is comfortable so you can wear your clothes with grace.

Which piece of clothing, accessory, etc, couldn't you live without?

There is nothing I can't live without. I know how to turn my hand mek fashion. So whatever I have will be fashionable. It's not things that make you fashionable. It's your attitude. A wicked colleague of mine once said, "Carolyn, if yu put on crocus bag, yu will still look good."

What has been your favourite hairstyle?

Professor Carolyn Cooper's striking colours and unforgettable pieces of jewellery are always eye-catching. - Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

I've had a whole range of hairstyles: 'press' hair, 'cream head', Jheri curl - that lasted the shortest time; it was really dreadful. Then braids - first done in Senegal. Then short dreadlocks. As soon as the locks started to drop, I cut them. Is not everybody face mek for long hair. Then bald head. Later on, dreadlocks and bald head same time. But my classic, all-time favourite is my current hairstyle - bald head. Nice and easy. And I'm not advertising hair dye.

Over the years which look have you liked the best?

I like both ornate and simple styles. For work, I like clean-cut linen dresses. I prefer dramatic African clothes for dressing up.

Describe your look (style).

The one word to describe my style is 'African'. Masai baldhead; colourful fabric; beaded jewellery; animal-print shoes; a luxurious blend of textures.

Give tips to women at your age on how to be stylish yet remain age appropriate.

I don't know about this "at your age' business. I'm in my 50s and I certainly don't feel like I'm on my way to pop-down. So, here are my tips: Don't be intimidated by ageing. You either grow old or die young. Take your pick. And it's important to remember that your clothes must complement your body. So, before you choose your clothes, you must look at your body. That's the foundation on which you're building your style. You have to exercise, eat right and keep your body fit. The most expensive dress can't make up for a flabby body.

Favourite colour …

The younger Carolyn Cooper, complete with 'press' hair!

My favourite colours are white and red.

Have you ever worn western designs?

All the time, but there's always an accent that says Africa.

Where do you get your clothes; are they custom-made?

Over the last two decades, I've gotten most of my clothes at Layne's Boutique They have been custom-made by Mrs Elaine 'Layne' Witter. Layne specialises in haute couture; high style. I always tell her that the only thing the Parisian designers have over her is their exotic fabrics. Layne has designed elegant clothes for me using Tukula Ntama's hand-painted fabrics. I've also had quite a few of Sandra Kennedy's beautifully sewn casual clothes. I'm glad she's now back at the Caribbean Fashionweek boutique at Pulse so I can restock.

Ngozi is another talented Jamaican designer who has made some of my African-inspired clothes. I'm quite sorry she's given up sewing for baking. I have a single splendid ensemble in kuba cloth by the African-American designer, Damali. I wore it at Fashionweek this year and was photographed with Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

Do you think that how you dress reflects your personality?

Absolutely. I have a flamboyant personality and I dress to suit myself.

Send comments to: keisha.shakespeare@gleanerjm.com.

Left: Professor Cooper's 2008 Caribbean Fashionweek outfit caught our camera's eye. - Contributed Right: Carolyn Cooper loves white and wears it well