Ivy Coco Maurice: Styling Mom Sheryl Lee Ralph

For stylist Ivy Coco Maurice, fashion isn’t just a career; it’s a lifelong journey deeply rooted in family and heritage. Growing up spending summers in Jamaica, Maurice learned the art of fashion from her grandmother, Ivy Ralph, a pioneering designer who created the iconic Kareeba suit shortly after Jamaica’s independence. This suit even made waves at the 2025 Met Gala’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition, highlighting its cultural significance.

From Childhood Scraps to Styling Icons

Maurice’s childhood was filled with the sounds of sewing machines and the creative energy of her grandmother’s design studio. She recalls spending afternoons after school, using fabric scraps to create her own mini-garments, much to her grandmother’s playful chagrin. This early immersion in design and textiles laid the foundation for her future career.

After studying Retail Management and Economics at Syracuse, Maurice initially found herself assisting on large-scale projects, like styling a massive party scene for a Calvin Harris and Rihanna music video. The experience, while grand, made her question her path. It wasn’t until her mother, the acclaimed actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, encouraged her to apply her vision to her own family that Maurice found her true calling.

Redefining Style for Mature Women

Styling her own mother, especially after Sheryl Lee Ralph landed her role in ‘Abbott Elementary,’ has been a beautiful and rewarding experience for Maurice. Over the past six years, she’s not only dressed her mother for major events but has also become an inspiration for other mature women. Maurice emphasizes a key fashion lesson: “The best accessory in fashion is when you’re wearing the garments, not the garments wearing you.”

She fondly recalls styling Ralph for her 2023 Critics Choice Awards win, choosing a dress that echoed the texture and fabric of the gold gown Ralph wore on opening night of ‘Dreamgirls.’ Another standout was a custom Versace gown for the Emmys, paired with striking Cartier jewelry. Maurice loves that her mother can effortlessly transition from a casual yellow Altuzarra dress to high-fashion couture.

A Deep Dive into Fashion Archives and Heritage

Maurice’s styling process is deeply informed by history and archives. She often draws inspiration from black-and-white films, period pieces, and vintage magazines, immersing herself in fashion from different decades. Her personal collection includes pieces from her grandmother’s 1970s designs, making her a true archivist of fashion history.

This commitment to history was evident at this year’s SAG Awards, where the theme was the 1920s. Ralph fully embraced the theme, complete with a dramatic white boa, embodying the era’s style authentically. Similarly, her look at the Critics Choice Awards, a Tony Ward couture piece with 3D embellishments, showcased a playful whimsy that captivated attendees.

Connecting with Roots and Reimagining the Future

Maurice’s career is increasingly leading her back to her Jamaican roots. She’s currently working with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Lila Iké and reggae artist Naomi Cowan, aiming to redefine female fashion within the reggae scene. Simultaneously, she’s breathing new life into her grandmother’s historic atelier, House of Ivy.

For Maurice, these projects represent more than just work; they are opportunities to connect with her heritage and honor the legacy of the women who inspired her. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment, bringing her journey back home.