Archer alumna Ivy “Coco” Maurice (‘12) built her career connecting fashion, storytelling and community. Now, as a professional stylist and creative entrepreneur, Maurice credits her time at Archer with helping her develop confidence, creativity and a sense of purpose that continue to influence her work today.
The Oracle sat down with Maurice to discuss her experiences at Archer, mentors who have inspired her and lessons she has carried into her professional life.
What are some of your favorite memories from Archer are?
Ivy Coco Maurice [ICM]: My favorite memory of Archer was having a supportive group of teachers that allowed me to express myself creatively. Harris Hartsfield was an amazing photography teacher that I had at Archer. He was just incredible, and he passed away during my first year of college. He really allowed me to dive deeper into storytelling through the arts and imagery and what that looked like and what that felt like. Then I had teachers like Ms. Taylor, who allowed me to express myself creatively, but verbally, and really challenged me in speaking in an eloquent way. Then my third teacher would absolutely be Ms. Locke. When I got to Archer, she really helped me express myself as a dancer. Dance was what rooted me as an athlete because she made sure that I was practicing ballet and modern [dance]. I think those were the three teachers who allowed me to express myself in the most creative way possible.
Were there any teachers, classes or experiences that helped shape your professional and creative path as you’ve gotten older?
[ICM]: [Upper School Director] Ms. DeMeulemeester. She was someone at Archer who had so much class, dignity and conviction. I looked at her as this was a woman of power who knew exactly what she wanted. She instilled so much conviction in the student I was and the woman [I became]. I wanted to be better, [and] she really led the path of the upper school when it came down to us being leaders of the future. That was a woman that I had so much respect for, and I still do to this day.
What first sparked your interest in fashion?
[ICM]: What sparked my interest in fashion specifically is that in my early years, I grew up in Jamaica with my grandmother. She had an atelier in Kingston, Jamaica called House of Ivy. I’m named after my grandmother, Ivy Ralph. She was the creator of a men’s suit called the Kareeba, and she designed the Kareeba suit when Jamaica was really finding their independence. Through men’s fashion, she created the Kareeba suit, which was a breathable and stylish suit. I saw her really take the island by storm, and some people call her the pioneer of fashion in Jamaica. I saw her develop a community through fashion. She treated everybody with respect because she believed that if you feel good, you look good.
What’s been a proud or memorable moment in your career so far?
[ICM]: My proudest and most memorable moment, honestly, is as a stylist and a community organizer. I believe in the intersection of fashion, wellness and community. This year, back in May, I actually was able to loan my grandmother’s suit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Met Gala and the opening of the Superfine. I was able to showcase my grandmother’s piece, and it’s currently in the Met until the end of October. So I think that has probably been the biggest highlight of my career.
How do you approach styling high-profile clients like your mother, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and others?
[ICM]: I work with my mom, Sheryl Lee Ralph and I work with Lisa Leslie. I’ve [also] worked with Garcelle Beauvais. I get to work with women who know exactly who they are. I’m proud to make that woman feel good because sometimes, after a certain age in fashion and in the world, they forget about women. Fashion never fades because those are the best moments, looking at your work and saying, “Wow, I would actually wear that outfit again because it’s so timeless.”
What challenges have you faced as a stylist and entrepreneur?
[ICM]: I think one of the challenges I’ve had to face is myself. I get in my head, and I think it’s having to face fear within myself and reminding myself that I have the capacity to do this; Otherwise, God and the universe wouldn’t have presented it to me.
What’s something people might not realize about the fashion industry?
[ICM]: People don’t know that fashion is a heavy job, not just physically, but emotionally. If you’re really good at your job, you create deep values and connections with people, [and] you end up having almost like a therapy session through fashion with some clients. It’s so important that you [also] check on your mental health, no matter what, because you come first, and then you have to serve your client.
How do you think your time at Archer shaped your career today?
[ICM]: The best thing about Archer is that I’m interconnected with so many girls in my field. Last night, I was styling a new client, Garcelle Beauvais, who was attending the Emmys, and the girl who was doing her PR was from a year under me, whom I danced with at Archer. Archer isn’t just a space for girls. It’s a community. So be as kind to as many people as long as you can because you never know how your connections at Archer might come back full circle.
Do you have any advice for current Archer students?
[ICM]: Do not take things too seriously. It’s okay if you didn’t get the perfect grade on the test. Just don’t be hard on yourself because after you graduate college, nobody’s going to think about the grade that you got on your history test back in high school. Give yourself a lot of grace so you can create more space for yourself.
