The Story of Our Academic Dress

In 2024, after seven and a half decades, The UWI’s academic regalia has been redesigned to take on a fresh, Caribbean flair.

Academic regalia, also called academic dress, is a special collection gowns worn by University Officers during formal ceremonies. Since 1948 The UWI’s Principal Officers have worn regalia of dark colours, heavy fabrics and ornate trimmings that echoed our colonial past.

The redesign reflects a consultative process that engaged the University community, ensuring that the new gowns resonate with the spirit of contemporary Caribbean society.

They feature vibrant, eye-catching designs as a tribute to the region’s colours, textures, and culture. They also contain significant elements of the University’s brand identity and were manufactured from fabric that’s more suitable to the Caribbean climate. The collection proudly celebrates our Caribbean identity and independence from colonial ties.

The Regalia Evolution

When The University of the West Indies came into being in 1962 with its new Charter and Statutes, it needed its own distinctive academic dress. The story of The UWI’s academic dress runs parallel to its history, as such the first official academic dress of the university was the Chancellor’s gown. At that time, a Senate Committee determined the design of the academic dress which has served the institution to present. The Committee noted that academic dress should reflect its tropical environment and feature light materials, comfortable to wear in the Caribbean.

Decades later, insights from the University community agreed that our contemporary Caribbean-ness must be reflected in the regalia.

Starting in 2019, the process to redesign our academic gowns was expertly managed by a multidisciplinary Sub-Committee operating with precise terms of reference and the full sanction of the University Senate.

The Academic Dress Senate Sub-Committee was chaired by University Registrar, Dr. Maurice D. Smith.

Key milestones in the academic dress evolution process

1948: The Royal Charter establishing the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) is issued.

1962:The University of the West Indies (UWI) with its own Charters and Statutes also acquires its own Chancellor’s Gown, the institution’s first official academic dress. It is first worn by Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, The UWI’s first Chancellor.

2019:University Senate approves the redesign of the academic regalia.

2021:University Finance and General Purposes Committee determines parameters for the redesign including stipulating that the new gowns are to be made in the Caribbean.

2020/2023:The University community is engaged for insights and the comprehensive redesign process is rolled-out.

2024:Redesigned regalia for Principal Officers is unveiled at cross-campus Graduation ceremonies.

Caribbean Rooted (Re)Design

Here are some signature design features across the new collection:

Bespoke UWI Pattern

The unique pattern custom-designed for The UWI artfully unites institutional and Caribbean motifs into a cohesive, intricate and striking design.

It incorporates the symbolic UWI Brown Pelican, that fishes along the coasts of all Caribbean countries as well as other delicate motifs of the region’s lush and diverse flora and fauna, Dr Rajeev Venugopal and Ms. Dara Jordan-Brown, both UWI staff members, conceptualised and sketched the pattern respectively.

The golden hue is indicative of our tropical paradise and warm sun. It also represents the light rising from the west, which is the University's motto. Elegance and sophistication are infused into the design by the integration of this custom pattern. It marries the symbols of the region, tastefully employed as a decorative accent, that imbues a dash of Caribbean flair to the academic dress.

High-Quality Velvet Beefeater

Also known as a Tudor bonnet, this special cap is a symbol of the highest academic achievement. Our specially redesigned version is made from high-quality velvet and contains a gold bullion and a multicoloured tassel featuring the signature pantones of The UWI’s five campuses.

Quality Lightweight Fabrics

Carefully curated, quality, satin blend more suited to our region’s climate.

Vibrant Colours

A rich kaleidoscope of colours woven across the collection in the signature pantones of The UWI’s five campuses also reflect the vibrancy and multiculturalism of the Caribbean.

Custom UWI emblem

Each new gown contains an embroidered replica of the modern UWI crest.

Design and Manufacturing

A collaboration of in-house talent, a young Caribbean designer and a West Indian Manufacturer produced the new designs.

Dr. Rajeev Venugopal

Surgeon

Dara Jordan-Brown

Graphic Designer

Tonycia Jarrett

Fashion Designer

Rednarim

Jamacian Fashion House

Goodbye Colonial!

Hello Caribbean!

View the Academic Regalia Lookbook

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