Kingsley Cooper, founder of Pulse Investments, dies at 71

Kingsley Cooper, a trailblazer in the Jamaican fashion scene, esteemed attorney, and founder of Pulse Investments, has passed away at 71.

Pulse Investments confirmed the news in a statement late Tuesday night.

“It is with the greatest sadness that Pulse Investments Limited announces that Chairman and founder Kingsley Cooper CD died peacefully this evening,” the statement read.

Cooper’s influence as a fashion pioneer extended well beyond Jamaica, significantly impacting the entire Caribbean region. He was instrumental in establishing and fostering an international modeling industry for the Caribbean, discovering and nurturing numerous supermodels and international stars.

In 1980, Cooper co-founded Pulse Modeling Agency with fellow attorney Hilary Phillips. The agency became a vital partner for top modeling agencies such as Ford and Wilhelmina, launching the careers of Jamaican models like Lois Samuels, Nadine Willis, and Althea Laing. Laing made history as the first Jamaican model to appear on the cover of Essence magazine, achieving this feat twice. She gained prominence in 1985 after winning the Miss Jamaica Fashion Model title, an event organized by Pulse.

Samuels, who graced the cover of Vogue twice, and Willis, a former exotic dancer who became the face of Gucci’s fall/winter campaign in 2003, were among Pulse’s notable discoveries. Willis’s meteoric rise in the fashion industry saw her featured in major magazines across Paris, Milan, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Pulse Investments, the first company of its kind in the Caribbean for fashion production, modeling, and entertainment, was later listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Under Cooper’s leadership, Pulse introduced several innovations and firsts for Jamaica and the Caribbean.

In 2001, Cooper launched Caribbean Fashion Week to spotlight regional and local designers. The event has since showcased over 150 designers from various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Trinidad & Tobago, and Haiti. Other notable initiatives included the Caribbean Model Search, an international modeling agency, the Superjam concert series, and the acclaimed TV programs Caribbean Fashion Weekly and The Search for the Caribbean’s Next Supermodel.

Born in Kingston on June 3, 1953, Cooper was educated at Kingston College, The University of the West Indies, and the Norman Manley Law School. He practiced law from 1975 to 1980 before dedicating himself fully to Pulse. In recognition of his contributions to the modeling industry, he was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander in 2007.

Cooper’s daughter, Safia, is the current CEO of Pulse Investments. The company has expanded to include hospitality and media branches, producing various TV titles for Caribbean and international broadcasters. The Pulse Centre on Trafalgar Road, controlled by the company, features a mix of shops, offices, beauty service outlets, and Pulse Rooms, a 26-unit guest accommodation. Additionally, Pulse operates Pulse Suites at Villa Ronai in Stony Hill, Jamaica – a 75-unit property on 9 acres, with plans for a 30-unit Pulse Homes development at Villa Ronai.

Kingsley Cooper’s visionary work has left an indelible mark on the Caribbean fashion industry, and his legacy will continue through the ongoing efforts of Pulse Investments.