Pellau Magazine

Gregory Williams rules the catwalk!

New Mission Catwalk Winner heading to London Fashion Week

AGSelectPR Kingston, Friday, June 22 2012: Twenty eight year-old Cross Roads Jamaica resident Gregory Williams is the mission Catwalk Season 2 winner and will be heading to London Fashion Week later this year as part of his wining package valued at $3 million dollars.

The designer, who won one prior challenge on the show, had a tearful reaction to the announcement made on Tuesday's finale episode.

"When I heard my name, I couldn't help it. This was a competition and I had worked hard so it was just a relief to get to the end"

He was judged on 12 looks he presented at Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) 2012 on June 8. Though he has a penchant for high fashion, Gregory made a strong effort to present ready-to-wear pieces.

For Novia McDonald-Whyte Jamaica Observer lifestyle editor, "Gregory got the nod at the end of the day because he is truly a designer! One who's not only capable of thinking outside the proverbial box, but one who makes a woman crave his designs." aptly summing up the views of fellow judges Keneea Linton-George host and executive-producer of the series and menswear designer Carlton Brown.

Guest judge Kay Davitian, a former head of quality control at Jones NY and Ralph Lauren gave Gregory some sage advice."You are a true designer and you will go far if you put your head to learning the trade."

His learning has already begun with advice on running a small business from NCB who will contribute JMD$500,000 to his HOD Designs clothing line. Gregory will also receive industrial sewing equipment valued at JMD$200,000 courtesy of Singer Jamaica, a contract to sell his designs at SOHO boutique, a six-page fashion editorial in Ocean Style Magazine, a scholarship to pursue fashion program at London College of Fashion, an apprenticeship with Master Savile Row Tailor Andrew Ramroop and the chance to show a new collection at London Fashion Week in September accompanied by his Mission Catwalk model Sydia Valentine.

Fellow Jamaican Crystal Powell came a close 2 nd , but a lack of cohesiveness in her collection of beautiful pieces cost her the win.

"Her passion is evident and her precision will put her in good stead in what is undoubtedly a fickle fashion market," predicts McDonald-Whyte.

In third place was Rebecca Stirm of Belize, a strong contender throughout the show, whose final designs were not "aspirational" according to Linton-George. Rounding up the top four was Trinidad's Ryan Chan who did have an impactful collection but lost points for "slapping on" ready-made beading.

This is the first time that casting for the show was open to designers from around the region.