Jamaican Gregory Williams wins Mission Catwalk challenge with Nicki Minaj inspired look

Gregory’s Nicki Minaj-inspired design

Gregory Williams of Jamaica has edged his way to a win on Episode 5 of Caribbean design reality series Mission Catwalk after landing in the bottom four on episode two, where he created a culture-inspired garment; coming out safe on episode three which drew inspiration from the 1920’s flapper era and landing in the top four designers on last week’s episode with a dress that complemented a piece from Cinderella Hats.

This week, the designers were paired in four groups of three and were tasked with the challenge of designing a garment for one of four style/fashion icons: First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama; former Spice Girl and fashion designer, Victoria ‘Posh’ Beckham; style chameleon and recording artist Nicki Minaj and Dancehall diva Lady Saw.

Judges and models face off on Mission Catwalk episode 5

The top scorers from last week’s challenge chose their group members for this week’s task. Two-time challenge winner Rebecca Stirm of Belize, Janel Jolly of Jamaica and Janelle Forde who represents both Trinidad and Barbados were inspired by Victoria “Posh” Beckham, while Crystal Powell, led fellow Jamaicans Natalie Rochester and Barbadian group-mate Kerin Scott in creating their  designs for Michelle Obama. Gregory’s group comprised fellow Jamaican Keshon Hawthorne and Trinidad’s Shannon Kwong. Designing for Lady Saw were team leader Ryan Chan of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana’s Ryan Berkeley and Barbadian Kesia Estwick.


According to Gregory, he was inspired by a “dominatrix bad girl” and combined his love of all things black with Nicki’s signature pink in a 3-piece pink leopard print and black leather combination.


 The winning look which included an off-shoulder blouse, mini skirt with leather fringe layers and a suspender with sequined belt was tied together with a pink colour-scheme.  “The boldness of her wigs, lips and make-up, was done in pink of course and since she's not into a lot of accessories, I went minimal with small diamond earrings.”

 Mission Catwalk host and executive producer Keneea Linton-George concurred as she thought the “edgy and creative design suits Nicki’s style.” Other judges impressed by Gregory’s work were Jamaica Observer lifestyle editor Novia McDonald-Whyte, celebrated menswear designer Carlton Brown and guest judge veteran dancehall artist Marion “Lady Saw” Hall who remarked, “I love it! I would buy it.”

Apart from Gregory, Ryan B and Rebecca earned top marks from the judges, while Keshon, Janelle and Kerin failed to impress. It was ultimately Kerin, the episode 2 runner-up, who was eliminated. 

Shannon dropped a bombshell by announcing that she wanted out of the show, and called a former contestant to be her replacement. Tune in next week to see who which designer will come back to design for a cause, drawing inspiration from the red HIV awareness ribbon.  Who will win JA$3 million worth of prizes including the chance to show at London Fashion Week 2012? Who will rule the catwalk?

 Tune in to Television Jamaica every Tuesday at 8:30 PM for the newest episode from Mission Catwalk Season 2, presented by NCB, Supreme Ventures and Digicel. For those in Trinidad the series airs Tuesdays at 9:30 PM on TV6. Mission Catwalk streams online at www.televisionjamaica.com/livetv.aspx