Local designer Gregory Mills passes

UPDATED:

TT’s fashion industry is in mourning after Gregory Mills, award-winning TT designer, died yesterday of cancer. Members of the fashion industry shared their thoughts on Mills’ passing. The designer, who died in Trinidad, was based in London and was the winner of the 2009 Caribbean Fashion Award in the category Caribbean Fashion Designer, Male.

Millhouse’s Collections were recognised for their bold, simple designs coupled with clean lines, classic fit and European flair. In 2002, Millhouse won “Best Showing of the Day” at the Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica and was selected to debut its 2009 Holiday Collection, Southern Comfort, at the prestigious BHP Building for the wives of the 34 dignitaries, attending the Fifth Summit of the Americas held in TT.

Claudia Pegus, with whom Mills worked, extended condolences to his family, saying, “Gregory was one of the best tailors that we had locally. He was also a past employee of my establishment several years ago. He was a quite decent and gentle young man. I think he will be sadly missed because his work was excellent.”

Pegus said when she looked at his work and the point he had reached, he would be missed. Similarly, designer Peter Elias told Newsday, “Gregory’s passing is a sad loss. His immense training and talent made him one of our most acknowledged craftspersons. I admired his commitment to teaching and sharing his knowledge with so many young designers. My deepest sympathies to Coline, who’s always been the perfect wife.”

Christopher Nathan, CEO of Coco Velvet International, described Mills as a Caribbean menswear designer. In extending his condolences, Nathan said, “Gregory had reached the pinnacle of his career, having returned to TT from master-tailoring training at Savile Row in London. His Millhouse brand was expected to penetrate global menswear markets and contribute to our efforts to transform Port of Spain into a world fashion centre.”

For her part, Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, said, “we offer our sympathies to the family of Gregory Mills. He made a great contribution to fashion in TT and we are sure even though he is gone, the younger generation will greatly benefit from his influence.” Gopee-Scoon’s ministry is the line ministry for the fashion industry. ills leaves to mourn his wife Coline and two sons.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Gregory Mills, an award-winning TT designer, died today after being ill for some time.

The designer, who died in Trinidad, was based in London and was the winner of the Caribbean Fashion Award in the category, “Caribbean Fashion Designer Male 2009” award.

Millhouse’s Collections were recognised for, the bold simple designs coupled with clean lines, classic fit and European flair.

In 2002, Millhouse won ‘Best Showing of the Day’ at the Caribbean Fashion Week Jamaica and was selected to debut their 2009 Holiday Collection, “Southern Comfort,” at the prestigious BHP Building, for the wives of the 34 dignitaries, attending the Fifth Summit of the Americas held in Trinidad and Tobago.