A North Hamilton businessman with a flair for clothing styles became a “fashion inspiration” for events such as the Miss Bermuda pageant and fashion festivals.

Antwon Kent’s Zig Zag Boutique, which he owned from 1994, sold a range of clothing and served as a community hub for fashion advice.

Other fashion-related ventures he was involved with included 27th Century Boutique and Grant’s Boutique.

But Zig Zag on Dundonald Street fulfilled a dream where he could express his love of fashion, according to his family, who held a funeral for Mr Kent last Thursday.

Mr Kent was a supporter of North Hamilton businesses, and his friend Roxanne Christopher told The Royal Gazette: “Before there was an Economic Empowerment Zone, before there was an Uptown Association, there was the fashion retail business of Zig Zag.”

Mr Kent was a keen traveller and was inspired by overseas fashions and influenced by the looks he found in other countries. He lent his support, including sponsorship, to fashion shows.

Men in particular sought him for fashion tips, while Zig Zag proved influential with local retailers, who came for advice.

He modelled clothing and also styled contestants in shows such as Miss Teen Bermuda and Miss Plus Bermuda.

After Zig Zag closed, Mr Kent was well known as a taxi driver.

The eldest of six, Mr Kent was the son of the son of the late Alfred Winslow Saltus and Phobe Mildred Saltus.

He grew up in St George’s and was widely known by the nickname Saussie.

He was known for his talkative and gregarious nature, his humour, a love of music – the singer Diana Ross in particular – and travel.

Along with his mother, Mr Kent is survived by siblings Jean-Maire Cannonier; Jahni, Kahla and Krislyn Saltus, and Anthony Fubler.

· Antwon Carlos Kent, a fashion retailer, was born on September 7, 1965. He died on July 8, 2022, aged 56.