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T&T's Crystal Cunningham Storms International Fashion Scene
http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/tjjnews/articles/598/1/TampTs-Crystal-Cunningham-Storms-International-Fashion-Scene/Page1.html
By TJJ Admin
Published on 19-Aug-09
 
When Crystal Cunningham, a Trinidadian resident, accepted an invitation to participate in SAINT INTERNATIONAL’s FASHIONFACE OF THE CARIBBEAN contest, little did she know that this would be the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in her life. While Crystal was not placed as a top finalist, SAINT CEO, Deiwght Peters (acknowledged as the best model scout in the Caribbean) offered Crystal the chance to...

When Crystal Cunningham, a Trinidadian resident, accepted an invitation to participate in SAINT INTERNATIONAL’s FASHIONFACE OF THE CARIBBEAN contest, little did she know that this would be the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in her life.

While Crystal was not placed as a top finalist, SAINT CEO, Deiwght Peters (acknowledged as the best model scout in the Caribbean) offered Crystal the chance to explore her options on the international fashion scene. Working as a banking executive in Barbados, the 5ft.10 beauty never expected to get her break in the coveted glamour industry in such short order.

“Crystal is remarkably focused and dedicated and I had to work hard to let her get the break she deserved,” Peters revealed and a hard journey it was. Crystal admits that under Peter’s directions she enrolled in Yoga and Pilates classes and also adopted a strict diet. This was to ensure her body lines were consistent with international standards. Her hips shrank from 38 inches to 35! Soon Crystal was sent by Peters to New York to do developmental photo shoots with some of New York’s best photographers. After the shoots were received Peters used his influence and secured a contract with one of South Africa’s top agency - Base Models. Why South Africa? “We are very savvy when it comes to placing models. Not every model can start strongly in New York or London. If a model’s look is more commercial, then it’s important we align her look with a suitable market,” Peters outlined. “Hence South Africa,” he concluded.

TOP CLIENTS
When Crystal arrived in South Africa, she quickly gained national attention working for some of the most coveted clients including Oprah Magazine, DRUM Magazine, Levi’s footwear, and Badila Catalogue from Greece. Clients also enlisted the Trini beauty for many television commercials including Jills Apple Cider (Amsterdam), Pond’s skin care and Bouygues Telecommunications (France). The silver screen also beckoned as Crystal garnered a small but featured role as the girlfriend of one of the lead characters in the movie THEMBA.

“I am really honored and grateful that Mr. Peters took a chance on me. He is well connected and is well respected in the business. I witnessed first-hand how his connections span the globe from New York to South Africa,” said an elated Crystal. Crystal says that with SAINT by her side, the sky is the limit. She also advises that any Trinidadian who wants a solid break in the business should try for SAINT INTERNATIONAL. She cautions too that to get in is no easy task. “Mr. Peters is very selective and ONLY wants the best,” Crystal adds.

The nine year old Jamaican based SAINT ITNERNATIONAL is home to some of the Caribbean’s most successful models including Sosheba Griffiths (Victoria Secrets catalogue, Moschino and Erin Fetherston campaigns), Tafari Hinds, (first black male model to make GQ STYLE Cover with campaigns for FCUK, Vivienne Westwood, John Richmond), Kibwe McGann (PUMA Fragrance International campaign), Nakiesha Robinson (Dolce and Gabanna and Calvin Klein Fragrance Commercial), Sigail Currie   (appeared with Kate Moss in Agent Provocateur campaign) and many others.

Crystal is now poised for greater things as she and her agent aims to conquer other markets such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta. Crystal has an open invitation to South Africa as many of the clients are still requesting her.

ABOUT SAINT INTERNATIONAL
In 2006, SAINT INTERNATIONAL was the ONLY Caribbean agency featured in the prestigious V Magazine among the best agencies in the world. As a single entity, SAINT represents the highest number of internationally working black models. The nine-year old SAINT is considered by the world’s leading clients as the pre-eminent source of high fashion black models. SAINT International Models have appeared for some of the world’s top designers, magazines and brands including Valentino, Yves St. Laurent, Benetton Victoria Secrets, Giorgio Armani, Italian Vogue, Elle Magazine, Agent Provocateur, Moschino, PUMA Fragrance, Vivienne Westwood, GQ STYLE, John Galliano, ID Magazine among others. Annually the agency stages innovative properties including FASHIONFACE OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE MODEL ICON REALITY TV SERIES, STYLEWEEK JAMAICA, FASHIONBLOCK, among others.

CONTACT
Deiwght Peters
876-397-5859