Discovered by Saint International CEO, Deiwght Peters, Crystal Cunningham was launched onto the international fashion scene after being spotted at Fashion Face of the Caribbean, 2008. Crystal was then flown to New York to develop her portfolio with some of the industry’s leading fashion photographers. She was subsequently signed to one of Cape Town’s top modeling agencies, Base Models and has worked for prestigious clients such as Levis, Ponds and Oprah Magazine. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, this 5”10 beauty is an international model turn TV host and producer who is destined to leave her mark on the world.
Crystal began modeling at a very tender age at both nursery school and primary school however it was never really her thing as she was too shy and even though many opportunities came her way, education was always her main focus. Crystal graduated from the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (Honours). She interned at one of the top 500 banks in the world, First Caribbean International Bank, where she eventually climbed the corporate ladder to the post of Assistant Company Secretary.
In 2004, Crystal entered the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Pageant and later represented her country at the Miss Caraibes Hibiscus Pageant in St. Maarten where she copped the Miss Photogenic title. From there, she has been invited to participate in a number of regional fashion events including Dominicana Moda, Style Week Jamaica and Fashion Block, walking for top designers such as B. Michael, Ed Hardy, Bas Koster, Roger Gary, Lois Samuels, Claudia Pegus, Meiling, and Heather Jones amongst others.
While modeling remains her first love, Crystal's undying passion for television has led to a gig as the co-host and assistant producer of SPLASH! – a 13-part, 2 hour, Caribbean lifestyle magazine series segmented by tasteful Caribbean and African music videos on Viacom's newest network, Centric (formerly BETJ). Crystal has interviewed the likes of Shaka Sisulu, grandson of freedom fighter, Walter Sisulu in the struggle to end Apartheid, Billy Mystic of the legendary reggae band, The Mystic Revealers, Demarco, Cecile, Icah Wilmot and Arturo Tappin just to name a few.
With a thriving broadcasting career, both in front of and behind the camera, Crystal has also lent her talents to the silver screen making her debut in the movie “Themba”, a German-South African film production about a young, impoverished South African boy with dreams of becoming a football star. Just in time for World Cup 2010, naturally, the subject is football, and the way the sport gives hope, joy, and strength to the South African youth, and for many is the only way to forget about the hardships of life, if only for a few moments, while chasing the ball on the pitch. The film stars the former German national team keeper Jens Lehman, as Coach John Jacobs, and Junior Singo as Themba.
A proud Caribbean woman of many talents, Crystal Cunningham you are officially The Lime certified!
Q&A
1. Do you have a favorite phrase or saying?
Yes, “Happiness doesn’t means that everything’s perfect; it means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections”
2. Have you ever had a crazy/embarrassing/very memorable moment on set?
Oh yes – it was during the filming of a TV commercial for a French client. There were many props on set including a camel and my role was cat woman so I had big hair. Not only was this commercial memorable because I never saw a camel before, but it was also embarrassing because the camel was chewing on my hair!
3. If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
Flying – there aren’t nearly enough frequent flyer miles to cover my traveling expenses and all the places I would like to visit
4. When you are long gone what do you want to be remembered for?
As someone who helped flew the flag of my country high on the International fashion and/or television circuit
5. If you could describe yourself as a tree, what would you be and why?
The Bamboo – unlike other forest trees, the bamboo takes at least 5 years for a single sprout to from the earth however just 6 months after that first sprout, the bamboo tree can grow to over 100 feet tall. While other forest trees blossom the bamboo spends many years growing roots, roots which not only make the bamboo strong but also give it what it needs to survive; rise as high as it can and be the tallest in the forest!
6. Being from the Caribbean where women are lauded for their curves and get compliments for being ‘thick’ , how have you handled the contrast with the modeling industry where thin is in?
Interesting question…it has been a bit of a challenge at times and although in general I am naturally slim, I do have some typical Caribbean woman attributes. Daily exercise and a balanced diet help me to maintain my Caribbean figure while meeting international standards.
7. What are the three most listened songs in your iPod and why do you listen to them so often?
"Say Ahhh" – Trey Songz ft Fabulous, "Say Something" – Timbaland ft Drake and "Meet me Half Way"– Black Eyed Peas – the beats keep me going when the work out gets tough!
8. What is the craziest thing you have done for someone of the opposite sex (or vice versa)?
Fly half way around the world to see me for one day!
9. Who is your favorite teacher and what would they say if they could see you now?
Mr. Elder and he’d probably say, “That’s a Cunningham. I always knew she would reach far.”
10. What is your favorite:
place to score retail deals-Forever 21 (I love that store)
genre of music- R&B/Hip Hop and Soca
breakfast food-Croissants, Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese; Pancakes or Waffles, Bacon and Eggs and of course my traditional trini breakfast food, sada roti and roasted eggplant or cheese – what can I say, I love food
colour-Right now I’m feeling purple
thing to wear to bed –tank and shorts
Go With Your Gut
11. Beach or Jaccuzzi?
Beach
12. Tokyo or Paris?
Both because I’ve always wanted to visit Tokyo and because I’m in the fashion industry, Paris has a natural appeal
13. Knowledge or wisdom?
Again both, wisdom grants you the ability to use your knowledge powerfully
14. Roti or Pelau?
I love curry so definitely roti
15. Club or Sofa (best place for a date)?
Sofa – I much prefer quiet evenings watching one of my favourite movies while enjoying Chinese take out
Finish It
16. Yesterday I skipped as part of my daily exercise routine
17. My Trini accent is said to be exotic – when I travel, strangers always ask me to say something, especially their names
18. Condoms are not nearly talked about enough in our schools. We need to adopt an active sex education program which embodies its usage and importance.
19. It’s a pity that Africa was not a stones throw away!
20. Crystal Cunningham would like to thank The Lime for giving her the opportunity to share a little about herself with her Caribbean people.
Click HERE to read Crystal's answers to our themed questions (Stars on the Rise)
Crystal on Facebook
SPLASH!
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