Wendy Fitzwilliam

Wendy Fitzwilliam currently serves as host and co-executive producer of Caribbean’s Next Top Model ( CNTM), the latest incarnation of the global reality television phenomenon, America’s Next Top Model ( ANTM). Adapted in more than 170 countries, the franchise, created by model Tyra Banks, offers contestants the opportunity to compete for lucrative modelling contracts. In her dual roles Fitzwilliam seeks to create compelling entertainment, by using her professional experience and insights to challenge, mentor and advise contestants.

A multitalented entrepreneur, lawyer, philanthropist, mother, author and Miss Universe 1998, Wendy Fitzwilliam has forged an exceptional and eclectic career that spans television production, entertainment social activism, fashion, radio broadcasting, government and the law.

Socrates McKinney

Socrates McKinney was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He graduated as an architect cum laude at Pedro Henriquez Ureña University (UNPHU) in 1984. Mckinney embraces a career steeped in the world of beauty, fashion, travel and events.

In 1996, McKinney began his career as an image consultant, with the triumph of Selinèe Mendez being crowned Miss Dominican Republic. In the area of beauty pageants he had the satisfaction of crowning three Miss Dominican Republics successively: Selinee Mendez, Merfry Then and Ruth Ocumárez, then most recently Yaritza Reyes in 2013 and her successor Kimberly Castillo in 2014.

He is recognised for his work as a stylist working alongside the best photographers in the country for various advertising media and personalities of the social, political and television world. He also produced and styled the cover and fashion editorial for Mujer Unica Magazine for more than six years.

In the field of modelling, his agency Sokrates Models Mgt enjoys well-earned prestige in the Dominican Republic and internationally, where he has signed models to major agencies in Paris, New York, Milan, Barcelona and London. As a franchiser for four years of Ford Model’s Supermodel of the World, he helped to change the profile of the Dominican model towards a new aesthetic that has resulted in the huge success that these models have overseas.

In 2006, McKinney conceptualised and created a week of Dominican fashion: DominicanaModa, whose vision is to present to the world the talent of Dominican designers so that the Dominican Republic is revered for its fashion, just as it is known today for baseball and music. As a producer of fashion shows, including his flagship DominicanaModa, McKinney has worked alongside great Dominican and international designers for events in the Dominican Republic. These include Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Elie Saab, Marchesa, Naeem Khan, Frankie Morello, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Angel Sanchez, Lazzaro and Jean-Paul Gaultier, to mention a few.

DominicanaModa is currently the most important fashion event in the Caribbean region and one of the five most important in Latin American. McKinney has become a regional fashion leader, and is invited to different international forums and events to represent the Dominican Republic.

Pedro Virgil

Pedro Virgil has in the last decade become one of Australia’s ‘go to’ photographers. With a background of five years in SPFX, prosthetic and beauty make-up, Virgil worked in film and TV and visual/creative direction before making the transition into photography. Virgil’s work has often been described by his peers and fans as ‘frozen moments in time’ or a sneak peek into worlds he creates through his masterful use of lighting and visual direction. initially inspired by the great artists like Rembrandt and Dali, his signature is recognised by his uniquely defined cinematic style.

Himself a professional singer and actor, Virgil is no stranger to the stage or spotlight. Indeed, it is this valuable experience that allows him to consistently connect with his

subjects to create authentically narrative images. A cross-section of his photography ranges from high fashion, motion picture stills, celebrity editorials, portraits, sci-fi and supernatural imagery, sport and beauty.

Virgil has worked with a long list of corporate agencies and prestigious clients both nationally and internationally. His photography is featured on many billboards, magazine covers and editorials including: L’uomo Vogue, Australian Vogue, Inside Sport, Elle, GQ, Sports Illustrated, FHM, Men’s Health, , Men’s Exercise, Men’s Workout, GQ (UK), among others.