The Orig Curlene Charles-Robinson

“One of my goals is to have my pieces on local and international Fashion Week runways,” Curlene tells WMN. And she has already started making strides in the right direction. Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has stepped out in a Curlene Charles-Robinson original several times, clutch purses included.

“That opportunity came with the last change in government. I was attracted to Minister Gadsby-Dolly’s dress style. She had an ethnic way about her and I liked it.

I messaged her and she responded. We met and she asked me to sew something for her for Patrick Manning’s funeral.” Curlene did, but with all that was happening on that day the minister was unable to wear it as planned. “But she was pleased with it.

It was a joy to make, especially putting on the African print motif.” And other pieces followed.

“She would ask me, ‘Curlene what do you think I could wear?’ and when I made suggestions she would say ‘okay, you go ahead’.” Gadsby-Dolly was so satisfied with Curlene’s work that the dress worn by daughter at her graduation ball was also a Curlene Charles-Robinson original.

“The Minister sent me a picture of a top and a skirt,” as a guideline, but to be modified. “D’vonne (Minister Gadsby-Dolly’s daughter) wanted to use burgundy and we looked all over for fabric for the motif but we could find nothing to match.” Eventually, they settled on midnight blue stretch taffeta. And because she still wasn’t sure of the specifics of the style she wanted, she allowed Curlene to make the final decision. “I put a motif on every panel at the bottom of the dress and used can can material to hold out the tail of the dress,” Curlene explains.

And what was D’vonne reaction to the dress? “I loved my graduation dress, I found it very unique – just as I wanted it to be. I wanted to wear something with an African influence as it would stand out,” she tells WMN. “When I saw the dress, I was so anxious to wear it. I was amazed that it all came together so beautifully.” D’vonne says her mother posted photos on Facebook of her in the dress at her graduation, and they garnered “hundreds of likes and comments. A lot of them were about people loving the dress.” With her work coming into prominence, the saying that you are your best advertisement is not lost on Curlene. Her well put together look is tantamount to a billboard ad, and then some.

“This is something I made one night because I wanted something new to wear the next day,” she responds with a laugh and a casual wave of her manicured hand to WMN’s compliment to her jumper. Perfectly hugging her petite frame and well accessorised, the simple jumper pops with strategically placed bits of African print, which may very well be her signature.

“I love African prints and I incorporate it into all my clothes. But I have a large female clientele and I give them what they want,” which she says can guarantee them at least one second look. “None of my designs are ever ‘nice little things’. It may be simple but people still take notice.” Although fashion design was not her _ rst choice as a career, Curlene didn’t just stumble upon it.

“I have been sewing all my life. My mom was a dressmaker so it was mandatory that my two sisters and I learn to sew. I am the only one who got into it as a profession, though. Sewing came as second nature. But to be honest, I always wanted to be a soldier. I was always in love with the military. Still, when I see a female soldier I feel like ‘Oh my God’.” Now a graduate of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) with a degree in Fashion Design, and the University of the West Indies with a Masters in Curriculum Planning, Curlene enjoys teaching Textiles, Clothing and Fashion at the Belmont Secondary School.

“Even when my fashion plans become a reality I won’t give up my day job. I love teaching. I love sharing my creativity with my students. I am forever breaking the people’s rules, though, as it regards the curriculum,” she chuckles.

“The curriculum requires them to do household articles like throw pillows etc. I allow them to make personal items like clutch purses etc. I want them to be able to say, ‘look I created something for myself’.” Curlene recalls how impressed teachers at a workshop she and another teacher had facilitated were, when they saw the personal items created by her students on display. “They were asking, ‘the students at Belmont did this? How?’.” She said the workshop was aimed at helping teachers to get students interested in Textiles, Clothing and Fashion.

“Sure, we as teachers are faced with a number of challenges, but my philosophy is that change is inevitable and when we face challenges we find a way to get around them. If we can’t, then we go under or through. I sometimes look to my teenaged daughter for guidance in current fashion trends and I use it. That is how I like to deliver my curriculum - current. If I have to I help my students draft the pattern and they adapt it to their style. As a teacher, you have to be you and do what is best to motivate your students.” She is also a firm believer in networking in problem solving. “My strong point is pattern draughting and garment construction.

I am not very tech savvy, but that may be another teacher’s strong point. If we pool our resources it could bene_ t everyone, especially our students.

So, what is on the cards for the 41-year-old Laventille resident? She says she is working hard at getting her business set up in a professional manner. Her dream is to dress the wives of prime ministers and presidents. “In this life, you have to keep pushing. I thank God that I have my children who keep me focused. I especially thank God for my mentors.

The past principal of Belmont Secondary School, Betty Adams-Skeete who was always there for me. My sisters Lynette and Roxanne who encouraged me to keep fighting. And Christopher Nathan who were my eyes and ears in fashion.”