Everywhere in the world that her feet tread, eccentric fashion designer Charlene Sheppard-Duncan continuously searches for her global tribe - those unique pockets of the world where authentic and indigenous art and artisans live. Every month, her one-woman journey has taken her to almost every continent: Asia, Africa and the Far East seeking out kindred spirits who collaborate creatively with her in creating one-of-a-kind pieces to be featured under her fashion brands – AFROFUNKK and The Sykadellic Shack.
After a year-long hunt, she has come home.
Always in search of unique fabrics, techniques and inspiration, Sheppard-Duncan continuously travels, often going alone into unknown places and spaces. On her solitary journey, she carries with her Fair-Trade practices and a hands-on approach to quality control all the way through the process.
"Warriors Walk Alone is me creating my own funk. Like a warrior. They stand tall. They go out and hunt and they have to come back with the goods. Me going to these tribes all over the world is like hunting season. When I travel, I feel alive and in sync with the tribal energy of the planet, and I bring that vibe back to the world in the global language of fashion." - Charlene Sheppard-Duncan
On November 26th at the Big Black Box, AFROFUNKK will host its Spring/Summer 2017 collection, entitled, "Warriors Walk Alone." She will also officially launch a second home decor and lifestyle collection from The Sykadellic Shack.
Sheppard-Duncan earned her formal training at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York and has over twenty years of experience as a fashion and jewelry designer.
The Warriors Walk Alone collection will carry over 70 pieces ranging from Christmas Cocktail wear to Carnival pieces, which the designer has labeled "fresh and funky", all the way down to the flirty, fun options for Easter and vacation time.
Items sold under 'The Sykadellic Shack' brand are designed using elements of tribal cultures mixed together in the mind of this Trinbagonian world traveller.
In a world that is racing head-long towards 100% machine-made efficiency, Sheppard-Duncan strives to keep grounded to the earth and all its organic riches, by ensuring that the materials she uses are designed from scratch. For example, she has sat with village weavers, dyers and potters to perfect the unique fabrics from which her fashions are created.
The 2017 collection will be available in phases, but the designer promises that the pieces can be styled for any occasion all year through.
Contact AFROFUNKK: Instagram: @afrofunkk | Facebook: facebook.com/afrofunkk | Email: afrofunkk@gmail.com