Cristina Tridente is quite the busy bee – not only is she a fabulous little creative type, designing gorgeous pieces for her label Couture + Love + Madness, but this year, she has taken on the role of coordinating the AFF. That’s right folks, she is one of those over-achiever types that we know and love – hats off to Cristina for not only coordinating the AFF, but featuring her stunning designs in it too. Now that’s multi-tasking!

The first time I met Cristina was at Liza Emanuele’s stunning Stardust party. The bubbly red-head bustled down the cobbled laneway off Rundle Street, kissed me on the cheek with an air of confidence and shook my hand firmly, introducing herself.

Cristina exudes passion, with her excitable presence and gung-ho attitude to what she does.

I wanted to know more about this young designer, and her roleS (that’s right – plural) in the AFF…so, here’s a bit of Q and A for your Wednesday afternoon:

 How did you get into Fashion Design?

“I have always known I wanted to be in the fashion industry. As a child, I made numerous outfits for my Barbie, did cross stitch, knitted and crocheted, went to art classes and painted on silk and tie dyed t shirts. My paternal grandmother was a seamstress by trade, my maternal grandmother used to make outfits for my mother as she grew up and my mother created a number of fashionable items of clothing for me when I was young. I was bound to start sewing sometime!!”

How did your design journey begin?

“I started my own jewelry label when I was 12 and I have sold pieces to many Adelaide retailers over the last 10 years. Studying Textiles in Year 12 cemented my ambition to become a fashion designer. I completed an Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design at TAFE, along with a Diploma of Retail Management and a course in Millinery. I love making hats for every occasion and while I love creating my own designs in both hats and clothing, I also enjoy vintage fashion and have been part of the Gilles Street fashion market, with my own stall, since its beginning in April 2009.”

What is some of your inspiration for fashion design?

“Fabrics are a huge inspiration and I often design with a fabric in mind. I am inspired by so many things in every day life including art and architecture, flowers, animals, landscapes and the many textures that surround us.” 

…“It is exciting to design a unique outfit for a particular person and a particular occasion. Designing fashion is also a great way to express yourself and is a dynamic art, constantly changing, evolving, moving forwards and backwards in time.”

How would you describe the design style for your label Couture + Love + Madness?

“My label is for the woman who wants to turn heads as she walks into the room. Each garment is designed and made by me and most of my gowns are embellished and appliqued. My clothes are created to flatter the female form. I want to make women feel beautiful, confident and unique yet comfortable enough to thoroughly enjoy a special occasion. Couture does not have to be limited to unwearable art and for me, my ‘love’ of couture has been a mad passion! Hence my label: couture+love+madness”

Cristina is the brains behind this beautiful dress worn in the promo photos for the AFF!

(Incredible photos courtesy of Simon Cecere)

Who is your favourite Adelaide/Australian designer? 

“I love the Adelaide label ‘None the Richer’. The unique styles by Ulyana are easy to wear and remind me of the high fashion in New York. My favourite Australian label is Shakuhachi – my favourite piece is a see through black lace jacket dotted with studs that I picked up from the Oxford St pop-up store last year.”

What will be your role in the Adelaide Fashion Festival? 

 “I am the Coordinator of this year’s AFF- so I will be organising everything from models and designers to decorations and VIP’s!”

What are you most looking forward to in the AFF? What do you like about the AFF?  

“It is fantastic to see that the Adelaide fashion industry is growing so rapidly. I am really looking forward to the different array of events this year and especially seeing the new talent coming through for the Best Emerging Designer Award as part of the Chambord SA Designers Fashion Showcase. I am also really excited to be showcasing 2 different collections- one at the TAFE Alumni Cocktail Party Parade and the other as part of the Chambord SA Designers Fashion Showcase.”

What other designers are you looking forward to seeing at the AFF? 

“I am really looking forward to seeing Tim O’Connor and Gwendolynne’s collections- it is really exciting to have such iconic Australian designers as part of this year’s Festival. I am also looking forward to seeing Richard Nylon’s fabulous millinery to close the Showcase with!”

What do you think are the hottest trends for Spring/Summer 2011-12? 

“Suede platform sandals in colours such as coral and stone. The “mullet” skirt or dress as we like to call it in the office- short at the front and long at the back! Anything in block colours- hot pink, orange, green, cobalt and yellow- especially teemed together! My rule that works all year round- 2-3 colours per outfit- no more or less, this includes accessories!”

How would you describe Adelaide style? 

“As the fashion industry is growing in Adelaide, majority of girls are starting to embrace a more fashion-forward choice of clothing. Vintage is a very popular trend as it is unique, great for the environment and affordable.”

How would you describe your own ‘personal’ style?

“Vintage, quirky, chic!”

See Cristina’s work, both her designs and her coordinating skills, in action at the AFF this year…

Now, I have homework for you, my lovely readers – once you leave this page, you should all be hitting up BASS for tickets to the fabulous, must-see Chambord Fashion Showcase (where Cristina will display her designs). At the same time, you need to be on the phone to TAFE SA Fashion office, nabbing yourself tickets to their shows too (Couture + Love + Madness will feature in the Alumni party)…I know this involves multi-tasking, but if Cristina can do it, so can you guys!

TTFN*

El. xx

*that’s “ta ta for now” for those of you silly munchkins who aren’t up with Tigger-talk