couture+love+madness sets up shop on The Parade

The shopfront will showcase her bespoke handmade creations, creating an intimate experience for customers who can book in for a consultation to try on gowns and view fabric samples to create their dream dress.

Her latest collection ‘La Vie En Rose’ launched at the 2018 Adelaide Fashion Festival and is her first bridal collection. With shades of avocado, soft coral and silver, the collection is romantic and feminine. The shop will also be home to Cristina’s new, architecture-inspired label, Tridente.

Having dressed celebrities such as Dannii Minogue, Lucy Durack, Michala Banas and Vera Blue, Cristina is well situated in the Australian couture scene. We caught up with her to discuss the new space and her latest collections.

Congratulations on your new studio! Why did you decide to open a bricks and mortar store?

As my label focuses on bespoke formal and bridal gowns, I thought it was important to be able to welcome customers into an exciting new space for them to view my collections and design their dream gown.

I want to create a whole new experience for brides, I want them to feel excited about getting a bespoke gown made for their special day. Our process is very collaborative – I sit down with brides to get a feel for their style and type of wedding they’re having. We talk all things design, from fabrics and embellishments to cuts that will suit their shape. It’s a very intimate, collaborative process, which I thoroughly enjoy.

All our gowns are made from our studio in Norwood from scratch. From the concept to the patternmaking, the sewing and the fittings, our clients can view our whole process on site.

Your latest collection ‘La Vie En Rose’ is your first bridal collection. What inspired you to expand the label to include bridal?

I love the idea that bridal doesn’t just have to be confined to the colour white. While lots of brides are traditional, there is a percentage that want something more unique, [and] I love doing both. This new collection incorporates classic cuts in interesting fabrics. The colour palette of avocado, white, coral and hints of silver is feminine and romantic. Luxurious silk satins, delicate laces and fluffy organza make up ‘La Vie En Rose’. I feel like there really is a piece suitable for everyone.

What’s your favourite piece?

My favourite piece is the ‘Olivia’ Dress. ‘Olivia’ is adorned with hand cut and dyed feathers in shades of avocado and soft pink. The feathers are shaped into flowers with pearl and crystal centres scattering over the bodice, sleeves and skirt. The skirt is a full circle skirt with multiple layers of soft tulle. My other favourite piece is the ‘Rose’ Gown, covered in thousands of organza petals and finished off with a pleated tulle bodice with velvet detailing.

Tell us about your new label Tridente.

Tridente is for the individual who wants something organic and unstructured. Inspired by architecture, the label was born out of my experience at London’s Central Saint Martins in 2017.

The label is designed for layering. All pieces are created with multiple shapes sewn together to form interesting silhouettes. The first collection, ‘CLOUDS’, is created out of parachute material in metallics and pastels.

What can we expect from couture+love+madness in 2019?

Big things!! I look forward to welcoming customers to the new store and creating an unforgettable experience for them. Tridente will eventually become ready-to-wear so these pieces will also be available for purchase from our store. We will be designing a new bridal range in the near future that will also incorporate some more traditional pieces.

The studio will open to the public Saturday, February 2, from 10am-5pm at 258 The Parade Norwood.

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