London’s tickled pink by SA style

CREATOR of couture+love+madness Cristina Tridente is the first South Australian to have been accepted into London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins, of which famous alumni include Stella McCartney, John Galliano, Mary Katrantzou and the late Alexander McQueen.

A couture+love+madness gown by Cristina Tridente - photographed at the Pink Lake.

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A STUNNING image showcasing her label and Lochiel’s Pink Lake helped secure Adelaide designer Cristina Tridente a place at what is arguably the world’s top fashion school.

The creator of couture+love+madness is the first South Australian to be accepted into London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins, whose famous alumni include Stella McCartney, John Galliano, Mary Katrantzou and the late Alexander McQueen.

The 2009 Tafe SA fashion graduate, who will begin a month-long intensive course in July, was required to submit a portfolio of her designs as part of her application.

It included images of Finesse Models Australia’s Georgia Bess photographed by Weronika Mamot against the backdrop of Lochiel’s Lake Bumbunga also known as “The Pink Lake”.

“It has been a dream of mine to go where some of the real heavyweights studied ... I’m looking forward to learning new skills,” Ms Tridente said.

Adelaide Fashion Festival creator Chris Kontos said Central Saint Martins was a good fit for Ms Tridente.

“It’s a big deal to have that school on your resume and it’s really difficult to get into,” he said, adding “She’s very London in her design aesthetic.”

Australians to have studied at Central Saint Martins include Victoria’s Deanna Fanning who won the top prize for womenswear at last year’s Australian Fashion Foundation awards.