Cristina Tridente — the creative brain behind bespoke label couture + love + madness — lets us in on the new season styles that have caught her attention along The Parade.

For couture+love+madness founder Cristina Tridente, fashion that taps into the trends yet is ahead of the curve is her go-to. That’s why Norwood-based Sooki Boutique has been a staple in her fashion journey since her school days. “I’ve been shopping here for the last 15 years or so!” she says. “It’s a great independent retailer.”

Since 1998, the fashion hub has dedicated itself to housing some of Australia’s leading labels and currently stocks brands like Ksubi, Ownley and Bec + Bridge, as well as eventwear. “They’ve also got a great range of pieces that are trans-seasonal [from labels] like Bayse Brand, which I love,” Cristina continues. The change in seasons is a great opportunity to experiment with colour, too. “I love a pop of cherry red, but I’m also playing with duck egg blue. They’re a great contrast.”

Accessories also find their stride at Sooki Boutique – something that Cristina loves. It’s home to labels that’ll take your outfits from day to night, like footwear brand Billini. “They’ve got a nice range of stable heels, which always helps when you’re going to a winery – you don’t sink straight into the grass!” she laughs.

The next stop is Bauhaus: a treasure trove for anyone who loves accessories that generate intrigue. There, you’ll find everything – from delicate necklaces to bold statement pieces. Cristina is particularly fond of handcrafted label Elassaad: “It’s by a local girl [Reema Elassaad] who grew up in Adelaide and now lives in Europe. She sources a lot of her pieces from Istanbul and other European places,” she explains.

For something truly special, she points to a range of kimonos from Market of Stars. “The designer is from Vancouver and the kimonos are made from bamboo. Each piece has a different story and most of the artwork is very vintage – from the late 1800s. Simply stunning.”

Rounding out Cristina’s top three picks is Serafina, an SA-born brand that’s become a favourite amongst local trendsetters for its stylish and transitional pieces. According to Cristina, lightweight blazers and new season knitwear in saturated or neutral-tone shades are spring essentials. “They are so versatile! They have some buttoned, long sleeve pieces – like the one I’m wearing right now – which can be used as a cardigan as well. Their blazers are a great investment to have in your wardrobe year-round, too.”

You’ll find these three boutiques and other leading fashion retailers along The Parade, which is part of the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters.

Styles We Love

(1) Rosabelle Shoulder Bag, $69.95, Sooki (2) Billini Hawley Black Mesh Kitten Point, $99.95, Sooki (3) Sacred Heart Earrings, $26, Bauhaus (4) Inartisan Helia Stone Necklace, $74, Bauhaus (5) Core Wide Vegan Leather Belt, $39.95, Serafina