KRISTY DICKINSON

MENTOR | accessory design

At the forefront of Haus of Dizzy stands Kristy Dickinson, a proud Wiradjuri woman whose vibrant, statement-making jewellery celebrates and pays homage to Indigenous culture. With a creative journey spanning two decades, Dickinson founded Haus of Dizzy in 2015, driven by a desire to fill the void of representation within the realms of jewellery and fashion accessories.

Her creations, characterised by their boldness and playfulness, have garnered widespread acclaim, adorning the likes of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Lalah Hathaway, Drew Barrymore, and Miranda Tapsell, among others.

Growing up, Dickinson's artistic inclinations manifested early on, as she found solace and expression through painting, drawing, and photography. However, it was the therapeutic nature of jewellery making that truly ignited her passion. “I started making jewellery as a form of art therapy,” she says. “It really helped me with my anxiety and depression.” What began as a personal endeavour soon evolved into a budding business, with friends expressing interest in her designs, and prompting Dickinson to start selling her creations at local markets.

The pivotal moment came when The Museum of Contemporary Art became her first stockist, propelling Haus of Dizzy into the limelight. “Then it all skyrocketed from there,” says Dickinson, highlighting the exponential growth and success that followed the establishment of her brand.

She mentions several milestone achievements for Haus of Dizzy, from the exhilaration of seeing Ms. Lauryn Hill donning her pieces to an exciting collaboration with Adidas Originals for a Block party celebrating Haus of Dizzy's 9th birthday. As the brand approaches its 10th anniversary, Dickinson's accomplishments stand as testament to her dedication and creative vision.

She says the allure of accessory design lies in its transformative power. “I love accessory design because anyone can wear it, and it can completely transform any outfit,” she explains.

Whether it's adding a pop of colour to an all-black ensemble or elevating a casual look with statement earrings, Dickinson's creations possess a distinct ability to imbue every wearer with confidence and flair.

Drawing inspiration from an eclectic array of sources, Dickinson finds creativity in the everyday, from the landscapes that surround her to the vibrant artwork and fashion she encounters. Influenced by designers such as Jeremy Scott and brands such as Lazy Oaf and Melody Ehsani, Dickinson's aesthetic is a fusion of cultural reverence and contemporary vibrancy.

When mentoring aspiring accessory designers, Dickinson recommends staying true to your brand.

“Tell your story, and have meaning in what you create,” she says.

Dickinson encourages newcomers to start selling at local markets to gain insights into consumer preferences and hear feedback from the market. She recommends creating a strong social media presence, acknowledging the impact it had on her own business growth.

“If you don't have the time to create content for socials, you should hire someone,” she says, championing the value of investing in marketing strategies.

Through Haus of Dizzy, Kristy Dickinson has not only carved a niche for herself in the world of accessory design, but has also become a beacon of cultural celebration and inclusivity. With each daring creation, she invites wearers to embrace their individuality and express themselves boldly – a testament to the transformative power of art and identity.

WRITTEN BY JACK BAILEY