In a world where fashion often mirrors fleeting trends, the Queen of Bling, Kristy Dickinson, stands out as a glittering testament to the power of bold statements and meaningful design at her fashion accessory label Haus of Dizzy.
Kristy Dickinson, affectionately known as the ‘Queen of Bling,’ stands at the forefront of a vibrant and empowering artistic movement. Her creation, the Haus of Dizzy, is not just a fashion accessory label; it is a celebration of culture, a declaration of pride, and a conversation starter.
Kristy takes the stage as a proud Wiradjuri woman, crafting jewellery that resonates with empowerment, courage, and a profound sense of identity. Haus of Dizzy is not just about adornment but is also a reflection of social justice, a message of inclusivity, and an embodiment of pop culture’s most vibrant elements.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the electrifying world of Kristy Dickinson, exploring her journey from creative beginnings to becoming a renowned name in the fashion industry. Join us as we uncover the artistry, inspiration, and the indomitable spirit of the ‘Queen of Bling.’
Can you Tell Us About Yourself and Your Journey Creating Haus of Dizzy?
I created Haus of Dizzy at the end of 2014 and I established it in 2015. I’m originally from Sydney, but I’ve been based down here in Melbourne for six years now.
It started just by selling to my friends at parties and at [the flea and bondi markets in Sydney]. And then one day, I got the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney wanting to sell my [collection] there, like a design show. That was one of my first accounts and that’s when I realised that I could do something with this, that I can make some magic and can live off this perhaps.
Years later, I began wholesaling to more and more people. I had a few pop up shops throughout the years. I now sell for over 30 retailers across Australia. Now we have our flagship store. I’ve done it all by myself for many years and just recently in the last couple of years I had staff. I now have seven staff who are women.
It’s been an amazing journey and it’s been a long, tough one, but it’s been well worth it.
How Do You Define Your Unique Style and Eesthetic as the “Queen of Bling”?
My friends used to call me the “Queen of Bling”. Every time we’d go out I’d wear the most jewellery, like I’d have chains, earrings, rings and bracelets, the most. So that’s why I got the name.
So I’ve always been known as that growing up and now still am. I’ve coined myself as the “Queen of Bling”. I have a unique style. I feel like if you really believe in your passion and your style, that transfers through your ranges.
How Has Your Heritage Influenced Your Designs and the Messages You Convey Through Your Jewellery?
Growing up I had a lot of racist slurs put against me. I was only the little brown girl in a white school, predominantly. So, being teased for being a First Nation person was a daily [occurrence].
So, I love to use my indigenous culture through my jewellery to just lift up these young, indigenous women, and show them to be proud of who they are, stand up and be proud of their culture.
How Do You Strike a Balance Between Creating Eye-Catching, Glamorous Pieces and Incorporating Important Messages in Your Jewellery?
I basically call my jewellery conversation starters. So you know, I might be wearing a bright flag and I’ll start a conversation about First Nations people or I’ll be wearing the “Stop violence against women” and that’s another conversation. So, it’s all about getting conversations started and talking about things that are happening in our world as seen affecting our daily lives.
What is Your Creative Process Like?
Basically, I will think of something on Tuesday and make it happen by Thursday. I’m a very quick turnaround so if I really believe in something and I want to get it out into the world, I will do it right away.
I design it in my head and then on paper, and then I’ll laser cut it. We have laser cutting service in the studio, and then we’ll hand-paint it and assemble it. Once I’ve had an idea in my head, I have to make it happen.
How Do You Navigate Creative Block?
I always just feel inspired by colour, I need to be surrounded by colour [and] words. Strong words have meaning. I’m always forever thinking of ideas and then I think of ideas for other people, and then it snowballs. If I’m sort of stuck in a bit of a rut, I will just start drawing or painting. The colours will come alive and I’ll think of something else. So, just as long as I have colours and art in my life, I always have a flow of ideas and designs.
What Are Some Past Creative Projects That Have Been Particularly Memorable to You?
Sure, there’s been quite a few. Celebrities like Drew Barrymore [and] Ms Lauryn Hill wearing my earrings at [their] Melbourne shows, that was really like one of the most special moments for me because growing up her album was my addiction. Ms Lauryn Hill’s was my [go-to soundtrack for everything].
My earrings have been in movies, TV shows, and, if I see somebody in the street wearing my earrings, I’ll be just like, “Oh my god, I made that!”. I mean, there are a lot of exciting things that happened but every day I just get excited about the opportunities.
How Do You Balance Being a Business Owner, Creative Artist, and a Mother?
[Unwinding with your favourite drink helps]. [On a more serious note], I think it’s always about having a strong sisterhood and having strong women to help you. I have a really strong team. I love my team here. They’re very supportive of me and me being a single mother. They’ve got their own amazing things going on, but I think it’s all about having an amazing sisterhood.
How Do You See Fashion as a Means for Social and Environmental Advocacy?
Well, it’s just like wearing a slogan on a T-shirt. It’s the first thing you see when you wear earrings with a big slogan. It’s a conversation starter. You get to talk about things.
At the moment, we’re having a referendum here in Australia on a yes/no vote to an Aboriginal voiced parliament. So we’ve made some ‘Yes’ earrings because we’re strongly supporting the yes campaign. [It gets people talking and understanding]. So, it’s about getting conversations out there about the social, economical and environmental impact. It’s all about these conversations.
What Advice Do You Have for Aspiring Jewellery Designers and Artists Aiming to Make a Positive Impact Through Their Work?
Always work hard. Stay true to yourself. Never give up and always believe in your brand. I’ve always told younger designers [to not] do anything for the sake of doing it. Do it because you believe in it as [that’s what will take you somewhere, instead doing something] for the sake of it and getting money.
What Are Some Upcoming Projects or Events That You are Looking Forward to in the Near Future?
I’ve got Melbourne Fashion Week coming up and I’ve designed an exhibition in the climate of the markets. It’s basically a story about starting at markets, and then becoming a fully fledged brand. And then we’re working with Adidas Originals.
It’s our ninth birthday this year so we’re gonna throw a block party .And then we have Christmas., the 26th of January again, and a lot of [other] things. But, we’re really looking forward to Fashion Week.
What Message or Legacy Do You Hope to Leave Through Haus of Dizzy?
I never thought I’d have my own business. Growing up, I had a [stay-at-home single mom who was struggling with three kids]. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I have my own business.
I just want to be a spokesperson for indigenous people. You can do it, there’s nothing stopping you. I did this all off my back, I never took any loans. It was all me, just working hard and growing. And now I’m here. So, never give up.
Featured banner image credit: @hausofdizzy
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