Kristy Dickinson is the self-proclaimed “Queen of Bling” and owner/creator of Haus of Dizzy. This fashion accessory label launched in 2015, is inspired by 90s hip-hop and features disco sparkles, bright colours, bold symbols and unapologetic anti-racist slogans. Dickinson is a proud Wiradjuri woman who doesn’t shy away from including political statements that serve as conversation starters in her work.
Dickinson’s commitment to social justice is further demonstrated by Haus of Dizzy’s collaborations with non-profit organisations such as AYCC (Stop Adani Movement), SEED MOB (Water is Life), Sydney Mardi Gras, Djirra, NAIDOC and the YWCA.
The Haus of Dizzy studio is based in Fitzroy where each bold piece is hand painted and hand cut using solar power. Rocking a piece of Haus of Dizzy jewellery is glitzy, colourful not to mention meaningful. Some of the product categories include: Matriarchy, Ally Friendly, Woman Power and Indigenous Pride.
In this Colour Box Studio interview, Dickinson discusses Sydney fashion week, creating jewellery for the formidable Ms Lauryn Hill, and her upcoming children’s clothing line.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Kristy Dickinson and I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman and owner and creator of Haus of Dizzy.
I create bold, playful, statement-making jewellery that celebrates and honours my Indigenous culture—imbuing a sense of empowerment and joy within everybody who wears it.
My designs are conversation starters and often feature powerful political and social messages handmade in our studio in Naarm.
How did you start your creative practice and why?
I have always been creative and I started making jewellery to help with my anxiety and depression. It was my art therapy which has become a successful business.
Where did you grow up and how has it influenced your practice?
I grew up in Sydney’s Inner west, where everyone has their own unique style and is not afraid to show it.
Tell us about your past creative projects. What has been your most treasured highlight so far?
I have had so many great opportunities such as working for social justice causes as well as creating a piece for Sydney’s Fashion week in 2022.
Making jewellery for Ms Lauryn Hill was one of my most treasured moments.
Tell us about your current project?
I am currently working on a children’s clothing range called ‘Haus of Ziggy Lee’, named after my 3-year-old son. There will be loads of exciting and fun designs and it’s been such a buzz to work on this collection.
Who or what inspires your practice?
I am inspired by 90’s fashion and music, my son Ziggy Lee, pop culture and my Wiradjuri culture.
Where do you feel most creative and why?
In my studio in Fitzroy, where I’m surrounded by beautiful images from our campaigns, lots of colour and glitter. It’s where all my tools are so I can create magic.
What do you hope audiences take from your work?
A sense of empowerment and courage and a pride in who they are.
What gets you through creative challenges or tough industry times?
I never give up, I am a hard worker and I always get back up on my feet.
What future projects are you looking forward to?
The launch of Haus of Ziggy Lee of course! Haus of Dizzy will also be featured at Drag Expo and Big Design Market in Sydney and Melbourne in May so we are really looking forward to those events.
Whose work are you digging at the moment?
I recently did a collaboration with ENOKi (they/them) is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta non-binary Blakfulla. They’re a multimedia artist with a primary focus in digital media. You can peep their work at @grumpyenoki. They recently did all the artwork for Apple’s world pride campaign – it’s a stunning feature.
Where can we find and follow you online?
Haus of Dizzy Website
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok