Proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson’s jewellery is designed to spark conversations.
Since 2015, Dickinson’s brand, Haus of Dizzy, has been crafting bold, colourful and statement-making jewellery that brings First Nations culture to the fore. The brand is globally recognised and has been worn by celebrities including Jessica Mauboy, Miranda Tapsell, Lauryn Hill and Drew Barrymore.
Haus of Dizzy’s recent Survival Day collection features pieces that are designed to empower mob, as Dickinson tells Women’s Agenda, and for allies to wear to show their support.
“I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman and I love to give a nod to my culture in my work,” Dickinson shares.
“The collection is all about having pride in who you are and wearing your colours as your values so everybody can see that you are a proud Aboriginal woman. The same goes for whoever else is wearing the items,” she said.
“It’s all about being proud of who you are.”
The collection is modelled by Arrernte woman and Heartbreak High actress Sherry Lee Watson, and features statements like “Always was, always will be” alongside the Aboriginal flag.
“My earrings, especially, are conversation starters,” Dickinson says. “It’s all about talking about things that wouldn’t normally come up in conversation.”
As Australia continues to reckon with how it acknowledges January 26, Dickinson said a great way for allies to show support is to buy from Black businesses. This kind of support can be done all year around, too.
“Buying from First Nations people directly, and supporting Indigenous artists, musicians and designers is a great way to show up,” Dickinson said.
“Even just a like or a share on a social media page is another great thing which doesn’t cost anything. It’s just like a few seconds and then you share it to a whole different audience.”
Haus of Dizzy has its flagship store and studio in Fitzroy in Melbourne. It’s here that Dickinson designs and creates her jewellery.
“I was originally using a lot of brass and charms but then I stumbled across acrylic and just fell in love with the medium, the bright colors and the glitters and just how you can transform it into any shape,” Dickison explains.
The brand is now stocked in 40 stores throughout Australia.
And what would Dickinson like others to know about how dates like January 26 continue to impact First Nations people?
“Australia has a Black history and everyone should research and read up on that,” she says. “I think it’s a great way of just acknowledging the past and just realising that there’s a lot of hurt still there in communities and especially in elders.”
Madeline Hislop is a journalist & editor of The Sporty Wrap, a weekly newsletter published by Women’s Agenda.
