Latest news with #Dissh
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
There's nothing chicer than a black dress - 7 outfits I'll be wearing on repeat this summer
Three summers ago, I bought a black linen dress from Australian label Dissh for my friend's wedding. There was a moment, during the checkout process, when I hesitated – the shade used to be off-limits for guests – but after deciding that rule felt outdated, I hit 'pay now'. And I'm so glad I did. The black dress in question is now the hardest-working item in my summer wardrobe – it's also the piece that earns me the most compliments, thanks to its square neckline, fitted bodice and full skirt. I've worn it to another friend's wedding with heels and a raffia clutch; regularly show it off in the office with flat strappy sandals and a woven tote; and, after three summers, it's still the one dress that's guaranteed to make it onto my holiday packing list. The colour black is often overlooked when the weather gets warmer, but if you ask me, a black dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your collection. The trick is to focus on relaxed silhouettes in breezy linens and cottons to stay cool in the summer months. It's also one of the easiest shades to style. A black dress acts as a blank canvas for chunky jewellery or colourful accessories to sit against. Or, you can lean into the minimalism of an all-black look with a pair of barely-there sandals and sleek sunglasses. Ready to meet your new favourite warm-weather wardrobe staple? Scroll for my pick of the seven best black dresses on the high street right now – and tips on how I'd style each of them. Mango £49.99 Shop The ruffled neckline lends itself to a statement necklace – I'd opt for something playful, like this charm necklace from Sézane, and keep the rest of the outfit simple with some black sandals from Zara. Sézane £125 Shop COS £95 Shop The simplicity of this linen maxi calls for a pop of colour. These hoops from Mejuri are interchangeable and a perfect match for these strappy sandals from Arket. George at Asda £18 Shop A kitten heel and bangle or two will instantly dress up this sober number from George at Asda. I'd go with this organically-shaped bracelet from Pandora and these thin-strapped heels from Mango. £350 Shop Mango £45.99 Shop Gap x DÔEN £165 Shop The all-over eyelet detailing of this maxi should be the focus, so keep your accessories simple. I'd opt for tan accessories, like this tote from Dragon Diffusion and these slides from & Other Stories. Next £46 Shop Nobody's Child £85 Shop £298 Shop This midi from Reformation is actually a two-piece that you'll want to reach for over and over again. I'd wear it to the office with these two-tone studs from Orelia and these braided flats from H&M.
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Dissh Became A Global Brand By Breaking Fashion's Rules
From resort-inspired boutiques in Queensland to a global presence that's steadily expanding, Dissh's evolution is anything but conventional. The Australian brand has built a cult following by betting on consistency, clarity, and a summer-first aesthetic that resonates far beyond its Gold Coast roots. In an industry where many brands chase TikTok trends or pursue wholesale partnerships, Dissh is proving there's power in playing the long game and rewriting the fashion playbook at the same time. While the brand doesn't chase social media trends, it does 'chase the sun' (so to speak) by designing with a summer brushstroke, all-year round. It's among CEO and Creative Director Lucy Henry-Hicks unconventional choices: staying laser-focused on a 'summer-first' aesthetic all-year round. It's a strategy rooted in clarity and discipline—and it's working. That aesthetic—clean, neutral, and rooted in relaxed, resortwear-inspired silhouettes—is key to Dissh's identity. The label has become a go-to for elevated basics that can be dressed up or down, and styled with designer accessories. Think quiet luxury, without the luxury markup. "Especially in Australia, where the market is small and price-sensitive, it was important for us to provide high-quality, beautiful pieces at a price point that feels attainable," Henry-Hicks asserts. "I want women to look and feel good without having to spend $600 on a blazer." Dissh is a favorite among people who lean into a high-low vibe: a linen set paired with a designer bag, or a tailored vest worn with vintage denim. The price may be accessible, but the polish is unmistakable. The other somewhat surprising decision? Forgoing wholesale—at least for now. "We've made a conscious decision not to go down the wholesale path," Henry-Hicks explains. 'We want to control how our product is presented, and wholesale doesn't always allow that. We already operate our own stores and understand retail well.' That decision, while rare for a fashion brand with global ambitions, has allowed Dissh to scale on its own terms. The brand currently operates 10 standalone stores in Australia—with more opening soon—and is entering the U.S. market with the same formula of brick-and-mortar locations in New York and Los Angeles. First up: a pop-up location at Platform, in L.A.'s Culver City (which is currently open). "We have about 350 team members today, and 92% are women," Henry-Hicks shares. "A lot of our part-time team are working moms who want flexibility. That's really important to us. There's still a lot of rigidity in Australian corporate culture, and it often forces women out of the workforce." From internal culture to external messaging, empowering women isn't a tagline at Dissh: it's baked into the business model. Henry-Hicks' focus on building a company that supports working mothers is personal: she's the mom of a toddler and a newborn. And she's building this global brand with a sense of alignment. "Everything in its divine time," she says. "I believe everything in my life is unfolding as it should—both the highs and the lows. If you're pushing too hard, or a situation doesn't feel good, it's often a sign to step back. When the timing is right, everything flows." That sense of timing led Henry-Hicks to accept her first outside investment: AU$90 million from Brett Blundy via his private investment firm, BBRC. While Dissh was already profitable, Henry-Hicks knew that scaling globally would require strategic partners. "As we gained momentum in the U.S., I started getting approached by investors," Henry-Hicks says. "Eventually, I realized that to scale globally, we'd need people who've done this before." The investment is helping to fuel Dissh's global growth. North America now accounts for a quarter of the business and is growing year-over-year. New York is one of Dissh's top cities by social following, and U.S. traffic is up 15% quarter over quarter. The UK has doubled year-over-year. According to Henry-Hicks, the brand is on track to achieve $140 million this year. With its commitment to seasonless design, Dissh is uniquely positioned to operate across hemispheres. 'We operate as a global brand and business," Henry-Hicks asserts. "This means our design team is planning and creating for both seasons. Our collections are designed globally—the Dissh handwriting and direction remains consistent for the season, but how this is adapted or brought to life across the regions will be unique." 'In saying this, as an Australian brand, summer and resort collections are what we do best–we see ourselves as chasing or following the sun around the world, and bringing to life those summer collections wherever the sun is shining.' Lucy Henry-Hicks, Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dissh Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dissh Even Dissh's winterwear—tailoring, knits and outerwear—comes with a coastal lens. The palette stays soft, the fabrics remain light, and pieces are designed to be styled across seasons. "Our interpretation of winter is still influenced by our roots. The pieces are relaxed, light, and versatile—everything can be mixed and matched." That design philosophy is rooted in sustainability, too. Dissh focuses on versatile pieces that can be worn season after season, aiming to reduce reliance on fast, disposable fashion by creating clothes that stand the test of time. If Dissh seems like an overnight success, it's not. Henry-Hicks grew up in the industry—her mother opened her first store at 19, and her father launched City Beach, a surf retail chain with 75 stores. Henry-Hicks started working at a young age and eventually took over the family's multi-brand shop in her 20s. "We were essentially a fashion aggregator," she recalls. "But we couldn't sustain a business on 55% margins. I wanted creative control. That's when I took over and turned Dissh into a fully vertical brand." That 2019 pivot marked the start of Dissh as we know it today: intentional, focused, and unbothered by outside, industry noise. Henry-Hicks often reflects on how some brands lose their way by jumping on every trend. At Dissh, she's stayed committed to doing what the brand does best, instead of chasing momentary relevance. 'I think the brands that have stood the test of time have done so by staying true to who they are," Henry-Hicks says. "We're never going to be good at everything. Staying true to yourself and knowing what you do well is the best thing you can do.' Although on the wholesale front, Henry-Hicks leaves the door open: "Never say never. While we're currently DTC, we remain open-minded when it comes to expansion. It would take the right partner to consider introducing wholesale." For now, the focus is clear: grow with intention, stay true to the brand's aesthetic, and keep empowering women through thoughtful design and access. The rest? It'll unfold— in time.
