5 minutes with Miranda Dickinson

1. What did you study at RMIT and what attracted you to that program? 

I studied the Bachelor of Design (Fashion)(Honours) at RMIT. I was drawn to the program for its strong technical reputation and close connection to industry. 

My graduate collection was quite conceptual, using unconventional materials — rather than traditional fashion fabrics. It pushed me creatively and taught me how much can be achieved in a short amount of time (especially without much sleep).

More importantly, it gave me a network of people I’m still close with today. We were constantly sharing ideas and pushing each other in the sewing rooms late into the night, and that same dynamic still exists — they’re the people I turn to now when developing Dawn Black.

The collection was also showcased at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and received media attention at the time, which gave me early confidence that there was space for my perspective — it’s just about connecting with the right people.

2. What is your business all about? 

Dawn Black is built on the idea that you shouldn’t have to choose between luxury, personality, and affordability.

The brand focuses on timeless silhouettes, natural fibres — including Australian wool — and an all-black foundation, with subtle details that reveal themselves over time. It’s about creating pieces that feel considered and long-lasting, without losing individuality.

The name itself is inspired by my Nan, Dawn, an impressionist artist, which brings a quieter, more emotional layer to the brand — balancing strength with softness.

I’ve never aimed to appeal to everyone — only to a very specific audience. The right people tend to find it, and that’s exactly how I want it.

3. Where do you see your business in 10 years’ time?

In ten years, I want Dawn Black to continue growing by finding the right people — wherever they are — and making the brand accessible to them, both locally and globally.

I created the brand to fill a gap I’ve personally experienced: pieces that feel luxurious, have personality, and are still affordable. Those three things rarely exist together, and that’s what I want to continue building.

Even in the early stages, I’m seeing repeat customers and a growing community, which is incredibly important. It shows that the right people are finding the brand, and I want to keep building on that.  

4. How has studying at RMIT prepared you to run your business? 

RMIT gave me a strong technical foundation — pattern making, sewing, and a deep understanding of garment construction. It taught me how to do things properly and to value quality materials and well-made product.

My career then led me into menswear and knitwear, where I developed a real appreciation for how technical fully fashioned knitwear can be. That said, I often found the design side of knitwear lacking — the technical capability is incredibly advanced, but it isn’t always pushed creatively or applied in a way that feels modern or considered. That tension between technical skill and design is something I carry into my own work.

Over a decade in the menswear industry also shaped how I think commercially — building ranges that evolve and improve over time, rather than just following seasonal trends. That approach is central to how I run Dawn Black.

5. What advice would you have offered yourself when you first started your business? 

Stop waiting for perfection — it doesn’t exist.

I started working on Dawn Black almost five years ago and spent a long-time refining everything before launching. It’s probably also why it took me close to ten years to finally do it properly. I didn’t have external backing to rely on — it was built through years of learning and working in the industry, saving, and most importantly.... backing myself.

Eventually, I realised I just needed to put something out into the world. That said, I also wanted to launch with intention — creating full outfits rather than standalone pieces.

Interestingly, this collection was designed around four years ago, and it still feels relevant today. That’s how I know I’m on the right track — creating pieces that outlast trends.

I’m not interested in constantly replacing products with slightly updated versions each season. If something works, I want to keep it and refine it. That’s where I want to break away from how most brands operate.

6. What’s your favourite piece from Dawn Black’s collection?

The eyelet trench coat is my favourite piece.

It was one of the most collaborative designs I’ve worked on, developed closely with suppliers — combining their technical expertise with my design direction to refine every detail. It took time to get right.