Meet Dal 1992, the local label making us fall in love with hosiery again
photography by David Chatfield
words by daisy henry
“I truly believe it’s our interactions with objects that give them meaning and longevity.”
Pixie McElroy never intended to start her hosiery label. Following her in degree in fashion and technology from RMIT, she climbed the industry ranks, working as a studio assistant, product developer and finally, accessories developer at Brie Leon. It wasn’t until she travelled to Italy in 2024 that she dreamt up the idea for Dal 1992.
“I wanted to learn Italian and have a project connect me to this country – retiring here is the dream,” Pixie says. She contacted over 90 factories before finding one that felt right, and through her research, realised there was an exciting opportunity in the Australian market for hosiery. “Unlike the oversaturated underwear market, hosiery had room for innovation and barely any sustainable businesses in the field.”
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Though Pixie wishes she’d started the label sooner, her prior experience bolstered her knowledge of building a brand, something that’s served her well in this endeavour. “This project has also been a personal journey of growth, pushing me to overcome my fears of failure,” she says.
Knitted in Italy, the label’s original sheer stocking and knee-length styles are made from recycled polyimide and regenerated raw materials. Each pair features a repeated monogram throughout and comes in five signature colourways (including dusty blu, black, scarlett, marron and white).
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Fashion Journal: Hi Pixie! Tell us about your fashion background.
Pixie: After a degree in Fashion and Technology from RMIT I worked as a studio assistant for Kym Purtell at Halcyon Nights (who was a dream boss), before I joined Monkhouse Design as their first in-house designer for their basics range which I absolutely adored. Following this role, I relocated to Sydney to work as a product developer at State of Escape and then finally Accessories Designer at Brie Leon.
How did Dal 1992 get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
I never intended to start my own label – I’ve always envisioned working for other brands as a designer. When I traveled to Italy last year to start freelance design work and scout factories I came across a factory I fell in love with. I emailed 95 factories looking for a good underwear supplier in Italy for an idea I had. I wanted to learn Italian and have a project connect me to this country – retiring here is the dream.
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After meeting this particular supplier, the ideas came naturally and I realised there was an exciting opportunity in hosiery. Unlike the oversaturated underwear market, hosiery had room for innovation and barely any sustainable businesses in the field.
I think the turning point for Dal 1992 was when I created the logomark – that’s when the brand truly began to take shape. Initially, I was inspired by the word ‘established’ because it resonated deeply with where I was in my career. It reflected a sense of readiness and confidence after years of assisting incredible designers and creating everything from clothing to shoes, bags and jewellery.
While building connections with my supplier in Milan, I kept noticing the word ‘Dal’ everywhere. In Italian, it’s used similarly to ‘Est.’ to signify origin and it immediately felt right for the brand. I began experimenting with the letters in a monogram and that’s when the identity of Dal 1992 really came to life.
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How has your label evolved and what are you trying to achieve now?
Through Dal 1992, I aim to communicate a sense of calm, grace and understated luxury. Dal 1992 is about embracing circular consumption; taking responsibility for where objects come from and where they ultimately go. My goal is to encourage people to care for an item that’s often dismissed as disposable. I truly believe it’s our interactions with objects that give them meaning and longevity.
This project has also been a personal journey of growth, pushing me to overcome my fears of failure. Initially, I just wanted to see an idea come to life but now I see the potential for it to become so much more. Dal 1992 is about creating connections between people and between ideas; and I hope to continue growing, both as a designer and as a communicator, through this endeavour.
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How would you describe Dal 1992 to someone who’s never seen it before?
A modern heritage brand offering a calming, figurative form.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
The packaging was a significant challenge for me. It took countless attempts to perfect it. I reprinted, cut, and glued it together more times than I can count. It’s the first point of contact, so I wanted it to be meaningful.
I selected a specific tissue paper for gift wrapping, the same kind used for sweets, little glassine packets of lollies from the corner shop because of the nostalgic sound of the crinkle. In the end, I copied the humble teabag design but applied it to a card envelope. It allowed the product to stand alone without the assistance of a shelf or rack and gave the unwrapping experience I desired.
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What do you wish you knew when you started?
Honestly, I felt pretty well bolstered with brand knowledge but I kind of wish I started something sooner.
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian fashion right now?
I saw Amy Christina Lawrence showcase at AFW in May and I adore her craftsmanship and dedication to details.
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What about the local fashion industry needs to change?
I think our market can be pretty conservative, a lot of our leading brands are starting to look similar and I think it’s indicative of our society. We need to be more expressive. Major Australian cities have seasonal fashion uniforms in their subcultures and people are scared to break trends unless they know they’ll nail it.
I think we can get a little deeper and become more earnest with our designing, thinking and dressing. Stop looking at the person next to you – wear and make what you want.
Dream Australian collaborators?
I’m very excited to connect with some non-fashion collaborators. I’d love to do a perfume collab with Perdrisât Perfume. I can’t think of anything more endearing than stockings and perfume.
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Who is in your wardrobe right now?
A lot of Paloma Wool, Flore Flore and Deiji Studios. Rejina Pyo makes an appearance and Matteau are now the only swimmers I purchase – you can’t beat the quality.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
Online or via Camargue, Post Sole Studio or Cafe Society.
Find more from Dal 1992 here.
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