Meet Carly Morrison, the visionary behind Dream & Drive Lingerie, a brand dedicated to celebrating every woman's unique beauty and self-worth. Carly's journey began with a passion for lingerie that blossomed into a mission: to create intimate wear that embraces inclusivity and body positivity. Her designs are more than just garments; they're a powerful statement that every woman, regardless of size or shape, deserves to feel confident and sexy. By challenging industry norms and prioritizing self-love, Carly is transforming the lingerie landscape, making it a realm where every woman can see herself, love herself, and celebrate her individuality. Join us as we delve into Carly’s inspiring story and discover how Dream & Drive Lingerie is reshaping the way women perceive themselves and their bodies.
- What inspired you to create Dream & Drive Lingerie, and how does it reflect your personal values and vision?
I've loved lingerie since I was in my teens, however it wasn't until I studied fashion I realised it was where I wanted to focus on. We make lingerie that celebrates feminine silhouettes, lingerie that includes everybody. I mean every body, inclusivity is so important. Our lingerie reflects this in a sizing range. Whether a size 6 or 26, a vintage lover or modern connoisseur, a private sex worker or the girl next door, we makeevery woman feel unstoppably sexy and self-confident, no matter what she is - or isn't – wearing on the outside. Think: comfortable, playful, seductive lingerie that follows the body's natural contours to fit *just* right. Pieces that are designed to feel just as sexy underneath your outfit as they are when on full display. Intimates that are precisely that: intimate. By challenging industry clichés, promoting self-love, and championing body positivity and inclusivity through our lingerie, we're not just changing how women look at lingerie - we're changing how they see themselves. Because for us, lingerie has never been about undressing for someone else's pleasure - it's always been aboutdressing for our own. - How do you approach the design process to ensure your lingerie promotes self-love and body positivity?
We have an extensive sizing range from 6 to 26 and 8A to 22E, but also include custom sizing options meaning anything outside of those sizes, different shapes whether it be smaller band sizes to larger cup size ratio we can make it. Including a variety of styles within collections ensures there really is lingerie for everybody alongside a wider sizing range compared to other brands. - What challenges did you encounter while building Dream & Drive Lingerie, and how did you overcome them?
The censorship on social media for lingerie, especially what we've seen looking at you instagram. Posts and stories being taken down and the like, are pretty much the norm with brands like us that openly support the sex industry and being related to it. It's all just practice and seeing what works on these platforms but it still happens to us and industry related brands which is super annoying. Considering we see it as lingerie - an essential undergarment deep down it really isn't any different to any other pieces of clothing. It feels like we're still trying to break down that taboo in some ways. Bridging the gap between being 'too adult' and acceptable, sometimes it feels because the style of our brand catering to more shapes and sizes, using more laces and meshes that are transparent the doors tend to shut on us sometimes - but then are they our people? Probably not. I think it's all about finding your people in business and outside of that then it all begins to fall into place more. - How do you maintain your mental health and well-being while managing a business?
This one is hard for me to answer, personally I say I, I started this business being so drawn to lingerie and how it can translate to a form of self love and confidence. Ironically I haven't felt that way, my confidence has been low and I've gone through phases where I have completely given this up, had a break because I had no faith or belief in myself. Saying this out loud sounds ridiculous, however remembering why I started this and the passion behind it drives me to continue going. Things like having a routine, making the workspace an area where you love working and having a circle of people that back you are all important that keep me going personally. - What role does inclusivity play in your design philosophy, and how do you ensure it is represented in your collections?
It's so important, it's all about giving people options. Our lingerie doesn't conform to the 'this suits your body type' it's more about 'this fits you', no matter what your shape or size every style is designed for any taste in mind. Although to elaborate, inclusivity is at the very heart of our design philosophy at Dream & Drive. We believe that every woman, regardless of her size, shape, or background, deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and celebrated. This belief guides every aspect of our design process.
To ensure inclusivity is represented in our collections, we start by considering a wide range of body types from the very beginning of the design process. This means creating pieces that not only accommodate different sizes but also enhance and flatter various body shapes. We prioritize fit, comfort, and style equally, so every woman who wears our lingerie feels both comfortable and empowered.
We also gather feedback from a diverse group of women throughout the design process. By involving them in fit trials and discussions about what they need and want from lingerie, we can create pieces that genuinely resonate with a broad audience. Inclusivity isn’t just about size; it’s about listening to and understanding the unique needs of all our customers, and translating that understanding into designs that make every woman feel like these pieces were made just for her.
In addition, our marketing and brand imagery are reflective of this commitment. We showcase a diverse range of models in our campaigns, ensuring that all women see themselves represented in our brand. Inclusivity at Dream & Drive is not just a trend; it’s a fundamental part of who we are and how we approach every collection. - How has your personal journey influenced the way you approach lingerie and body image?
Apart from studying fashion design here in Adelaide and lingerie making in Milan, my background has been in industrial sewing within manufacturing. It's really structured the way I work, how to organise and plan. - Can you describe a time when you faced criticism or pushback, and how you responded to it?
I personally don't feel like that's happened yet, it's all been quite positive so far. - What strategies do you use to stay motivated and inspired in your creative process?
Staying connected to our purpose is key. I draw inspiration from the stories and experiences of the women we design for. Whether it's through customer feedback, social media interactions, or even collaborations with other creatives, I stay motivated by keeping the focus on how our work can positively impact lives. Additionally, I make it a point to step away from the day-to-day grind to immerse myself in art, fashion history, and nature, all of which fuel my creativity and keep my mind fresh and active. - How do you balance the creative aspects of your business with the practical challenges of running it?
Balancing creativity with practicality can be difficult. I approach this by setting clear priorities and ensuring that the creative vision aligns with our business goals. For instance, while I love experimenting with new designs, I always consider how each piece fits into our brand narrative and whether it meets our customers' needs. - What advice would you give to women looking to start their own businesses in the fashion or lingerie industry?
My biggest advice is to stay true to your vision and values. The fashion industry can be overwhelming, with many voices telling you what you should or shouldn’t do. But if you have a clear mission and believe in it, that will resonate with your audience. Also, don't be afraid to start small and grow organically. Building a brand takes time, and it's important to focus on quality and authenticity rather than chasing trends. Lastly, surround yourself with a supportive network—mentors, peers, and a team who believe in your vision as much as you do. - How do you address and manage the pressures of body image and self-esteem in your own life?
Like many women, I've had my own struggles with body image. Running Dream & Drive has been a transformative experience in that regard. I’ve learned to embrace the same values of self-love and body positivity that we promote to our customers. I make it a point to practice what we preach by celebrating my own body, flaws and all, and surrounding myself with a positive, supportive community. It’s also about being kind to myself and understanding that self-esteem is a journey, not a destination. - What impact do you hope Dream & Drive Lingerie will have on the way women perceive themselves and their bodies?
I hope that Dream & Drive becomes a catalyst for women to see themselves in a new light—confident, beautiful, and worthy of love and celebration, just as they are. We want our lingerie to be more than just a product; it’s a statement of self-love and empowerment. By creating pieces that honour every curve and size, I hope we can shift the narrative around body image, helping women to embrace their uniqueness and feel undeniably sexy in their own skin. - How do you stay connected with and understand the needs of your diverse customer base?
Staying connected with our customers is essential to Dream & Drive's success. We actively seek out feedback through social media, surveys, and direct communication. I also make it a point to engage with our community regularly—whether it's through events, online forums, or even one-on-one conversations. This helps me stay in tune with their evolving needs and desires, allowing us to create products that truly resonate. Our commitment to inclusivity means we are always listening, learning, and adapting. - What future goals or projects do you have for Dream & Drive Lingerie?
Looking ahead, I see Dream & Drive expanding into new markets and product lines, always with our core values of inclusivity and body positivity at the forefront. We’re exploring sustainable materials and ethical production methods to further align our business with our values. Another exciting project on the horizon is a collaboration with other like-minded brands to create limited-edition collections that celebrate diversity in all its forms. Having more core collections, a limited edition range and introducing bundles Ultimately, our goal is to become a global leader in the lingerie industry, known not just for our beautiful designs but for the impact we make on women's lives.
Lingerie: dreamanddrive.shop
