The groundbreaking Sarawakian designer reflects on his success, how his upbringing is woven into his brand, and the unconditional love he has for fine craftsmanship.

&ldquo;Exactly two months into my school break,&rdquo; Dickson Lim responds, cool as a cucumber, when quizzed about the timeline of his sartorial mastery. But can time alone, with its mix of trials, triumphs and raw talent, truly capture what sets Lim apart as one of today&rsquo;s most promising fashion talents?
For the 24-year-old visionary, hailing from the vibrant city of Kuching, those sixty days weren&rsquo;t just a leisurely break from school. They were a relentless pursuit of excellence, a journey towards becoming a true aficionado of the tailored suit. With determination in his stride, Lim set out to carve a niche in the world of suiting, injecting it with his own brand of creativity and flair, ensuring that every stitch told a story far from ordinary.
Despite hailing from a family steeped in tailoring tradition, Lim faced an uphill battle in his quest to become a fashion designer. &ldquo;My parents always envisioned me following the conventional path of a tailor, inheriting their business one day. But that&rsquo;s not where my passion lies,&rdquo; he reveals. Adding to the challenge, Lim received minimal encouragement from his family, their words of affirmation as scarce as fabric on a well-worn spool. &ldquo;It felt like they doubted my aspirations, dismissing my dreams as impractical and time-consuming,&rdquo; he admits. Yet, adhering to the adage that adversity breeds strength, Lim embraced the challenge, determined to prove his doubters wrong. It was in 2019 that he encountered his &ldquo;sifu,&rdquo; his master tailor and mentor, the lone champion of his vision in the creative realm. &ldquo;He was the sole voice urging me to pursue my dreams and stay steadfast in my ambitions,&rdquo; Lim reminisces.

Amid a global pandemic, Dickson Lim&rsquo;s inaugural collection emerged as both a poignant response to doubters and a resounding triumph for the designer. Presented via a digital showcase, it served as a love letter inscribed with threads of defiance and victory. Within the collection, Lim artfully wove elements of asymmetrical cuts and layers, each piece resonating with a deeper narrative. These design choices, he explains, symbolise &ldquo;the false projection of your reflection opposing your real identity,&rdquo; a notion that captures the stark juxtaposition between outward appearances and inner truths. &ldquo;For me, that first collection was deeply personal,&rdquo; Lim reflects. &ldquo;Words didn&rsquo;t always come easily to me growing up, so I turned to craftsmanship as my chosen form of self-expression.&rdquo; Through meticulous design, Lim found a voice, each stitch echoing the sentiments he once struggled to articulate.
Since then, Dickson Lim has remained steadfast in his pursuit, refusing to yield to adversity. While his subsequent collections may exude a lighter, more playful vibe, Lim remains committed to honing his craftsmanship and challenging sartorial conventions.
In 2023, Lim unveiled Heatwave, a collection perfectly attuned to Malaysia&rsquo;s tropical climate. This sartorial symphony featured suits adorned with unexpected cuts and shapes, alongside shirts, trousers, and jackets crafted with modern twists and turns which were rarely explored by emerging local designers. Lim&rsquo;s audacious approach to modern suiting not only turned heads but firmly established his presence on the global fashion stage.

In the past year alone, Lim&rsquo;s star has soared to new heights. He emerged victorious at the prestigious Creative Design competition in Italy, collaborated with international luminaries like JJ Lin and Zhang Zhen, and even graced the red carpet at the Oscars with actor and internet personality Reece Feldman donning one of Lim&rsquo;s creations. Yet, I am well aware that these milestones are just the tip of the iceberg for this rising star who is poised to unveil even more brilliance in the days to come.
Despite the accolades and spotlight that have come his way, Dickson Lim reveals a surprising truth: they are not the ultimate goal in his career trajectory. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m truly grateful for the recognition and attention, but honestly, they&rsquo;re not my top priorities,&rdquo; he confides. &ldquo;What truly drives me is the pursuit of excellence in my craft. For me, being a fashion designer is about creating exceptional work and refining my craftsmanship.&rdquo; Lim emphasises the importance of prioritising design over popularity, advocating for a steadfast focus on the creative process. In essence, for Lim, the true essence of success lies in the mastery of his artistry rather than the limelight it may attract, &ldquo;When you pour your heart and soul into crafting remarkable designs with impeccable attention to detail, recognition naturally follows suit,&rdquo; he asserts. &ldquo;The key is to remain dedicated to perfecting your craft, and the rest will fall into place.&rdquo;

"When you pour your heart and soul into crafting remarkable designs with impeccable attention to detail, recognition naturally follows suit."

At a mere 24 years of age, Dickson Lim exudes a confidence and clarity of vision that belies his youth. His unwavering self- assurance is palpable as he articulates his ambitious plans for the brand&rsquo;s growth and future collections, leaving no room for doubt. In conversation, Lim eagerly unveils his forthcoming collections from his iPad, each concept more captivating than the last, a testament to his boundless creativity and artistry. His innovative designs promise to push boundaries and captivate audiences anew. But Lim&rsquo;s aspirations extend beyond the runway. In a bid to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise, he&rsquo;s set his sights on launching an online course, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the world of crafts and tailoring. And that&rsquo;s not all. In the pipeline for 2024 is the debut of Dickson Lim loungewear, poised to redefine wardrobe essentials with his signature blend of style and comfort.
As he delves into his current and future endeavours, I find myself pondering whether 24 hours a day suffice for Dickson Lim. His tireless dedication is evident, as he toils ceaselessly, day in and day out. With his brand still in its fledgling stages, Lim operates as a one-man band, juggling myriad responsibilities with unwavering determination. Despite harbouring a desire for respite, he grapples with the fear of missed opportunities lurking in moments of rest. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m constantly pushing myself forward,&rdquo; he reveals. &ldquo;The thought of letting an opportunity slip by is something I can&rsquo;t bear.&rdquo; Admitting that his approach may seem extreme, Lim remains steadfast in his conviction that relentless dedication is the path to success. &ldquo;Everyone has their own method of reaching for the stars,&rdquo; he muses. &ldquo;For me, this unwavering drive is non-negotiable.&rdquo; In Lim&rsquo;s world, every waking moment is a chance to inch closer to his lofty aspirations.

In the face of his demanding schedule, Dickson Lim prioritises time for both his loved ones and himself. Sundays serve as a sacred sanctuary, where work takes a backseat, and he revels in the company of friends and family, embracing the present moment. A voracious reader, Lim finds solace and inspiration within the pages of books, immersing himself in the wisdom and insights they offer. &ldquo;My designs often stem from random sparks of inspiration, but literature plays a significant role in shaping my creative process,&rdquo; he confides. &ldquo;It not only provides me with strength and motivation but also helps me stay focused on my ultimate career goals.&rdquo;
While acknowledging that he still has much ground to cover,Lim has aspirations of nurturing and witnessing the rise of a new generation of local fashion designers on the global stage. &ldquo;I believe that by prioritising craftsmanship and values over superficial allure, we can collectively elevate the industry,&rdquo; he reflects. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s crucial to maintain a clear vision and resist the allure of a glamorous lifestyle as the sole motivation for entering this field.&rdquo; Offering sage advice to aspiring fashion designers, Lim emphasises the importance of self-reflection and dedication. &ldquo;Ask yourself if this career is a true calling, as it demands significant sacrifices &mdash; mentally, physically and financially,&rdquo; he advises. &ldquo;And remember, your journey is unique; focus on surpassing your own limitations rather than comparing yourself to others. Progress is the ultimate measure of success.&rdquo; With such wisdom guiding his path, there&rsquo;s no doubt that Dickson Lim is destined for greatness.

Photography Sarah Hobbs Words &amp; Creative Direction Syazil Abd Rahim Grooming Joey Yap Hair Angeline Low Gaffer Zoell Basil Photography Assistant Sarah Chin Model Wang / WuModels

Interview: The powerful and delicate world of Dickson Lim

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