In the six years since launching his label, fashion designer Dickson Lim never imagined he would one day be where he is now. As each design evolved amidst his unique characteristics, in the beginning, it all began with “I don’t know”, but eventually, he got there. Years down the road, he has dressed numerous local and international celebrities.
Lim’s latest achievement saw celebrity stylist TY Hunter donning one of his creations while accompanying Beyoncé at the prestigious Met Gala. As a lad from the small city of Kuching, Sarawak, he remains grounded.
Known as the “Shuriken blazer”, Lim explained that the suit designed for TY stemmed from another piece he had created — only shorter. The piece, which was not too loud yet remained a fashion statement, was a suit with three layered front panels. A classic suit with a fashion twist, Lim also revealed that this design was among his most sought-after pieces.
“It was also one of my favourite designs,” he added.
With the Met Gala, and even the Oscars, crossed off his list of fashion events, Lim’s next goal is to dress celebrities like Travis Scott and even participate in events such as Shanghai Fashion Week or Paris Fashion Week.
A Piece of Dickson Lim
But how does he ensure that every piece he creates remains distinctive? For Lim, the answer lies in constantly challenging himself.
“If I’ve done it before, I probably won’t do it again because I like pushing myself to try new things. Unless it’s intentional, I usually avoid repeating the same idea,” he said.
Nevertheless, with more than half a decade behind him, he has turned many errors into lessons while improving and sharpening his tailoring techniques along the way. In several of his recent designs, there are elements that were intentionally remade — lessons he learned through years of experience.
“I often keep pushing myself to be better and to improve my skills. I feel like it’s a healthy pressure, especially when there are so many people watching my designs. It is like there is an expectation waiting,” he said, and that push has led him to produce countless unique pieces, suits that are better than before.
Yet the push forward is not without its setbacks. Lim admitted there have been moments of disappointment, though the criticism often comes from himself rather than others.
“Yes, I have felt that feeling before — when I tried to project my ideas, but they didn’t work and the engagement was bad. I never let it get to me though. I would think, it’s okay, let’s try again.”
Obtaining inspiration from everywhere, his designs often start with an idea that evolves. From watching movies to imagining a unique suit, Lim shared that he would refine the idea until he is satisfied.
“When? I don’t know. I just know that when it feels right, then it’s right.”
As a designer, he aims to create timeless bespoke suits, garments that remain relevant regardless of trends. With a meticulous eye for tailoring, the work can be exhausting at times, but Lim finds fulfilment in the process.
“When I work, I work. When I rest, I rest. I enjoy what I’m doing, and I know that I have yet to reach the level I have set for myself, so I cannot sit down yet.”
Not Slowing Down
When one sees a Dickson Lim suit, one would know it is a Dickson Lim suit. Distinctive in its silhouette and craftsmanship, his work has become synonymous with a design language that is uniquely his own. Coming from a city often overlooked by the global fashion industry, Lim believes success is not determined by where one is born, but by the vision one chooses to pursue.
“Right now, my brand is a valuable Intellectual Property (IP), and I could turn it into fashion design, teaching design, and even directing a short film. I may come from unconventional beginnings, but my brand can stand alongside international brands despite that. I am proof that where I was born and raised isn’t a limitation to what I want to do,” said the fashion designer.
Looking ahead, Lim hopes to scale his brand and make it more accessible to a wider market while preserving the exclusivity and individuality that define its identity. With uniqueness being pivotal to his brand, his expansion goals may create a different fashion statement within the small region of Sarawak and beyond.
Ending the interview, Lim shared words of encouragement: always invest in yourself and learn new things. To him, it is important not to be afraid of failure and to try new things. While his success today is evident, he reminds others that throughout the years in the industry, he has gone through countless unpleasant and painful experiences.
“If I could, I would tell 2020 Dickson Lim, the one who is always doubting himself, that this isn’t a smooth journey. There are going to be moments when you feel sad and depressed. But all those experiences are working for you, making you wiser. Without them, we would have continued to be naive and gullible. In the end, it’s only up to you to make it better,” said 2026 Dickson Lim.
