In conversation with Dickson Lim and Alice Jane. Two self-tought designers sit together, exploring How Hard Work and Strong Will Are Key to Making a Mark in the Fasthion Industry
The elevator doors glide open, and I walk alongside Dickson Lim toward the door that reads“A-JANE.” Lim turns to me and whispers, “I’m a little shy.” Given his usual confidence, I assumed he was joking. Still, I rang the doorbell and replied, “Don’t worry, I am too.”
Lim’s infectious energy was immediately apparent. After a firm handshake, we clicked instantly. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and he moved with an intense passion, as if every part of him was ablaze. Having travelled from Kuching, Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur specifically for this interview, Lim’s enthusiasm promised a great conversation.
And I was right. His initial nervousness was merely a mask for his eager excitement. We stepped into Alice Jane’s studio, where she greeted us with a calm demeanour. Soft jazz played in the background as she welcomed us into her creative space. The studio, resembling an art gallery, showcased racks of “A-JANE”and “NOIZ”designs, with a special corner dedicated to her creations, displayed as wearable art.
We settled into her couches, engaging in warm-up conversation. Both their energy balances each other. But on the runway, their designs radiate a similar edge. Jane infuses her design philosophy with her background in Neue Musik(German, New Music), transforming abstract concepts into fashion. Meanwhile, Lim—who was the youngest designer to debut at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) when he was 19—adds his own youthful edge to his signature tailored suits.
One thing unites them-a shared courage to redefine fashion norms. Both are innovators of classic designs, elevating pieces to new heights. True to their passion, philosophy, and brand identity, they remain unafraid to challenge conventions.
BAZAAR presents this conversation, offering a glimpse into the minds of two trailblazers—Dickson Lim of “Dickson Lim” and Alice Jane of “A-JANE”and “NOIZ.”
Alice Jane (AJ)： What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a self-taught designer?
Dickson Lim (DL)： Finding the motivation to keep going and staying focused on the brand mission. Starting a brand isn’t a short- term endeavour. Some days, you feel incredibly inspired while other days, you doubt yourself and question whether it’s worth it.
For me, the key is maintaining a clear understanding of my brand philosophy and the reasons behind starting the brand. If I don’t have a strong grasp of my brand values, how can my customers connect with it?
DL： How about you? You’ve been doing fashion design for about 8 years now. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a designer?
AJ： As a fashion designer inspired by Neue Musik, it’s integrating that music philosophy into my designs. Bridging the gap between the abstract principles of Neue Musik and practical, wearable clothing is difficult. It’s a constant struggle to translate these abstract concepts into something tangible in fashion. I need to clearly communicate and convey this experience to my customers.
DL： I can definitely see that in your latest collection. It’s very unconventional. I’ve noticed something in particular. What do you call this technique? (referring to an Jane’s outfit)
AJ： Laser cut. I experimented with this concept two years ago, starting with a collection that explored the opposition between positive and negative. The negative aspect is represented by cutouts. This collection examines how people perceive perfection and imperfection.
The negative elements have a rebellious edge. Meanwhile, the positive parts are designed to be universally beautiful. However, I discovered that people don’t only gravitate toward beauty, they also connect with the negative aspects. This is the beautiful part of humans.
DL： How did you transition from music to fashion?
AJ： It was quite smooth for me, largely because it was rooted in my childhood with my mother. As the youngest daughter, I spent a lot of time with her, learning how to make clothes, source fabrics, and cut patterns. My mother was incredibly creative, even though she wasn’t a fashion designer. She would tell me, “We should make this collar bigger, I think it’ll be nicer, or maybe sleeve longer”, and we explore fashion together. It wasn’t until I moved to Germany that I realised how deeply rooted fashion was in me. I started a blog to introduce designer brands, sharing my favourites. This led me to become a personal stylist. Eventually, I partnered with Italian multi-label stores like Luisaviaroma and Mytheresa, seeking limited pieces for my clients.
After living in Germany for eight years, I moved to the States with my husband. We later relocated to Singapore due to my husband’s job, and I launched my website, a-jane.com. A little origin to the brand name. After my husband lost his job, we moved to Johor Bahru, where I spent almost ten years and started my first showroom, showcasing my luxury collection.
DL： Were you selling your own brand, or others?
AJ： Other brands. Balenciaga was the top seller that period. My deep appreciation for Balenciaga is evident in my sub-brand, “NOIZ”. Eventually as a creator, I grew tired of selling other people’s designs. I questioned my own creativity. This led to a period of depression. A friend suggested that I start my own brand and design my own clothes. So, I decided to give it a try. I immersed myself in learning. I also travelled to China to learn about fabric sourcing and factory production. This hands-on experience deepened my involvement in fashion design, and I continued to explore and develop my skills. I had the privilege of designing because I wore Prada and other big brands, so I know the workmanship and have very high expectations. I only wear shoes made in Italy. This is where I started out, with high standards and a focus on accuracy, especially in garments and fashion.
BAZAAR：Jane, what similarities do you find between music and fashion?
AJ： The similarity lies in the art philosophy behind both. In music, especially with the Neue Musik I’ve created, there’s an element of distortion and rawness. It’s about breaking conventional boundaries, much like how I approach fashion. For instance, my prints often reflect this distortion, like sound waves. Recently, I explored 3D waves in my collection, building on the 2D designs from previous collections. Both fields allow for creative expression that can be unconventional and avant-garde.
AJ： As both a tailor and a fashion designer, which role do you prefer and why?
DL： Well, tailoring is all about craftsmanship and timeless silhouettes. For me, being a fashion designer is an extension of tailoring. My work now involves unconventional suits, but the foundation remains the same—it’s still about craftsmanship.
I started as a tailor when I was 19, coming from a family of tailors. I wasn’t initially interested and found it quite boring at the time. During high school, I admired Virgil’s work at LV, but I couldn’t afford them. So, I decided to learn tailoring myself. Suit-making is all about precision. I learned a lot through trial and error. I refined my skills and eventually created my first blazer.
I wore it to a fashion talk in Kuching, and Mr. Andrew saw potential in me.
He offered me a chance to design 30 pieces, which felt surreal. I had always thought I’d be a tailor for life, but this opportunity was a game-changer. Despite my family’s doubts and the initial skepticism that it might be a scam, I focused on creating my collection. I ended up presenting 12 or 13 looks for my first collection in 2020. That was my entry into the fashion world.
AJ： Wow, that’s quite a shift. Most designers graduate and then showcase their collections, so your journey is impressive and surprising.
DL： And we didn’t attend a fashion school.
AJ： We’re not the type to study fashion just to get into it. We genuinely love fashion and create because of that passion.
DL： Exactly. There’s no single path to success in fashion or anything else. If you’re passionate about something, just pursue it.
DL： Many of your collections explore themes of identity and transformation. How do you translate these abstract ideas into wearable art?
AJ：“A-JANE”is about delving into the inner self—our emotions and desires. It’s about exploring what we deeply want from within. I started this artwork by questioning myself because I truly love art. May I ask you, what is art?
DL： I feel like it’s a very subjective question.
AJ： Exactly. Art is actually a question with no single answer. Everything can be art. So, I asked myself, how can I translate this into clothing? I wanted to create pieces that are both artistic and wearable. I started exploring identity and insight-what “A-JANE” is and what Neue Musik represents. For instance, it explores new sounds. I aimed to design multifunctional, versatile pieces that function as both art and clothing, such as a top that can also be worn as a skirt. It’s wearable art.
Aj： The concept of deconstruction in tailoring has been in the brand identity, what’s your intention of bringing streetwear to the new collection?
DL： For me, it’s about pushing the boundaries of tailoring and elevating it. I focus on incorporating layers—merging them to create unique forms. I started expanding because I didn’t want my brand to be known only for tailoring.
I wanted to share what I wear with the world and reinterpret classic items like T-shirts and loungewear through the “DL”lens. What you see in the show is my take on loungewear—pairing suits with trousers, layering shirts, and incorporating 3D-printed shades. It’s a fresh approach to loungewear and very much a reflection of “DL.”
I’ve also focused on affordability with items like hoodies and T-shirts. For me, it’s about minimalism, quality, and custom details. I experimented with various printing methods—silk screening, embroidery, and ironing rubber-but each had its flaws. So, I tested the durability, fabric quality, and design of my pieces before launching. Wearing “DL” isn’t just about the clothes； it’s about the message. My brand is about inspiring the world. I wanted to offer something different—something with a strong brand message that makes people feel special. When people wear “DL”, I want them to feel like they can achieve anything.
BAZAAR： What about you, Jane? What do you want people to feel in “A-JANE”?
AJ：I want them to experience a new level of fashion and self-expression. The empowerment, confidence, and uniqueness that our pieces evoke. From feedback, customers share that wearing “A-JANE”makes them feel confident. Many people struggle with low self-confidence or feel lost, so I hope wearing our designs helps them rediscover their true identity.
DL： I really like that message. As a fashion brand, we’re not just creating clothes； we’re spreading a positive brand message. I feel like both our messages are closely related.
AJ： As a self-taught designer, I believe success is achievable with determination. If you have the will, you’ll find the way. Work hard, experiment, and never give up-that’s the message I want to share.
BAZAAR： Do you think of trends when designing your pieces?
AJ： I don’t usually follow trends； I aim to create them. My designs are meant to be timeless and unique，not something you’ll find everywhere. It’s challenging because people might not immediately accept or understand new concepts. For example, Neue Musik was initially seen as just noise-something unconventional and hard to appreciate. Similarly, when we push for future trends, it’s about creating something new and meaningful, even if it’s not instantly embraced. People often resist stepping out of their comfort zones and might judge something avant-garde or abstract. But those who are truly confident and have a strong sense of self will embrace these pieces, and that’s how we start to shape future fashion.
BAZAAR： Do you think “NOIZ” could be a stepping stone to reaching this future vision?
AJ： Absolutely. “NOIZ” can be a way to introduce these new ideas gradually. So it’s not a shock.
DL： For my brand, I don’t focus on future trends. Instead, I see each collection as an extension of the world I’m building. It’s about creating a narrative and characters through “DL”, so everything feels authentic and true to my brand values. If you resonate with that, then you’re part of the world I’m creating.
DL： Sustainability is a key conversation in fashion today. How does “A-JANE” approach the balance between innovation and ethical production?
AJ： The laser cutting technique I’m exploring now is sustainable and reduces waste by eliminating the need for paper patterns. The idea is to make fashion simpler and more comfortable. For instance, I have a t-shirt that’s become a best-seller because it’s effortless and minimalistic, with very few stitches. This approach could be a future trend-creating fashion that’s not just innovative but also sustainable and easy to produce.
DL： My approach is to create pieces with zero waste. I handle pattern making personally, which allows me to use fabric efficiently and minimise waste. However, this process can slow down production time.
AJ： I understand the slow production challenge. That’s why I’m exploring ways to speed up the process while maintaining quality. Also to ensure efficiency and longevity of the items.
DL： How many collections do you usually launch in a year?
AJ：I had a period where I didn’t release any collections due to a year of depression and transition. During that time, I focused on creating “NOIZ” first because it didn’t require a deep philosophical story. I completed “NOIZ”while I searched for inspiration for “A-JANE.” Storytelling is crucial in design. Without a story, art can feel empty.
BAZAAR： What helped you the most in getting back on track during that challenging period?
AJ： The support from my team. I’m a very sentimental and sensitive person. When my team in Johor left, it was challenging. We weren’t on the same wavelength, and it was tough to find the right support. Eventually, a friend came in to help, and we built a new team that understood me and could work with me effectively.
BAZAAR： What about you, Dickson? Will you expand the “Dickson Lim” team?
DL： Definitely. Every successful person talks about the importance of teamwork. I am a one-man show. To move to the next level, I definitely need to expand and hire a team, particularly for marketing. Ideally，I’d want someone who truly understands my brand values.
AJ： Having a team that aligns with your vision is crucial. It’s tough, but having the right people can make a big difference in scaling up and managing the business effectively. It sounds like you’re on the right track by recognizing the need for expansion and focusing on building a team that can help you grow while staying true to your brand. But I’d recommend making the team small for now.
Aj： What do you think about the“A-JANE” brand? What kind of design inspired you, and do you think “A-JANE” has the potential to grow in the market?
DL：I definitely see a strong identity. When you see an “A-JANE” look, you instantly recognize it. I’ve been impressed by your unique approach, especially the layering and the unconventional shapes. These elements are quite different from what I usually experiment with, and they’ve left a lasting impression on me.
AJ： The challenge for me is how to make “A-JANE”’s identity more relatable to the customer base and market demands. It’s like with Neue Musik philosophies—people sometimes struggle to understand the concept. I’m trying to bridge that gap for my consumers.
DL： For me, you don’t have to accommodate everyone. Being true to yourself is the most important thing. I don’t need everyone to know me. I just need a group of people who appreciate me. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.