What do independent horror films, custom tailoring, and the crucial difference between liabilities and assets have in common? They are all central elements in the ambitious world of Malaysian creator, Dickson Lim. While his youthful aspirations were set on Hollywood horror filmmaking — a dream he credits with igniting his creative spark — Lim ultimately followed an inherent, powerful calling: the world of fashion design, rooted in his family’s long-standing tailoring business. We sat down with the visionary behind the DL brand to discuss this unique transition, detailing how tradition, modern ambition, and a strong financial discipline combine in his career today.

Let’s start at the beginning. Can you tell us about your initial creative inspirations and where your heart first found its passion?

Filmmaking, specifically the horror genre, is something that has truly inspired me. Since I was a kid, I’ve always said, “I want to make movies.” My biggest inspiration was James Wan; the fact that we are both born in Kuching and he successfully made it to Hollywood was incredibly encouraging. It gave me the belief that, if he can do it, I can do it too.

The film industry is notoriously tough. What was your perspective on the harsh realities of that world, and how did that shift your professional direction?

Stepping into an industry like film, especially without a family background in it, is extremely difficult. I quickly realised that talent is secondary. When it comes to the creative side of things, connections matter more than your talent. You can be the most talented person in the world, but if you’re not connected to the right people, you’re simply not going to get anywhere (unless you have the sheer perseverance to endure it).

Speaking of career paths, tailoring became your reality. Can you describe the role your family’s business played in shaping your professional life?

Tailoring always came very naturally to me. I was born into a family of tailors, and I would always follow my parents to work, watching them cut the fabric, make clothes, and attend to clients. The craft was simply ingrained in me.

You’ve successfully evolved from traditional tailoring to modern fashion design. What does that creative process look like for you, and what is the difference between simply selling clothes and selling fashion?

I constantly try different things and explore new creative angles with garments. The fundamental shift is that in fashion design, you are not selling a necessity — you are selling a want. To succeed, you have to be completely confident in what you sell and, critically, how you articulate and speak about your work.

Every strong brand has a core philosophy. What is the deeper purpose behind the DL brand, and what do you hope your clothes convey to the person wearing them?

I’ve been constantly thinking about how to make clothing into something truly unique — something more than just a garment. I ask: How can what you wear help you find love, build relationships, make more money, or attract opportunities? That’s the core mindset of the DL brand. Essentially, if you wear DL, you are living the belief that anything is possible.

You are known for having a disciplined financial philosophy. What was the catalyst for you to develop such firm views on money management?

The first book that completely changed how I see the world was “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. I’ve seen countless people go broke trying to impress others. Now, whenever I buy something, I ask myself, “Is buying this now going to cause me financial stress in the next few months?”

If you had to distill your financial wisdom down to one or two essential lessons for someone in their twenties, what would they be?

I’ve met people who get their first paycheck, and immediately spend all of it on a Gucci wallet. That is not the right approach. I feel like one of the most important skills for anyone — whether you’re in your twenties or starting a business — is developing a good relationship with money. You must know how to manage it and understand the crucial difference between liabilities and assets.

Finally, is there a message you would like to convey?

If you wear DL, you’re living the mindset that anything is possible.