FASHION FOR A NEW TRIBE
FASHION FOR A NEW TRIBE
Probably the most experienced of the lot, Lim headed his now-defunct menswear line, MILS, for three years, during which he was invited to show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia in 2012 and was even stocked in multi-label concept boutiques such as Wut Berlin and Gris Garden in Tokyo. Despite making inroads, he decided to wipe the slate clean by going back to school. “It’s like a rebirth of sorts,” the 27-year-old said of his decision to refocus on his craft. Describing his approach as “philosophical,” Lim strives to question the meaning of garments and explore how the act of dressing can be a powerful tool for the body, ego and identity.
What’s interesting about your point-of-view as a designer?
I don’t seek to create “interesting” garments. I’m always questioning what clothes mean and it is always about relating back to the times we’re in. I’m also always questioning the purpose of luxury and what it means. Is it a monogrammed bag? Or is it something rare? Is luxury a compelling design?
What inspired the collection?
I was studying the period of Dada— a time when artists across music, theatre and literature were questioning and challenging the purpose and meaning of art. I developed this ethos by displacing garments on the body and challenging the notions of dress. Felting unlikely fabrics together such as silk and wool was also a technique I used to convey the idea.
What’s the biggest takeaway from joining the competition?
It was learning how to balance the act of pure creation and commercial visibility.
