In today's fast-paced world of fashion, it's not uncommon for style aficionados to prioritize trends and newness over comfort and sustainability. Despite this, some local designers like Dona Lim still choose to advocate for wearable and breathable pieces that are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Similar to her debut collection, Dona's new Spring 2024 lineup shines the spotlight on well-made and trend-proof garments that encapsulate her "less but better" design ethos. Her label's latest collection is not only a reflection of this philosophy, but also a deeply personal narrative of empowerment and growth. A testament to her personal journey as a designer, she masterfully combines boxy and structured pieces alongside flowy silks and soft hues without any embellishments at all. Read more about her latest offerings in her exclusive interview with Preview ahead!
Preview Creative Spotlight: Dona Lim on Her Spring 2024 Collection
Can you give us an overview of the concept or theme behind your collection? What was your creative vision and how is it connected to your design ethos?
“The collection shimmers in beautiful neutrals and pastels. The color palette is toned down and subtle to emote a gentle and quiet spirit, which is the concept of this collection.
A collection that truly evokes the principle ‘less but better.’ The silhouettes are soft and free while the fabrics are most luxurious to the touch. The lack of embellishments is replaced with the perfect cut. Each detail, drape, and silhouette sit and fall exactly where it should be—not to enhance, but to reveal the woman’s natural shape and beauty.”
Are there any particular influences that shaped your collection? How did they inspire your work?
“Fashion does reflect growth, changing values, and self expression. This year, my collection reflects exactly that. It represents my own spiritual journey and how I responded to challenges and my personal experiences of growth.
There is extra softness and bounce in my choices of colors and fabrics, but there’s also that hint of strength in the pairings of the boxy tees and shoulder padded tops. Instead of struggling to balance between asserting our rights and submitting, as a woman, there is also a time to be quiet and rest. Hence, this collection reflects a juxtaposition of soft and hard, casual and dressy—a momentum paradox. A standstill does not mean doing nothing. It’s mindfulness with a focus on building momentum.”
What are the main design elements in your collection? Are there any specific fabrics, materials, motifs, silhouettes, or colors that defined your collection?
“There is strength and depth in its simplicity and elegance. The juxtaposition of boxy shoulders padded on straight-cut casual t-shirts against soft flowy silks and exaggerated silhouettes that accentuate curves—they highlight power in femininity.”
What methods or crafting techniques did you use to construct your pieces? How long did it take to complete this collection?
“It took about three months to finish this collection, but conceptualizing might have started earlier. It took me a while to do this collection. There was a lot of meaningful thought process and reflections.”
“I take a long time in product development. I don’t settle for mediocrity. I strive for perfection. I give most importance to the cut and drape of each piece so we take pattern-making seriously. Oftentimes, an extra inch makes all the difference. Choosing the right fabric is sometimes harder when you have so much options out there. Hence, I take a lot of time choosing the right weight of fabric, the right weave, the right drape, the right stretch, and the right texture for the look I’m going for.
And it doesn’t always work right away, so sometimes I’m stuck for a month. But in the end, we always deliver. Making a piece of garment is like an artwork. You start with a creative vision and then it becomes a mathematical problem when you need to bring that idea into a physical form, so we do a lot of math in creating our pieces.”
What makes this collection stand out from your previous work?
“All my collections are meaningful and I always draw inspiration from my environment and what’s happening around me and how I respond to it. As a creative director or an artist, you’re only as good as your last work. The challenge I face every season is how to be better than my last collection. I am proud of every collection because it reflects growth and evolution as a designer. However, this collection is extra meaningful to me because of its deep association with my own personal journey and its significance in my growth.”
What specific message do you wish to convey through this collection?
“Some people wear clothes to reflect outward experiences, while some inward. I believe there should be a balance of outward and inward experience. Just as a dress radiates outward to your surroundings, it also moves inward. How does it make you feel? How you dress affects your mood and has a psychological impact.”
“This ‘less but better’ ethos is about presenting as little design as possible so as not to get in the way of what truly matters: you. You must feel good about yourself. Our pieces are so comfortable and [they] bring out your best self so you can focus on what matters. We want our pieces to empower the wearer and realize there is a lot of power in being a woman.”
How do you want others to feel after seeing your work?
"Not just see, it’s not all visual. I believe wearing my clothes stimulates all your senses, most especially touch. I want people to experience each piece, to love and treasure it, and most importantly, to keep it forever. That’s why I put a lot of effort in making each piece because it’s meant to keep sustainability in mind.”
Can you share any fun fact or unknown trivia about any of your pieces?
“Every piece in the collection is named after women of faith I admire. They possess a certain joie de vivre that comes from an inner strength of peace and contentment. I had a lot of fun naming each one after my friends.”
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