Meet Hong Lin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hong Lin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hong, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Through Work

I grew up with little confidence—I was always the tallest girl in the room, always the one who caught attention. Back then, I didn’t like the way I looked—my features, my body, my height. I was the quiet one, trying to take up less space.

When it came time for college, my father encouraged me to pursue art. He told me, “Life is boring if you don’t learn to see the world’s beauty from different perspectives. Having something you’re passionate about will bring you joy and keep you moving forward.” With that in mind, I attended Parsons School of Design in 2016.

At Parsons, I met so many talented people in the fashion world who saw me differently than I saw myself. Some encouraged me to try modeling, giving me a whole new perspective on my look. That’s where my journey began. After graduating in 2020, I officially stepped into modeling, and my very first job was with Alex White for ELLE USA’s September issue. At the time, I had no idea how significant that was in the fashion world—I was just grateful. I still am.

Through modeling, I’ve grown into myself. I’ve learned what it truly means to embrace who you are. Confidence started from there. Now, I not only model but also use fashion as a platform to create and step into even more opportunities.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I never thought I’d end up where I am today—starting out as a model, and now running BON Model Management while also managing WOW Magazine. My journey has been shaped by passion, persistence, and an endless curiosity for the fashion industry.

BON Model Management was founded with the vision of creating an agency that not only represents models but truly nurtures them. I’ve seen firsthand how tough this industry can be, and I wanted BON to be more than just a booking agency—it’s a home for talent, a place where models can grow, refine their craft, and build long-term careers. We focus on strategic development, bridging Eastern and Western markets, and ensuring that our models aren’t just seen, but remembered.

At the same time, WOW Magazine is my way of contributing to fashion’s larger conversation. It’s more than just a magazine—it’s a cultural platform that highlights fresh perspectives, emerging talent, and the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, art, and lifestyle. We aim to tell meaningful stories, celebrate individuality, and push boundaries within the creative industry.

Right now, my focus is on bringing more Asian faces to the global stage with my influence, strengthening our presence in key markets, and continuing to push boundaries with WOW Magazine. I believe it’s essential to enhance Asian representation and further elevate our presence in the global fashion world. The industry is changing fast, and I want to be at the forefront of that transformation—bridging cultures, fostering new talent, and redefining what success looks like in fashion.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Stay humble and grateful. Never lose sight of where you came from and the experiences that shaped you. The right mindset will take you further than you think.

2. Learn multiple languages. Globalization isn’t just a trend—it’s reality. Mastering new languages opens doors to different markets, cultures, and career opportunities.

3. Understand finance and investments. Money is a tool—learn how to make it work for you. Spend wisely, invest smartly, and build long-term stability.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

I’d say the biggest challenge has been navigating cultural differences in communication during my day-to-day job.

I was born and raised in China until I was 12, then moved to the U.S. for middle school, high school, and college. I’m familiar with both cultures, but at the same time, I don’t fully feel native to either. So, when I communicate with my Asian coworkers, I sometimes run into cultural expression barriers that slightly affect my workflow. But I’m actively working on overcoming it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redlinlin.hong.lin/
• Other: https://models.com/models/honglin-li

Image Credits

1.Gucci Together 2025 Campaign
Tina Barney – Photographer
Tina Barney – Director
Sabato De Sarno – Creative Director
Riccardo Zanola – Artistic Director
Francesca Burns – Fashion Editor/Stylist
Jawara – Hair Stylist
Diane Kendal – Makeup Artist
Piergiorgio Del Moro – Casting Director

2. JNBY by Rambo Ding

3.VOGUE+
Andrés Jaña – Photographer
Herin Choi – Fashion Editor/Stylist
Edward Lampley – Hair Stylist
Jezz Hill – Makeup Artist
Emma Magidson – Set Designer
Henrique Cirilo – Set Designer
Sonya Meesh – Manicurist

4. Estee Lauder

5.Coach Fall 2022 Campaign with Mint + Serf
Stuart Vevers – Designer
Juergen Teller – Photographer
Dovile Drizyte – Creative Director
Eric McNeal – Fashion Editor/Stylist
Olivier Rizzo – Fashion Editor/Stylist
Adam Markarian – Hair Stylist
Dotti – Makeup Artist
Peter Klein – Set Designer
Brian Helm – Casting Director

6. Gucci Eyewear by Emmanuel Sanchez Monsalve

7. Nike Fall 2021 Lookbook
Dario Catellani – Photographer
Anna Trevelyan – Fashion Editor/Stylist
Mila Taylor-Young – Set Designer
Anita Bitton – Casting Director

8. Portrait
Mikael Schulz – Photographer
Thomas Dunkin – Hair Stylist