International fashion photographer Lon Liwen was involved in a variety of careers before going full time in photography. Lon Liwen is the professional name of Raymond Lontok.
During the Nineties, Li was one of the youngest fashion designers in the Philippines to run a flourishing line of ready-to-wear clothes. He branched out to publication by starting one of the country’s esteemed publishing houses and conceptualizing and realizing its premiere fashion magazine. He also managed a modeling agency that maintained an international portfolio.
He produced widely read publications that focused on the nude male form and gender issues such as Rice, Brief Encounters and Brief Moments. He provided the template for the highly popular Bench underwear shows by conceptualizing and producing its first two productions. He created Preview magazine and founded Summit Media. He also published Fashion Forecast, a trade publication devoted to Philippine fashion.
In the early 2000s, Li started an international career in fashion photography with bases in Canada, Milan, Paris and New York. He helped nurture the careers of a number of today’s top fashion models by lending them his keen eye and creativity.
Li now makes the Philippines his home, frequently traveling around the Asian region for a variety of assignments.