Numbers and narratives
If you glance at the images of David Lim gracing the pages of VMAN SEA, you’d be hard-pressed to believe he has a career in finance alongside his modeling pursuits. The contrast is stark: in one world, he’s posing for high-octane editorials; in the other, he’s rigorously crunching numbers and analyzing financial data.
Born in the Philippines, David spent his early years in Cebu before his family relocated to the United States when he was five years old. This move set him on a path that led to a career straddling two disparate worlds. As he grew older, David was naturally drawn to finance due to his affinity for math and business. “I’ve always been interested in finance,” he reflects. “It’s a field that requires analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, which I find stimulating.”
This passion for finance led David to pursue a degree in the field and upon graduation, he quickly found success—landing a position at a prestigious institution. However, fate had another path in store for him when he unexpectedly entered the world of modeling through a scout who saw potential in his looks and demeanor. Initially hesitant, David decided to give it a try, viewing it as a creative outlet distinct from his day job. Little did he know that this decision would open up a whole new world of opportunities.
To his surprise, David grew to enjoy and love modeling. His look, combining his pan-Asian appeal with a cosmopolitan edge, made him stand out. As his modeling career began to take off, he found himself facing a new challenge: balancing the demands of his finance career with his success in the fashion industry.
Creating change
“It’s definitely a juggling act,” he admits. “But I’ve always been someone who thrives on challenge and variety. Modeling now serves as a creative outlet for me, offering a break from the structure of finance while allowing me to explore more of the creative side.”
What drew him to these fields was a combination of intellectual curiosity and a desire for self-expression. In finance, he found a channel for his analytical skills and love of problem-solving. Modeling, on the other hand, offered David a chance to explore his creative side and challenge societal norms.
“As an Asian man in the fashion industry, I feel a responsibility to increase representation and challenge stereotypes. It’s not just about looking good in front of a camera; it’s about changing perceptions and opening doors for others.”
In the world of fashion, David sees an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusivity. He uses his platform to tackle preconceived notions and cultivate a more inclusive environment, saying, “The fashion industry has the power to shape cultural narratives. By promoting diverse faces and stories, we can contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society.”
While the presence of Asian Americans in finance and modeling is not new, his story highlights the ongoing conversation about representation in these industries and his experience navigating both finance and fashion offers a fresh perspective on this issue. The fashion world, in particular, has faced criticism for its lack of diversity, with Asian models often underrepresented or typecast in certain roles. David’s journey is just beginning, and he hopes to contribute to greater representation and understanding in both industries.
While firmly rooted in the corporate world now, he remains open to potentially returning to the Philippines in the future to contribute to the region’s financial landscape. From his childhood in Cebu to his current pursuits in New York, David is carving out a unique path for himself—one that embraces the best of what both worlds offer, no matter how starkly different.
This story appears in the pages of VMAN SEA 01: now available for purchase!
Photography Mark Christian Mendez
Grooming Joel Vera Sebastian
Hair Bongbong Buan
Retouching Summer Untalan
Special thanks Ryuji Shiomitsu and NW Models
