Ep 4. Faces That Sell

This is Life with Lisa Ling season 2 episode 4, Faces That Sell, explores the fascinating and often mysterious world of modeling. From the glamorous runways of New York to the bustling markets of Asia, Lisa Ling delves deep into the lives of models, both male and female, and the people who make them famous. By examining the often tumultuous relationships between agencies, models, and consumers, Ling reveals the intense pressure and scrutiny that models face on a daily basis.

One of the focuses of the episode is how modeling agencies use social media to scout new talent. Ling travels to rural Arkansas and meets with a young woman named Ashley who was discovered on Instagram. Ashley dreams of becoming a professional model, but her conservative, religious upbringing has left her with some apprehensions about the industry. Ling follows Ashley as she takes her first steps into the modeling world and discovers the challenges and decisions facing a young model trying to break into the industry.

The show also takes an in-depth look at the world of male modeling, exploring the challenges facing this often-overlooked sector of the industry. Ling interviews male models who have struggled with issues unique to their gender, such as body image and the perception of masculinity. She also speaks with agents and executives who reveal the challenges involved in promoting male models in a culture that often views fashion as a women’s game.

Another segment of the episode explores the global market for models. Ling travels to South Korea, a country with a booming modeling industry, to discover the unique beauty standards that drive the business. She interviews models, agents, and consumers to learn what qualities are seen as desirable in Korean models and how this differs from the Western world. Ling discovers how the rise of Korean pop culture has inspired a new generation of models and how this is shaping the industry in South Korea and beyond.

The episode also uncovers some of the darker aspects of the modeling world. Ling speaks with models who have faced harassment and assault from photographers and agents, and exposes the difficult choices often faced by young models trying to establish themselves in the industry. She also takes a closer look at the impact of beauty standards on models’ mental health, exploring the pressure to maintain a certain weight and appearance and what can happen when this becomes overwhelming.

Throughout the episode, Ling offers viewers a rare glimpse into this high-stakes industry, exploring the many complexities and contradictions surrounding it. The episode addresses issues such as diversity, exploitation, and the impact of social media on the modeling world. By giving voice to models themselves and uncovering the mechanisms that keep the industry running, Faces That Sell reveals the challenges and rewards behind one of the world’s most glamorous professions.