Summary of the Core Content
This article reveals a harsh truth beneath the glamorous facade of the modeling industry: models are not lucky individuals with innate beauty but rather “products” manufactured by the industrialization of the fashion sector. The industry operates under two sets of completely opposite rules—commercial models, who earn money, are despised, while media models, who don’t, hold the power to speak on behalf of the industry. Models are forced to treat their bodies as exhibits and subject themselves to extreme self-discipline. This logic of “beauty as a commodity” has permeated the lives of ordinary people, such as internet celebrities and office workers, reminding us not to lose ourselves in the pursuit of external appearance.
Breakdown and Interpretation
#### 1. “Beauty” and “appearance” are different things; models are manufactured cultural products
The public assumes that models make their living on natural beauty, but the fashion world does not value “universal beauty.” For example, a girl you consider cute might only be suitable for photos on Taobao, while those with more distinctive features (high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes, or even what might be considered “unattractive”) could end up on Vogue covers. Why? Fashion looks for “malleability”—a blank canvas that designers can manipulate without overshadowing the clothes. This “appearance” is carefully crafted: height, weight, and body measurements must meet precise standards, along with elusive qualities like a sense of “alienation” and “wilderness.” High-end fashion prefers the unusual to distinguish itself from the masses, conveying an impression of sophistication (in other words, “It’s because you don’t understand that it makes me stand out”). Therefore, the beauty of supermodels is not innate but a product defined by the industry’s powerholders.
#### 2. The “reverse gamble” in the modeling industry: those who earn the most have no status, while those who don’t have the power to speak
Models can be divided into two categories:
- Commercial models: They work on Taobao and in advertisements, earning a stable and substantial income but being labeled as “ soulless money-making machines” with the lowest status in the industry.
- Media models: They attend fashion weeks and shoot luxury ads, working fewer hours and sometimes even paying out of their own pockets for travel expenses or working for free. However, they wield significant influence in the industry and can become supermodels, leading to substantial earnings.
Why do some people choose to be media models? It’s like a “stock market gamble” where they bet on becoming one of the 1% of successful models. Agencies act like venture capitalists, signing up many newcomers to test potential (at low cost), relying on the commissions from commercial models to sustain their operations and even subsidizing the losses of media models. Most fail in the end, but the industry’s focus on a few supermodels obscures the sacrifices of thousands of others. It’s similar to seeing a few internet celebrities become wealthy and thinking you can do the same, only for 99% to end up as failures.
#### 3. The body as an exhibit: How extreme is the self-discipline required of models?
Models are not selling their time but their entire selves. Agencies provide them with “size charts” detailing precise measurements, acting like constant reminders that they need to be thinner. Models internalize this standard: they must maintain a proud demeanor even when hungry, use their hands to hide excess fat, and smile regardless of how tired they are when turning down clients. The discrimination is even more pronounced in high-end fashion, where the ideal body type is “size 0” (equivalent to that of a 7-year-old girl) or “white, young, and thin.” While they talk about pursuing aesthetics, the reality is the exclusion of overweight individuals and non-white people. This self-discipline turns models into commodities that constantly maintain their external appearance.
#### 4. It’s not just models: we all work for our appearance
The logic of the modeling industry has spread to everyday life:
- Internet celebrities edit their photos and maintain a certain image to gain likes (a symbol of capital).
- Office workers dress appropriately and maintain a good appearance, as having a good looks can give them an advantage in interviews.
- When you post on social media, you edit your photos, buy skincare products, and work out to enhance your appearance in pursuit of recognition.
Unconsciously, we have become our own “appearance agents,” willingly participating in this self-discipline game for virtual likes or real opportunities. When “beauty” is assigned a price and “individuality” is sold, we must be cautious not to let the value of our appearance overshadow who we truly are.
Final Reminder
The modeling industry serves as a mirror reflecting the realities of a consumer society where we are all swept up in the “economy of beauty.” But remember, true value lies not in how we look but in who we are. Don’t lose sight of your own worth while admiring the beauty of others.