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Pricing Beauty

The Making of a Fashion Model

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About this listen

Sociologist Ashley Mears takes us behind the brightly lit runways and glossy advertisements of the fashion industry in this insider's study of the world of modeling. Mears, who worked as a model in New York and London, draws on observations as well as extensive interviews with male and female models, agents, clients, photographers, stylists, and others, to explore the economics and politics - and the arbitrariness - behind the business of glamour.

Exploring a largely hidden arena of cultural production, she shows how the right "look" is discovered, developed, and packaged to become a prized commodity. She examines how models sell themselves, how agents promote them, and how clients decide to hire them. An original contribution to the sociology of work in the new cultural economy, Pricing Beauty offers rich, accessible analysis of the invisible ways in which gender, race, and class shape worth in the marketplace.

©2011 Ashley Mears (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Gender Studies Social Sciences Sociology Discrimination Capitalism Socialism Social justice

Critic reviews

"Mears gives voice to a group of women who are paid to be seen and not heard." (Slate)
"Mears has produced a fascinating study." (Boston Globe)
"Mears acknowledges that walking the runway can be a thrill unlike any other [but also] notes some of the industry's exploitative aspects." (Stylelist)
All stars
Most relevant
A well written, highly engaging and well researched book into the fashion and beauty industries. This book is a must read for anyone who aspires to work in that world.

As an insider, Ashley talks about her own experience in that world and grueling work that is required to continue and make any kind of living there. I think that those people outside of the industry should also read/listen to this book because it highlights the huge amount of work that goes into creating something that so many people often dismiss and think is of little long term value. I also think that for anyone who is in that world it would be good idea to get the view of someone who has been through the mill. you will learn how to avoid making the mistakes before its too late.

I am so glad I discovered the work of this author and very much look forward to reading more of her work in the near future.

Great Intellectual Insights into Fashion Industry

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Informative and thought-provoking. I particularly appreciated the commentary on male and female models and inequalities in pay in relation to postfeminist framing.

Highly informative

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