iHeartPodcasts and Campside Media have released a new documentary podcast series, “Model Wars,” which explores the high fashion industry during the 1980s and 1990s. The series is hosted by journalist and Campside co-founder Vanessa Grigoriadis and executive produced by Rachel Winter with Hollywoodland, along with Adam Hoff.
The podcast provides an in-depth look at the era’s competitive modeling world, including stories involving major figures such as Eileen Ford and John Casablancas. It also examines the entry of President Trump into the modeling agency business and Jeffrey Epstein’s financial involvement with an agency in Paris.
At the center of “Model Wars” is Paul Fisher, who entered the modeling business after meeting an alleged mobster. With significant funding from questionable sources, Fisher aimed to compete with established industry leaders but soon became embroiled in intense rivalries that would impact the fashion world.
“Model Wars” follows Fisher over ten episodes as he navigates parties, spends large sums of money, builds a new agency, and faces challenges from his dangerous associates.
Vanessa Grigoriadis is known for her work on other podcasts such as Infamous: Inside America’s Biggest Scandals, Run Bambi Run, New York magazine’s Tabloid, Chameleon, and Fallen Angel. She has received a National Magazine Award and contributes to The New York Times Magazine and Vanity Fair.
The first episode of “Model Wars” is now available on the iHeartRadio app as well as other major podcast platforms. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays.
Campside Media specializes in investigative audio storytelling. In 2025 alone, it produced 16 limited podcast series.
