WASHINGTON, D.C.—Several months after photos of him smoking a cigarette in a bathtub went viral, Hunter Biden, a 50-year-old lawyer and son of President Joe Biden, became the newest face at IMG Models, one of the world’s most prestigious modeling agencies. Along with Vice President Kamala Harris’ step-daughter Ella Emhoff, who also signed with IMG, the agency works with such famous faces as Karlie Kloss, Alek Wek and Ashley Graham.

“It’s not really about shape, size or gender anymore,” said Ivan Bart, the president of IMG Models, noting that what brands are attracted to, and what consumers want, is authenticity. “Hunter communicates this moment in time. There’s a ruggedness and a sexual magnetism he exudes.”

Bart also said after seeing the widely-circulated shirtless bath images, he thought, “Wow, he’s communicating fashion.”

Mr. Biden’s decision to work with IMG reflects both his own interest in design and self-preservation. “I need a lot of help,” he said. “If I can do anything to help myself, I want to, and I think this opportunity will be really beneficial toward that.”