Playboy (USA) - February 2025

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Missing Image The February 2025 issue of Playboy marks a significant revival for the iconic American men's magazine, first published in 1953 by Hugh Hefner. Known for its mix of nude pictorials and cultural articles, this issue reintroduces the magazine with a fresh perspective, addressing current societal shifts. It features model and entrepreneur Lori Harvey on the cover, photographed by Greg Swales.

Overview

Playboy magazine, founded in 1953 by Hugh Hefner, has long been a cultural icon in the United States, known for its pictorials of nude and semi-nude models alongside articles on culture, politics, and lifestyle. The February 2025 issue marks a significant milestone as the magazine's return to print after a five-year absence, signaling a revival aimed at blending its timeless heritage with a modern perspective. This issue, priced at U.S. $19.99 and displayed until May 8, 2025, is notable for its focus on addressing post-pandemic cultural shifts and political divisiveness, as highlighted in the editor's letter by Mike Guy, the Editor-in-Chief, alongside Creative Director Smiley Stevens.

Publication Details

The February 2025 issue was released on February 10, 2025, and is available at Barnes & Noble newsstands nationwide, as announced by PLBY Group, Inc. (PLAYBOY Magazine to Return to Newsstands in February 2025). The cover features Lori Harvey, a prominent fashion icon and entrepreneur known for her brand SKN by LH, photographed by Greg Swales. The cover design includes headlines such as "A State-of-the-Art L.A. Sex Party," "Bachelorettes on the Prowl," and "25 Things You Absolutely Must Do in 2025—Or Before the World Ends (Whichever Comes First)," reflecting the issue's diverse content. The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Mike Guy and Creative Director Smiley Stevens, underscores the magazine's intent to evolve while maintaining its iconic status.

The internet—OnlyFans, TikTok, and the rest—has stolen sexuality and fed it into the meat grinder of the attention economy. We’re doing our part to steal it back.

Editor-in-Chief Mike Guy

Contents and Features

The issue is rich with a variety of features, articles, and pictorials, catering to both traditional and new audiences. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Columns and Articles

Features and Interviews

Pictorials and Special Sections

Contributors

Notable contributors include Shalom Auslander (essayist, on antisemitism, page 98), Megan Batson (photographer, "Shell Games," page 114), Daniel Pinchbeck (author, on tech billionaire retreat, page 106), Magdalene Taylor (writer on sex and culture, "The Rise of the Beta Male," page 56), Lauren Larson (senior writer, Playboy Interview with Nikki Glaser, page 86), and Rob Tannenbaum (music editor, 20Q with Eric Church, page 46), among others.

Cultural and Historical Context

The February 2025 issue was published during a period marked by post-pandemic recovery and ongoing political divisiveness, as noted in the editor's letter. Major events and observances in February 2025 included Black History Month, celebrated with educational programs and diversity initiatives (Epoch | Month of Events - February 2025), Valentine's Day, and various cultural festivals such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the Chinese New Year, particularly vibrant in cities like San Francisco and New York (Top Festivals in February USA 2025 | Famous Festivals of February USA). The magazine's content, such as articles on technology's impact on relationships and the rise of new masculinity trends, reflects these contemporary societal dynamics, while its hedonistic guides and cultural critiques align with the month's focus on celebration and reflection.

Reception and Impact

The return of Playboy to print was met with significant anticipation, as evidenced by pre-order availability and promotional efforts. The issue was launched with a celebration during the Big Game Weekend in New Orleans, as announced by PLBY Group, Inc. (PLAYBOY Magazine to Return to Newsstands in February 2025). Press releases highlighted it as "bolder, fresher, and more dynamic than ever," promising an "unforgettable mix of cutting-edge content, bold storytelling, and unparalleled cultural insight" (PLAYBOY's 2025 Issue Is Out Today! - Playboy). However, specific reviews, sales figures, or circulation details were not immediately available at the time of publication, reflecting the early stage of its reception.

Legacy and Influence

As the first print issue in five years, the February 2025 edition of Playboy is poised to be remembered as a pivotal moment in the magazine's history, marking its revival and adaptation to contemporary times. Its blend of classic features, such as the Playboy Interview and pictorials, with modern themes like technology and cultural shifts, suggests potential lasting impact on the magazine industry and cultural discourse. However, given its recent release, detailed assessments of its long-term influence, such as articles being republished or adapted into other media, were not yet evident.

Visual and Thematic Elements

The issue includes visual elements like photographs by Greg Swales and Arnie Watkins, illustrations by Eddie Guy and Benjamin Marra, and design features like headings and captions, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Thematic markers, such as sporadic rabbit emojis (🐰), add a playful signature, reinforcing the magazine's brand identity. The tone blends hedonism, cultural critique, and introspection, addressing modern challenges while maintaining Playboy's focus on pleasure and style.

Conclusion

The February 2025 issue of Playboy magazine represents a significant revival, offering a comprehensive mix of content that reflects contemporary societal dynamics and celebrates its iconic heritage. Its detailed features, notable contributors, and timely cultural context make it a noteworthy publication in the magazine's history.

Key Citations

Credits

Features

Contributors

Models and Talent

Photographers

Illustrators

Published on: 01 March 2025 07:52