PLAYBOY is making a bold return to newsstands with a reimagined print edition, featuring Lori Harvey as the cover model for the February 2025 issue.
Inspired by the sophistication and allure of PLAYBOY’s iconic past, the creative vision behind this edition reinterprets its legendary ethos through a modern lens.
The campaign teasing the magazine’s return kicked off on social media, with Harvey and PLAYBOY dropping a captivating 10-second video to engage fans and generate buzz ahead of the February 10 release.
Mark your calendar! PLAYBOY returns to print on 02.10.25. Preorder now—limited quantities available: https://t.co/QhJeb6Mdmppic.twitter.com/vHw7YKAOlz
— Playboy (@Playboy) January 21, 2025
Harvey is a model, an influencer with 4.8 million followers on Instagram alone, and an entrepreneur, founding skincare line SKN by LH and swimwear brand Yevrah Swim.
In this edition, she and her bunnies take fans on a cinematic journey featuring a pristine 1960 MG A Convertible.
The story’s visual tapestry seamlessly integrates vintage luxury with modern glamour, celebrating and reimagining PLAYBOY’s enduring mystique.
The relaunch marks a new chapter for the iconic brand, going back to its roots while blending its rich legacy with modern storytelling and cultural relevance.
View this post on Instagram
Key highlights of the February issue include:
- Cover Feature: Harvey opens up about her career, personal journey, and role as a modern icon in an exclusive interview by Editor-in-Chief Mike Guy, paired with a stunning photo spread.
- Celebrity Spotlight: A candid, thought-provoking PLAYBOY Interview with comedian Nikki Glaser, who rose to stardom thanks to her fearless humor.
- Return of "Playmate of the Year": The winner will be revealed at an exclusive event during Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans.
The PLAYBOY party, one of the most buzzed-about events during the big game weekend, will take inspiration from the iconic "Playboy After Dark" television show.
Taking place on February 8 in New Orleans at "The A1 Block," the event will celebrate the brand’s newly reimagined magazine with a star-studded guest list.
Attendees will also get an exclusive look at Beast, the official men’s grooming partner of PLAYBOY, as well as premium cocktails crafted by Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek.
Behind the Scenes at PLAYBOY's Exclusive Big Game Party – https://t.co/HbNpVL0KnRpic.twitter.com/ZQi26FduUg
— Playboy (@Playboy) February 9, 2025
The magazine retails for $19.99, and limited pre-orders are already live, offering collectors and fans the chance to secure their copy before the official release.
In a statement exclusive to DesignRush, PLAYBOY Magazine Creative Director Smiley Stevens shared how she made sure to incorporate the legacy brand's iconic symbols in the cover:
"The Playboy Mansion, real Bunnies, high fashion, and classic cars were more than just symbols — they were cultural markers woven into the magazine's history.
These references became the backbone of our shoot as we set out to create a pictorial that was both cinematic and an ode to classic glamour."
PLAYBOY Reveals 2025 Magazine Cover With Lori Harvey – https://t.co/0mC02G9Sojpic.twitter.com/QHM4Xwm7ST
— Playboy (@Playboy) February 5, 2025
Stevens also recounted how "one of the most serendipitous moments came from a small yet significant prop, the white Rabbit head drink stirrer featured on the cover."
"Originally from a Playboy Club in Illinois in the 1960s, this piece of history was passed through four different people before finding its way to me."
The magazine's iconic status and its association with cultural milestones allow it to leverage past successes to create excitement and anticipation for its return.
Why This Matters to Businesses
PLAYBOY has a rich history that dates back to its inception in December 1953 by Hugh Hefner, who was only 27 at the time.
The magazine emerged during a time of strict social norms and sexual repression, and Hefner's vision was to create a publication that combined erotic content with sophisticated journalism.
The first issue famously featured nude photographs of Marilyn Monroe, which became an instant sensation, selling over 54,000 copies. The brand has since become synonymous with adult entertainment and cultural commentary.
The return of an iconic legacy brand like PLAYBOY underscores the potential for print media to thrive when integrated with dynamic digital engagement strategies.
Despite the widespread narrative that “print is dead,” this relaunch challenges that notion, illustrating how print can remain relevant when paired with innovative storytelling and a clear understanding of evolving consumer desires.
This move also highlights how businesses can harness the power of nostalgia while adapting to contemporary values, showcasing that a bold marketing initiative — aligned with current societal trends — can effectively revitalize a brand’s relevance.
By bridging tradition and modernity, PLAYBOY’s return to print serves as a compelling example of how businesses can defy industry trends and create renewed demand for once-declining mediums.
Recently, its reputation as a publication having academic value came under the spotlight after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's viral question about whether Pornhub also has essays like PLAYBOY once did during a hearing about Texas' porn law.
