One of the more depressing moments of the last year was when Playboy, a multi-generational bulwark for tasteful nude photoshoots in the free press, announced that the magazine would stop publishing nudes. A few months later the bunny ears relaunched with Snapchat-themed cover geared for millennials. And even though true nudity is not in the magazine, they’re still doing provocative photoshoots with female talent like Bella Thorne and Josie Canseco.
According to the New York Post, some changes are a-foot with Playboy’s nude scale-back. The brand’s iconic founder, Hugh Hefner, is stepping down as the brand’s Creative Officer and being replaced by his son Cooper, who was outspoke about the magazine’s pivot away from nudes. He gives a glimmer of hope for anyone who misses those scantily-clad magazines of yesteryear. via the Post:
Rumors are swirling that Cooper would love to pull back the sheets and return to fully nude women next year — but sources say Kohn wants no part of it.
The magazine is pursuing branding and merchandising deals that were out of reach when it featured nude models.
Cooper, through a spokesman, said he’s still not a fan of no-nudity.
“There has been no change of heart, and I continue to be well aware of what has made Playboy so remarkably special,” he said.
So, Coop, will nudity return?
“Some aspects of the brand won’t alter, as there have been a number of successful creative and business pivots over the last few years that are worthy of celebration,” he told Media Ink in a less-than-clear e-mail. “However, as we close in on our 64th year as an organization, I can assure you certain aspects of our formula will change. We are currently implementing a creative strategy for the brand moving forward. Let’s just say, 2017 will be a big year for our rabbit.”
Even though Playboy has only experimented with non-nudes for a couple months, I speak for Bro-nation when I hope they bring it back. There’s no denying that they’re one of the most powerful brands in the men’s lifestyle space and, well, a lot of dudes just want the fantasy of naked chicks at the end of the day.
Good work, Coop.