If you asked someone to explain Playboy Magazine in one word, “diverse” probably isn’t the first thing to pop into their heads. In the 64 years that Playboy has been around the cover models have looked, well, exactly the same. However, since the death of Hugh Hefner, his son Cooper has assumed creative control. The 26 year old is gearing the iconic brand to a new audience.
He told The Hollywood Reporter, “Creating something that resonates with my generation and the generation that comes after mine is how I’ll measure my accomplishments.”
The baby steps to inclusivity started in October with the magazine’s first transgender playmate, Ines Rau. They’re continuing the trend by having Molly Constable as the first plus size woman to be on the cover of Playboy. Molly was discovered on Instagram in 2012 and since then has walked the runway for Ashley Graham’s Addition Elle line and was named by Vogue as one of the rising model stars to watch in 2017.
Finally, over half a century later, Playboy has opened its eyes to diversity. A plus size woman on the cover of a magazine such as Playboy is affirming there is a place for curves in high fashion. The shoot takes place in upstate New York, Molly’s hometown where she was photographed wearing lingerie and flowy dresses in a sunny field.
Molly knows that her Playboy shoot is breaking tradition. She told Vogue India, “Everyone is starting to celebrate themselves unapologetically.” This type of exposure is huge for plus size ladies everywhere. The photographer of the shoot, Heather Hazzan, really helped to get the message across that sexy has no size boundaries. The idea of plus size women feeling sexy and confident is new, but Molly and Heather are helping to get across the message that it is possible.
Seeing curvy women on the covers of magazines is going to start a new movement of body positivity. Seeing that plus size women are just as beautiful as everyone else will make an impact on young girls’ self esteem. Although, I’m not sure how many of them are looking at Playboy, you get my point. The representation means everything to plus size women who have been waiting for their time to shine in media. Going into a store and seeing someone that looks like you on the front cover (finally) is heartwarming. Molly described modeling as a, “growing industry, and there are more opportunities than ever to prove you are worthy of your dreams.” She is living proof that no matter what size you are, you are capable of big things.
When asked for her goals for the future she said, “world domination.” I’m ready for the day our world is ruled by a powerful plus size woman and I’m right behind you, Molly.