Reinventing a Legacy: Playboy Magazine’s Bold New Identity

Playboy—the brand that once defined mid-century decadence—is staging a comeback worthy of its name. After resurfacing in print in February 2025 with a single annual edition, Playboy is now fast-tracking a full-scale revival of its iconic Playmate of the Month feature, alongside a revamped brand strategy that spans print, digital, and live experiences .
Under the corporate revival of PLBY Group, Playboy’s parent company since 2025, the brand has relocated its headquarters to Miami Beach and diversified into lifestyle, grooming, gaming, and media production—bolstering its legacy of “eroticism and fine art” for the digital age . This is not nostalgia—it’s reinvention. Playboy is positioning itself anew: editorially elevated, culturally relevant, and unapologetically provocative.
In a post–#MeToo world, Playboy’s reinvention begs a bold question: Can a brand rooted in visual liberation reclaim its cultural edge while redefining what sensuality means today? If its strategic ambitions are any indication, the answer is yes—and the world is watching.
By Emily Harper
Emily Harper is a culture and entertainment writer for VÉRITÉ Magazine, covering the intersection of music, luxury lifestyle, and digital innovation. She has previously written for emerging tech publications. Emily holds a degree in Media & Cultural Studies and is based between London and Los Angeles.