Playgirl Magazine: Now and Then [PHOTOS]
Playgirl has long solidified its place as one of the most iconic magazines in American culture. While the magazine printed its final issue in 2016, for decades it was a staple of cultural interest, lifestyle, celebrity news and, of course, nude and semi-nude photos of men.
Founded in 1973 by Douglas Lambert, Playgirl was seen as a response to erotic men’s magazines, like Playgirl’s sister publication Playboy. Playgirl was sued by Playboy in 1973, which was founded by Hugh Hefner, for trademark infringement, but the suit was settled amicably.
Playgirl was seen as pivotal for the sexual revolution of women, although the magazine did have a significant gay male readership. When Playgirl first launched it sold out, with 600,000 copies gone in four days. During the late 1970s, the magazine sold around 1.5 million copies.
Playgirl became one of the first magazines to bring male nudity mainstream through bookended the photography with lifestyle content and celebrity stories. While Playgirl may no longer be published, its legacy continues.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Playgirl Archival Images
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Playgirl archival images.
Dirk Shafer, “Man of the Year” for Playgirl magazine in 1992
Image Credit: San Francisco Chronicle via Gett Dirk Shafer, “Man of the Year” for Playgirl magazine in 1992, happens to be gay. He is a filmmaker doing a mockumentary of his yearlong experience.
Edward Mallia: Centerfold Spread for the May 1995 Issue Playgirl Magazine
Image Credit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty New York Police Officer Edward Mallia Promotes his 11-Page Centerfold Spread for the May 1995 Issue Playgirl Magazine on March 31, 1995 at Club Expo in New York City.
Enron Employees Featured in Playgirl Magazine, 2002
Image Credit: Getty Images Enron employees pose in a spread in the October issue of Playgirl that hit news stands September 17, 2002. The magazine features five current or former male employees of the bankrupt energy trader shedding all or most of their clothes for a 14-page photo spread called ”The Rise of Enron.” From left to right are: Benjamin Jordan, Mark Zebrowitz, Troy Kosub, Christopher Figueroa, Ronald Williams.
