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At first glance you can see a young, emancipated singer who poses freely on the cover of a fashion magazine.
That shouldn't be an upset in 2021 if it weren't for world star Billie Eilish, who previously hid her body from the public under loose clothing.
The photo shoot sparked a discussion about the sexualization of women's bodies in pop culture, as the 19-year-old wants to convey an important message to young women.
Bye-bye, loose clothing
Because the singer has only worn baggy clothes in public appearances since she came to fame as a 14-year-old songwriter.
Her signature style, she explained in 2019 as part of an advertising campaign for Calvin Klein, was driven by the desire not to be perceived as a sex symbol.
"I don't want the world to know everything about me," said Eilish and with this attitude became one of the most important style role models for Generation Z.
“That's why I wear loose, baggy clothes.
Nobody can make up their minds because they didn't see what's underneath, you know?
Nobody can say, 'Oh, she's slim or fat, she's got a flat ass, she's got a fat ass.'
Nobody can say something like that because they don't know, ”Eilish continued in the interview.
Why this shoot is not a contradiction of values
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Now the 19-year-old adorns the latest cover of British “Vogue” in a corsage and vinyl stockings as an homage to Madonna's revolutionary look for “Like a Prayer” from her “Blond Ambition” tour in the 1980s.
With this change in style, Eilish ushers in her new era, which she announced a few weeks ago with her new platinum blonde.
Gone are the days when her fashion was considered a protection with which she could protect herself from sexualization at a young age.
So legendary that it even became Madonna's wax doll: The look of "Like a Prayer"
Source: Getty Images / Peter Bischoff
Because Eilish's body has been the target of undue speculation since she became a world star in 2015 with her song "Ocean Eyes".
She addressed the discussion about her body during a concert, and posted the recording on Instagram in 2020.
At the time, she made it clear that what other people think of their bodies is not their responsibility.
"Don't make me a role model just because I turn you on," says Eilish today in the interview on the British Vogue shoot and defends himself against the way she was celebrated as a body-positive icon just because she covered her body.
Her decision to dress covered up is no different from other female pop stars who prefer to dress more sparsely.
New single, new look, new attitude
Despite showing off in revealing lingerie, Eilish remains in control of the way her body is presented in public as she evolves as an artist.
In a documentary about herself, she recently stated that her body was "the original reason" for depression, which is why she decided to wear loose clothing for public appearances.
Her new look coincides with the release of her new single, Your Power, which is believed to be an answer to how abusers manipulate and exploit underage girls.
In an interview with Vogue, Eilish makes it clear that the text is not about her own experience in the music industry and not about a specific person.
Anyone who criticizes has not understood the actual message
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Photo shoot critics accused Eilish of selling himself out and succumbing to industry pressures to sexualize. Eilish's fans resisted it on social networks and pointed out the artist's self-determined decision. In her interview, Eilish also specifically addressed those who criticize the way she presents herself.
"You complain that you were exploited as a minor, but then you show your breasts?", She quotes a critic in the "Vogue" interview and replies: "Yes, I will, motherfucker! I'll do it because there is no excuse. "For the feedback she gets from fans and critics on the new appearance, Eilish has clear words:" Suddenly you are a hypocrite when you want to show your skin and you are easy and you are a bitch and you are a whore. If that’s me, then I’m proud, ”she wrote on Instagram. "Me and all the girls are whores, and f ** k it, you see? Let's turn that around and reinforce it. Showing your body and showing your skin - or not - shouldn't take away any respect. "The feedback for this statement is enormous:In just six minutes, the photo received more than ten million likes on Instagram, a new record for the platform.
The June issue of the British “Vogue” with cover shoot and interview will be released on May 7, 2021.