Playboy Magazine Still Raunchy as Ever Amid First Nudity-Free Issue

By KJ Mariño First Posted: Feb 05, 2016 06:00 AM EST

It's not yet the end of the world but for notorious Playboy magazine, it's the end of an era for nudity. The magazine that played an integral part in sexual revolution released its first ever nudity-free issue in an attempt to lure and keep more readers under its wing.

In its March 2016 issue, the magazine is featuring model Sarah McDaniel, who has become a social media star and one of the most followed models on Instagram and Snapchat, E! News noted. While the publication ditched nudity, the photos featured on the magazine remain as raunchy as ever.

McDaniel, on the other hand, explained that the latest issue of Playboy aims to be perceived from a "boyfriend's perspective."

The new look of the magazine also meant to create a more "intimate experience" for the reader. They also explained why they chose McDaniel to be their cover model, whose cover and pictorial were shot by Theo Wenner.

"As you can see, she has two different-colored eyes, a condition known as heterochromia irdum," the magazine said. "This gives her a unique look that makes her stand out in the modeling world. The cover is also designed to present a more intimate experience for the reader."

Despite the changes, the publication also stressed that it will still continue to publish provocative shots.

"Playboy will continue to publish sexy, seductive pictorials of the world's most beautiful women, including its iconic Playmates, all shot by some of today's most renowned photographers," Playboy said in a statement about the change. "The magazine will also remain committed to its award-winning mix of long-form journalism, interviews and fiction."

The March issue also features photos of model Myla Dalbesio, which she took herself, USA Today reported. Dree Hemingway, the daughter of actress Mariel Hemingway and the great-granddaughter of author Ernest Hemingway is also Playboy's first non-nude Playmate in the history of the magazine.

Meanwhile, the new look of the magazine is also similar to Playboy's digital strategy over the last few years. In 2013, the Playboy app was considered as more work-friendly with "best articles" and non-nude images.

Last year, Playboy made headlines after it announced to stop featuring and publishing naked women images on its ubiquitous magazine. The move was part of Editor Cory Jones' efforts as he aimed to fully redesign the magazine to attract more loyal readers since its circulation has been dropping.

"That battle has been fought and won," Playboy CEO Scott Flanders said at the time, as per People. "You're now one click away from every sex act imaginable for free and so it's just passé at this juncture."

Playboy's March 2016 issue will be available on newsstands on Friday, Feb. 12.