Cara Delevingne has made her “Playboy” debut. The model and actress posed for the iconic magazine as summer 2026’s cover star and opened up about what the decision means to her. She also reflected on her sexuality, sobriety, and her venture into music. The candid conversation shed light on the milestones and personal journey that have shaped her in recent years.
Cara Delevingne launched her professional modeling career in her teen years and has built an impressive career, walking prestigious runways and landing the covers of some of the most recognizable fashion magazines. Now at 33 years old, she is making her “Playboy” magazine debut.
The cover shows the model in nothing but a black latex corset, with one hand covering her private parts, and the other holding a lit match close to a cigarette in her mouth. In another photo, Delevingne dons the iconic Playboy bunny costume, complete with ears and a puffy bunny tail.
In the interview, Delevingne compared the Playboy photoshoot to her previous works, saying she always felt “a bit gross” modeling naked “for someone else.” While she says that she agreed to do her prior stints, she admitted that they “never felt empowering.” It was a different experience for “Playboy,” however.
“Today I had so much fun. I’ve never felt more comfortable in my body and in my sexuality. I feel like I’m in more of my prime as a woman and as a sexual being,” she told the magazine.
The Model Views Her ‘Playboy’ Debut As An Act Of Rebellion
“Playboy” magazine’s inaugural issue came out in 1953, with Marilyn Monroe gracing its cover. Its initial target audience was bachelor males, and while the demographic has shifted throughout the years, the magazine’s readers remain predominantly heterosexual males.
Delevingne made history as the first openly lesbian “Playboy” cover star, and she explains it as a rebellious act. “‘Playboy’ is very much a heterosexual institution. That’s why it felt like a bit of a ‘f-ck you’ and a rebellious thing to do, and to have an incredible female-led creative team — a lot of them being queer — felt really fun and different,” she said.
Cara Delevingne Is Owning Her Sexuality
Delevingne has been open about her sexuality in the past. In 2015, she revealed that she felt “confused” until she fell in love with a girl at 20 years old. Five years later, she said she identified as pansexual, saying she falls in love with who someone is as a person rather than looking at their sexual orientation.
In May, however, she confirmed that she was a lesbian. During Rosalía’s concert, Delevingne appeared in a “confessional,” telling the Spanish singer-songwriter and the audience, “If you don’t know this already, I’m a lesbian, and my weakness used to be straight women.”
Talking about her sexuality to “Playboy,” Delevingne said some people focus on how others want to see them and neglect their sexual relationship with themselves. “Sex is a language, too, and your own sexuality, what turns you on, is like a beautiful dance you play with yourself… Loving yourself and turning yourself on. It’s fun when you can discover that,” she added.
The Model Is In A Happy Relationship
Delevingne has had some high-profile relationships in the past. She dated musician Annie Clark (also known as St. Vincent) and “Pretty Little Liars” star Ashley Benson. She is now in a relationship with musician Minke (real name Leah Mason), whom she has been with since 2022.
The model said that she and Minke are “very different” people, which makes the relationship work so well. “She’s the most incredible person I know. We’re best friends, obviously, lovers, and everything else, but I’ve never had a relationship like it and felt so close to someone and felt so seen,” she gushed.
The couple has known each other for years, first meeting in boarding school and reconnecting several years later at a concert. Delevigne, who has been sober for about four years, also credits her partner for giving her the support she needed during recovery.
Cara Delevingne’s Music Is Stevie Nicks-Approved
Delevingne is expanding her portfolio and has ventured into music. Initially, the model wanted to release her music under a different name, believing audiences and critics would form opinions without listening, but she ultimately decided to stick with her identity.
One big name who has praised her abilities is Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, who came to one of her shows and even gifted her a ring straight from her finger. “It felt so crazy and insane. I’m still reeling,” she said.
Delevingne has released a few singles and is currently on tour. Her album will be released in late summer.
