Billie Eilish’s British Vogue Cover Sparks Controversy
This generation’s biggest voice speaks out on body positivity and sexualization of young women.
May 11, 2021
Billie Eilish ditched her signature baggy clothes and graced British Vogue‘s June 2021 cover in ultra-sexy old-Hollywood lingerie, showing off her illustrious curves and raunchy hip tattoo. She looked absolutely stunning in the nude corset dress and old-timey lace one piece, both beautifully accentuated by her new buttery blonde shag. The ultimate purpose of showing so much skin was to promote body positivity among young girls and emphasize the idea of taking back “Your Power”, the latest single released from her upcoming album Happier Than Ever.
The 19-year-old has made a point of wearing XXL clothing and oversized fashion statements, all in an effort to avoid being perceived by the world. In a candid interview with Glamour, Eilish stated, “I think that the people around me were more worried about it than I was, because the reason I used to cut myself was because of my body. To be quite honest with you, I only started wearing baggy clothes because of my body.”
Departing from her past image and embracing this newfound confidence and maturity coming with age, the singer immediately addressed her insatiable critics, saying she expects to be deemed a hypocrite for this choice.
Discussing in depth with Vogue about gender power dynamics and controlling your own identity, Eilish showed true transparency when asked what inspired the new look. “My thing is that I can do whatever I want,” she says. Confidence is the gospel she preaches, coming to recently find out that personal validation is the only validation you need. “It’s all about what makes you feel good. If you want to get surgery, go get surgery. If you want to wear a dress that somebody thinks that you look too big wearing, f— it. If you feel like you look good, you look good.”
The stigmatic philosophy that all women must cover up if they want to avoid sexualization has ignited the Popstar’s inner flame, formally addressing the revolving and never ending misogyny in online culture. “I really think the bottom line is, men are very weak,” she says. “I think it’s just so easy for them to lose it. ‘You expect a dude not to grab you if you’re wearing that dress?’ Seriously, you’re that weak? Come on!”
Because she was made the body positive icon and “ideal” mentor of young fans for her modesty, Billie pushes back towards the haters. “Don’t make me not a role model because you’re turned on by me,” she stated.
“Suddenly you’re a hypocrite if you want to show your skin, and you’re easy and you’re a s*ut and you’re a w*ore. If I am, then I’m proud. Me and all the girls are hoes, and whatever, y’know? Let’s turn it around and be empowered in that,” she said. “Showing your body and showing your skin — or not — should not take any respect away from you.”
The message of Vogue’s photoshoot coincides with Billie’s new single “Your Power”, a response to abusers that manipulate and exploit young girls with lyrics like “Try not to abuse your power” and “I know we didn’t choose to change. I wanted to say that it doesn’t matter who you are, what your life is, your situation, who you surround yourself with, how strong you are, how smart you are,” she says. “You can always be taken advantage of.”
As a former victim herself, Billie asks, “‘You’re going to complain about being taken advantage of as a minor, but then you’re going to show your boobs?’” She laughs and says, “Yes I am! I’m going to because there’s no excuse.” This renown idea of taking control and not letting society dictate who you are and what you wear is reaching women all around the world who are in need of that voice.
Billie successfully denounced all the claims of her succumbing to the typical industry pressure of selling herself with her body; the 7-time Grammy winner is so much more than that. And at just 19-years-old, Billie no longer let’s the inevitable scrutiny define her. “It’s about taking that power back, showing it off and not taking advantage with it,” she states matter-of-factly. “I’m not letting myself be owned anymore.”