Less than a few days ago, songwriter and popstar, Billie Eilish, broke the internet releasing the photos from her photoshoot with British Vogue. Her photos raked up a million likes on Instagram within six minutes, making it the fastest post on the platform to ever do so.
But why is this significant? It’s a well-known fact that the 19-year-old singer struggles with body confidence, constantly sporting her oversized hoodies and pants that have now become her iconic look. Now, she is attempting to change this image, or at least, enhance it, evolving her look as she grows as a person.
As she stands on the front cover, exchanging her baggy sweatshirts for a formfitting corset and fresh new blonde locks, Eilish sends the message that this is about more than just clothes. In her interview with British Vogue, she opens up about body image and how her appearance is constantly scrutinized by the public, especially men.
Eilish gained huge amounts of attention after her 2019 Calvin Klein advertisement, where she briefly talked about why she wore baggy clothing to avoid sexualization. Now, Eilish is trying to “take back that power” to prove that people deserve respect no matter what they’re wearing.
In her interview with Vogue, she addresses the fact that many will likely hold this against her.
“Suddenly you’re a hypocrite if you want to show your skin, and you’re easy and you’re a slut and you’re a whore,” Eilish said. “If I am, then I’m proud. Showing your body and showing your skin – or not – should not take any respect away from you.”
Growing up in the spotlight, especially as a minor, would take a toll on anyone. Billie Eilish’s age was likely another factor as to why she constantly covered herself up — to avoid gross comments and being called “jailbait.” Before her 18th birthday, multiple posts went viral, creating countdowns until she was “finally legal.”
Eilish makes it clear with her new single “Your Power” and in her interview that she is going to curb this mentality, bringing awareness to the grooming of women, especially in the music industry.
“I really think the bottom line is, men are very weak,” Eilish said. “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?”
As a longtime fan of hers, it’s nice to see her take on these topics and attempt to spread a body positive image that fights back against the idea of dressing for men. With her Vogue cover, Eilish spreads the message that you can be both. Dressing modestly or dressing for yourself should not limit the amount of respect you’re given or give excuses to be treated a certain way.
With her new album on the way, I’m excited to see how much more her career develops, and how her voice on the male gaze in the music industry will hopefully bring change.
Dani Moore can be reached at [email protected]