Charli XCX is the new face of Playboy’s Fall issue, marking a significant moment in her career as she shares intimate insights about her marriage and artistic journey. The 34-year-old British singer-songwriter was featured on the cover, where she discussed her evolving sense of confidence, her relationship with musician George Daniel, and her recent musical creations.
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In a conversation with Kylie Jenner, Charli revealed that she feels most at ease both “on stage” and “with George,” underscoring the vital role her partner plays in her life. Charli married Daniel, the drummer for The 1975, in July 2025 after they publicly revealed their relationship in 2022 and got engaged the following year. Their wedding was a quaint affair held at a town hall, with another ceremony hosted later that year in stunning Sicily.
Discussing the nature of her marriage, Charli offered a refreshing perspective. “We’re casual and relaxed with the whole marriage thing,” she explained. “It means a lot to us, but at the same time, it’s like we could completely do without it, and we’d kind of be equally in love if we weren’t married.” She further elaborated that while the label of marriage is significant, she does not perceive it as a pressure-laden commitment in her life.
Charli expressed her beliefs surrounding self-image and confidence, stating that her sexuality is a vital aspect of her identity. “I feel sexy in underwear, and I feel sexy in a fully tailored suit,” she said. For her, the intertwining of sex, sexuality, and confidence is sacred and essential. Her creative expression often overlaps with her emotions, as seen in her latest single “Playboy Bunny,” which she released on vinyl earlier this year.
Her relationship with Daniel has evidently influenced her creative output. In a previous interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Charli revealed that love had inspired her to write the track “I’m Afraid,” featured on her recent album, “Music, Fashion, Film.” “It’s a very real song and it’s about our relationship,” she shared, noting that it touches on her struggles with commitment.
She described Daniel as someone who understands her deeply, contributing to her strength as an artist. “He just gave me so much confidence in myself,” Charli noted, reflecting on how their relationship has allowed her to explore various facets of her identity. She acknowledged that although the journey can feel chaotic at times, Daniel provides a sense of security that fosters her creative exploration.
As the Fall issue of Playboy prepares to hit newsstands on September 29, fans are eagerly awaiting more from Charli. Her candid reflections about love, confidence, and the pressures of fame contribute to a dialogue that resonates beyond her music. With each project, she continues to break boundaries and challenge societal norms, making her an emblematic figure in contemporary pop culture.
In an ever-changing music landscape, Charli XCX remains a distinctive voice, pioneering an authentic and influential presence. Her relationship with George Daniel seems to have catalysed a period of creative exploration and personal growth, which she now embraces both on and off the stage. Through her artistry and openness, she inspires her audience to appreciate the complexities of love and self-acceptance.