Google’s Online ‘Umami Land’ Theme Park Will Please Those Who Miss Japanese Food

Image via Ehrenstråhle

Lenovo has found a quirky way to capture the attention of gamers.

The computer brand teamed up with Swedish agency Ehrenstråhle to form a new campaign where product reviews have been turned into heavy metal music videos.

Targeted at gamers, the two videos launched by the duo features reviews by The Verge and lifestyle website manofmany.co. Some of the remarks that have been repurposed into lyrics about Lenovo’s hardware are, “Over 4K resolution,” and “Attractive, yet plainly designed gaming laptop.”

These lines are cleverly screamed out by metal band Iron Savages. Check out the videos, which were directed and produced by Claudio Marino, below.

[via Ad Age, cover image via Ehrenstråhle] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412916/Lenovo-Hires-Metal-Band-To-Scream-Out-Its-Product-Reviews-In-Latest-Ads/

IKEA Overhauls App Into Shopping & Inspiration Platform For All Things Furniture

Posted on January 15, 2021 by admin

Image via IKEA USA

IKEA US has updated its app, and it now doubles up as a shopping platform where customers can purchase and browse products for home delivery or in-store pickup.

The app showcases an inspiration feed of product recommendations, as well as engaging content and campaigns. You can now also create a profile on the app, access your digital IKEA Family card, and personalize your feed by selecting your favorite IKEA products.

The interface also boasts a new design for easier navigation. IKEA promises to keep its app continuously updated with refreshing features to ensure better customer experience.

“At IKEA, we are on a journey to transform the way we meet our customers, and the IKEA app is an important step we’ve taken to become more accessible and convenient to the many,” Umesh Sripad, chief digital officer of IKEA US, said in a press release. “One of the reasons customers enjoy visiting IKEA is to get shopping ideas and inspiration, and the shoppable app makes it possible for them to get inspired and complete their purchase from the convenience of their mobile device.”

If you are ready to shop IKEA products right from your phone, you can download the app from the App Store, for iOS devices, and the Play Store, for Android models.

The smallest IKEA store ever has arrived. Download our new app now! https://t.co/bcaSDPH6Ob pic.twitter.com/J7Tactzw0m

— IKEA USA (@IKEAUSA) January 15, 2021

[via Furniture Today, cover image via IKEA USA] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412914/IKEA-Overhauls-App-Into-Shopping-Inspiration-Platform-For-All-Things-Furniture/

Foo Fighters Debut Their Own Japanese Sake Inspired By Their Pop & Rock Sides

Posted on January 15, 2021 by admin

Image via Tatenokawa

The Foo Fighters are toasting to their 10th album Medicine at Midnight with an unexpected type of booze: Foo Fighters sake.

As uncovered by SoraNews24, the band has teamed up with reputable brewery Tatenokawa to craft two versions of the Japanese rice wine. The first, ‘Midnight Blue’, is inspired by the group’s “pop side,” resulting in a mellow mouthfeel and mild sweetness. ‘Midnight Silver’ symbolizes the band’s “rock side,” and has an intense flavor with a sharp aftertaste.

The blue and silver bottles deserve their own shout-out too—their labels come with the “Foo Fighters” name, stylized to resemble Kanji typography.

Apparently, the Foo Fighters are fans of sake, and selected their favorite offerings from the brewery through remote tastings. From there, Tatenokawa concocted two variations to match their preferences.

A Foo Fighters x Tatenokawa Complete Box Set, which will include both sake bottles along with a copy of the new album, will also be available in this limited-edition collection. However, fans can also pre-order the 24.3-ounce bottles for ¥3,080 (US$29.70) on the Tatenokawa online store, though this sale is currently limited to customers in Japan.

The Foo Fighters are also turning 25 this year, and have kicked off the birthday celebrations off the wall with Vans.

Image via Tatenokawa

[via SoraNews24, images via Tatenokawa] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412919/Foo-Fighters-Debut-Their-Own-Japanese-Sake-Inspired-By-Their-Pop-Rock-Sides/

Nike Straightens Its Tie With Workwear-Inspired Revamp Of Classic Dunk Sneakers

Posted on January 15, 2021 by admin

Image via Notre

Not many people are returning to the office just yet, but if you’re one of those who prefer to dress the part in order to get in hustle mode, Nike Sportswear’s latest collaboration with Chicago-based boutique Notre might be your jam.

Their new Nike x Notre Dunk silhouette brings corporate aesthetics to the staple Dunk High sneakers with workwear-inspired materials and constructions, as well as formal color palettes.

The footwear is designed with “materials that’ll look better the harder you thrash them,” Notre describes, such as heavy canvas, suede and leather. And the brands mean business—the sneakers are strengthened with triple-stitching, along with a tongue patch that nods at the vintage workshirt.

Each pair arrives with remixed co-branding depicting Nike’s Swoosh with Notre’s handshake emblem. Due to subtle texture and color variations, no two pairs are identical.

If you dig this business-casual design, you can purchase the Nike x Notre Dunk at the Notre store on 21 January. A blue colorway will be made available on Nike’s SNKRS app on 23 January.

A post shared by NOTRE (@notre)

[via Acquire Mag, images via Notre] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412915/Nike-Straightens-Its-Tie-With-Workwear-Inspired-Revamp-Of-Classic-Dunk-Sneakers/

WhatsApp Takes Out Full Newspaper Ads To Tackle Damaging Privacy Concerns

Posted on January 15, 2021 by admin

Image via tanuha2001 / Shutterstock.com

Frustrated WhatsApp users around the world began moving to popular text messaging alternatives like Telegram and Signal after the platform updated its privacy policy.

WhatsApp’s revised policy, published earlier this month, details that it can share data from the app with parent company Facebook.

As damage control, the service reassured users that it “respects” their boundaries in full-page newspaper advertising spaces across India, where there are about 400 million WhatsApp users.

“WhatsApp respects and protects your privacy,” the announcements read. “Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA,” WhatsApp added.

The advertisements were splashed across at least 10 English- and Hindi-language papers in India, B&T reported.

In a separate tweet, WhatsApp shared an infographic stressing that Facebook cannot access private messages and calls, that WhatsApp groups “remain private,” and that the messaging app “does not keep logs of who everyone is messaging or calling” and “cannot see your shared location.”

This is interesting! #WhatsApp goes for full-front page on almost all the TOP Newspapers of the country to clarify it’s controversial #PrivacyPolicy.

Indian users are already shifting to @telegram & @signalapp. As such, TOP-TOP PR games in the battleground! pic.twitter.com/TgfCanv4ZX

— aboyob bhuyan (@aboyobbhuyan) January 13, 2021

Hahaha, enough people switched to @signalapp in India for @whatsapp to start panicking with misleading front page ads in newspapers pic.twitter.com/gnPOqqMykZ

— Dev (@Dev14e) January 13, 2021

We want to address some rumors and be 100% clear we continue to protect your private messages with end-to-end encryption. pic.twitter.com/6qDnzQ98MP

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) January 12, 2021

[via B&T, cover image via tanuha2001 / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412913/WhatsApp-Takes-Out-Full-Newspaper-Ads-To-Tackle-Damaging-Privacy-Concerns/

Nissan’s ‘Office Pod’ Concept Brings A Rejuvenating Twist To Remote-Working Life

Posted on January 15, 2021 by admin

Image via Nissan

Waking up five minutes before a morning meeting, getting your workout in during the day, and working in a familiar home environment might be among the perks of the new corporate norm, but it’s not unusual to feel jaded from getting cooped inside all day long.

Nissan presents a refreshing option for the widespread remote-working lifestyle. Its ‘Office Pod’ concept lets you work comfortably on the go—and when it’s time for a break, you can wind down on a mobile rooftop.

The ‘Office Pod’ is one of the Japanese automaker’s proposed customizations for its NV350 caravan. It spotlights a retractable workspace, complete with a desk area, that is able to slide outdoors so you can get on with your job with some fresh air.

The pod is sheltered to shield you from the elements, and comes with edge lighting for when you require a soft glow. A see-through polycarbonate floor lets you peek at the ground beneath.

Everyone knows that the fun part of working as you travel is the ability to take a breather when you want one, and the Nissan Office Pod doesn’t disappoint in this department. The roof doubles as a luxurious balcony that you can lounge in with its patio recliner and parasol. The space is accessible through the office area, so just walk up when you need a break.

Nissan will showcase the Office Pod concept at the virtual 2021 Tokyo Auto Salon. Digital nomads can only hope the company will bring the idea to fruition in time.

Image via Nissan

[via Motor1, video and images via Nissan] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412912/Nissan-s-Office-Pod-Concept-Brings-A-Rejuvenating-Twist-To-Remote-Working-Life/

Joe Biden’s Chic Official Inauguration Merchandise Symbolizes Vibrant Days Ahead

Posted on January 15, 2021 by admin

Image via Biden Inaugural Committee

Back in September, Joe Biden and his campaign team roped in 19 American fashion designers to interpret the phrase “Believe in Better” in their own creative ways. With the Biden-Harris campaign advancing into presidency soon, the Believe in Better collection has expanded to honor their inauguration.

On Thursday, the official Presidential Inaugural Committee announced six new colorful pieces to the apparel range that envision brighter days to come. This time around, five designers were tasked to create fashion-forward items to celebrate Biden’s swearing-in.

Among the new pieces are a vivid tie-dye sweatshirt, designed by Gabriela Hearst, which is adorned with patches of the number 46 and inaugural seal on the chest and sleeve. Aurora James of African design label Brother Vellies contributed ‘46’-branded socks, while Roxanne Assoulin created beaded bracelets with slogans like “come together” and “unity.”

The entire merchandise range is produced in the United States by union workers, and every piece is priced at US$150 and under.

“We are so excited to showcase these designs to commemorate this moment to heal our nation, bring our country together, and build back better,” expressed Maju Varghese, Executive Director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, in a statement obtained by Elle.

James shared in a statement published by Vogue, “There haven’t been a lot of opportunities to design from a place of pure joy in the past year—but this was really that moment for me. And even when these socks are vintage, sitting in my drawer, they will symbolize this moment of collective freedom.”

You can shop the entire official merchandise collection here.

A post shared by Biden Inaugural Committee (@bideninaugural)

Image via Biden Inaugural Committee

[via Elle and Vogue, images via Biden Inaugural Committee] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412911/Joe-Biden-s-Chic-Official-Inauguration-Merchandise-Symbolizes-Vibrant-Days-Ahead/

Warner Bros. Pictures Shows Off Simplified Logo In Opening For The First Time

Posted on January 15, 2021 by admin

Image via cherry-hai / Shutterstock.com

Back in November 2019, Warner Bros. presented a refreshing visual identity consisting of a polished and contemporary take on the original WB shield. During this time, audiences had only been shown one of two versions created for the overhaul. It was a flat blue and silver shield, deliberately minimal for visual unity on mobile platforms.

A little over a year later, the company has presented the other variation, built for television and film environments.

Design consultancy Pentagram was tasked to work on the ambitious facelift. Pentagram partner Emily Oberman and her team reworked the “WB” initials to give it more balance. Meanwhile, the signature shield was fitted in a golden ratio grid to be straightened out and given a sleek and lightweight feel.

As revealed in a video published by Cartoon Crave, via Screen Rant, Warner Bros. Pictures has finally peeled the sticker off the matte design to reveal a glimmering blue and silver 3D shield. The clip seems to be the new opening for WarnerMedia’s film and television offerings.

The long one-year wait was presumably caused by the COVID-19 crisis, which put a stall on countless projects in the movie industry.

Here's a better look at the new Warner Bros. Pictures logo. pic.twitter.com/oANQNvXEOQ

— Cartoon Crave (@thecartooncrave) January 14, 2021

[via Screen Rant, cover image via cherry-hai / Shutterstock.com] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412910/Warner-Bros-Pictures-Shows-Off-Simplified-Logo-In-Opening-For-The-First-Time/

Scientific ‘Difficult Person Test’ Reveals If You’re Truly That Easy To Be With

Posted on January 15, 2021 by admin

Image via Shutterstock

People love taking personality tests, and it’s perhaps because, deep down, they help them feel good about themselves. They serve as reminders that there are light and shadow sides of a person—so even if you aren’t feeling great that day, you can still appreciate the positive bits of yourself.

If you’re down for some hard-hitting truths, though, IDRLabs’ new assessment called the Difficult Person Test lets you know if it’s you, not them.

Dr Chelsea Sleep, PhD, and her coworkers at the University of Georgia believe they have found the seven universally consistent factors that make a person difficult: callousness (a lack of empathy or concern for others); grandiosity (a high sense of self-importance and entitlement); aggressiveness (rudeness and hostility); suspicion (having a mistrusting nature); manipulativeness (the tendency to exploit people for self-gain); dominance (the inclination to put on airs of superiority); and risk-taking (the need to behave riskily to seek sensations).

You’ll be asked to rank how much you agree or disagree with 35 statements, and from there, you’ll be shown a chart with traits you present more of, and the percentage of difficulty that others might face when hanging out with you.

The website details that the test is “clinically-oriented,” with its design based on “the work of PhDs,” and that it was designed by professionals who study psychology and individual differences.

While the results are probably going to sting, you can use the feedback to overcome some of your issues in social settings, such as within the workplace.

Please note, however, that free online tests like this one should be taken with a grain of salt, and shouldn’t serve as definitive assessments for your personality or mental health.

Ready for some brutal truths about yourself? Take the quiz here.

Took a difficult person test and found out some stuff pic.twitter.com/5EeB3NGfXu

— cham (@robcham) January 11, 2021

I think this is fairly self-evident, but here's a difficult person test result to prove it: I am a very easy person to get along with pic.twitter.com/kFAKiTBgDj

— Timmy (@timmybabbles) January 11, 2021

[via The Tab, cover image via Shutterstock] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412891/Scientific-Difficult-Person-Test-Reveals-If-You-re-Truly-That-Easy-To-Be-With/

Japanese Confectioner Puts NSFW Genitalia-Themed Spins On Sweets For Newlyweds

Posted on January 14, 2021 by admin

Image via Nissy-KITAQ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Japanese confectionery company Kimura Seika has created genital-themed desserts as gifts for newlyweds.

Dubbed Inyo Manju, the Japanese traditional dessert is made out of dough with a sweet red bean filling and walnuts. However, the shop has decided to make it cheeky by molding the dough into what it claims are “a matsutake mushroom” and a “fruit of the chocolate vine.” Both designs “coincidentally” appear to look like vagina and penis-shaped cakes.

The Inyo Manju is said to be inspired by the rocks that were found nearby the Inyo Shrine. The rocks were said to resemble the male and female genitalia.

Priced at ¥1,000 (US$9.59) for a box of 12, the manju is available to purchase at Kimura Seika in Ibaraki Prefecture.

茨城土産の珍菓「陰陽萬寿」を頂戴しましたの。お心遣いを有難うございます。「あわび」と「まつたけ」を模したお目出度い姿を拝みつつ、夫婦円満を祈って美味しく頂きますの(^ ^; pic.twitter.com/87n3Qoaj5n

— よしぞうmaro' (@yosizo) January 2, 2021

[via SoraNews24, cover image via Nissy-KITAQ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412905/Japanese-Confectioner-Puts-NSFW-Genitalia-Themed-Spins-On-Sweets-For-Newlyweds/

Free ‘Climate Crisis Font’ Shrinks As The Arctic Ice Caps Melt

Posted on January 14, 2021 by admin

Image via Helsingin Sanomat

Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat has teamed up with creative agency TBWA\ Helsinki to design a typeface that aims to raise awareness on climate change.

The Climate Crisis Font, which is available to download for free here, was developed in collaboration with TBWA\ Helsinki’s type designers Eino Korkala and Daniel Coull. It can be adjusted on a scale that corresponds to Arctic sea ice data from 1979 to 2019 and will continue evolving with the IPCC’s forecast until 2050.

The heaviest font weight reflects the state of the Arctic sea ice from back in 1979, and the lightest weight represents IPCC’s 2050 forecast when the sea ice is estimated to shrink to only 30 percent of the readings in 1979.

“Our mission is to make complex matters comprehensible and since seeing is believing we wanted to bolster the conversations on climate change with something concrete and instantly understandable,” Tuomas Jääskeläinen, the art director of Helsingin Sanomat, said. “These kinds of new methods of journalistic storytelling also complement our recent investments in data journalism. Yet, we don’t just want to keep it to ourselves, which is why we are giving it out for free and hope to see it in use elsewhere as well.”

“To leave no room for doubt we used data based on satellite images. This way we were able to create one of the first data-based fonts ever. The OpenType variable font mechanism allowed the design to follow the data perfectly. But we of course wanted to make the font usable for all platforms, so we also created the basic font types with a standard set of font weights,” Juhana Hokkanen, the innovation director of TBWA\Helsinki, explained.

The newspaper recently used The Climate Crisis Font in a collection of articles on climate change and intends to use it in future environmental projects.

Download the typeface here.

Image via Helsingin Sanomat

[via TBWA\ Helsinki, images via Helsingin Sanomat] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412906/Free-Climate-Crisis-Font-Shrinks-As-The-Arctic-Ice-Caps-Melt/

Zimmermann Apologizes For Retailing $795 Dress With Traditional Mexican Motifs

Posted on January 14, 2021 by admin

Image via Zimmermann

Australian label Zimmermann has found itself in hot water after it shared a photo of a model donning a printed tunic dress from its latest collection on Instagram.

The dress is part of its latest swimwear collection, and it features a cross-stitched peacock design along with panels and floral motifs. Priced at US$795, the dress has been accused of cultural appropriation as customers have claimed it draws similarities with a traditional garment of the Mazatec people from the Oaxaca state in Mexico.

Many also pointed out that the bird motif, the floral embroidery and the blue-and-pink ribbons were inspired by the textiles used by the indigenous Mexican community.

Some individuals in the Mazatec community felt that the design used on a casual beachwear garment was “disrespectful,” per the newspaper El Universal. A spokesperson from the community has reached out to its state government, condemning the dress through the Oaxacan Institute Handicrafts (IOA).

Zimmermann also faced backlash on Instagram as well, with many accusing it of “plagiarism” and “cultural appropriation.”

The company immediately issued an apology on Instagram, “acknowledging that the panelled tunic dress from our current Swim collection was inspired by what we now understand to be a traditional garment from the Oaxaca region in Mexico.”

“We apologize for the usage without appropriate credit to the cultural owners of this form of dress and for the offense this has caused. Although the error was unintentional, when it was brought to our attention today the item was immediately withdrawn from all Zimmermann stores and our website. We have taken steps to ensure this does not happen again in future,” the statement continued.

A post shared by ZIMMERMANN (@zimmermann)

This is plagiarism and cultural appropriation. Not here for it

— cata (@hotcathot) January 12, 2021

this is cultural appropriation. take it down.

— Rat boy (meaner then Jen) (@imDrinking_Pee) January 12, 2021

White folks at it again, with their Cultural appropriation.
The design and style of the dress below comes from Huautla de Jimenez, Oaxaca. The design belongs to the very indigenous community. Shame on you @ZIMMERMANN_ https://t.co/mwEC9UBGZv

— Rabi Barrera (@BarreraRabi) January 13, 2021

This is cultural appropriation and plagiarism. Stop stealing the designs of Mexican artisans.

— Andrea Biestro (@AndreaBiestro) January 12, 2021

En este huipil se ve más claro el plagio de esta marca de "moda" pic.twitter.com/kemwAdfpOl

— LIBRE PENSADOR (@ANARTAME5344335) January 12, 2021

[via News.com.au, cover image via Zimmermann] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412903/Zimmermann-Apologizes-For-Retailing-795-Dress-With-Traditional-Mexican-Motifs/

Smart Face Mask Tracks Your Breathing And Can Be Worn While Exercising

Posted on January 14, 2021 by admin

Image via AirPop

A company called AirPop has designed a smart mask that can study breathing habits and filter quality.

The AirPop Active+ Smart Mask has a sensor, which is called the Halo, which measures your rate of breathing while monitoring the filter installed in the mask.

The filter is designed to block dust, allergens and particles, though it has a a limited lifespan. However, you’ll know when it’s time to replace it as the sensor will send an alert to the accompanying app.

The Halo sensor is located in the little knob on the front of the mask. It is powered by a cell battery that can last up to six months before it will call for a replacement. The Halo is connected to Android or iOS devices via Bluetooth.

It is capable of tracking fitness metrics such as breaths per minute, the volume of air passing through it, the pollutants that the mask has blocked and how long you’ve been donning the mask each day.

The mask also provides advice on air quality of that area and accompanying data for when the mask is worn during exercising. The health data it collects can be shared via Apple HealthKit.

AirPop also claims that its washable mask has four-layer filters that remove bacteria and particles.

The AirPop Active+ Smart Mask will set you back US$150 and you can purchase it on AirPop’s own website.

[via Mashable, cover image via AirPop] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412900/Smart-Face-Mask-Tracks-Your-Breathing-And-Can-Be-Worn-While-Exercising/

Disney Showcases Rare Tour Of Cinderella Castle’s Magical Hidden Suite

Posted on January 14, 2021 by admin

♬ original sound – Disney Parks

Image via Craig Adderley / Pexels

The Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World might arguably be the most stunning theme park landmark in the world, but one would be surprised to know that it doesn’t just stand there to look pretty. The icon, modeled after 17th-century French chateaus, hides an equally beautiful secret that only a few have come to learn about.

That may have changed with a new TikTok video posted by Disney Parks. The account has offered an unusual tour of the Cinderella Castle’s hidden interiors, inviting social media users to virtually step foot into a fairytale-like luxury suite only a small party of guests have used.

Among the room’s intricate features are a hand-arranged 30,000-tile mosaic of Cinderella’s coach on the floor, makeshift “fireworks” on the ceiling’s embers, and a mirror that transforms into a television. Guests will also be able to take home Cinderella’s glass slipper.

The suite was designed to be used by Walt Disney’s family. Unfortunately, the Mickey Mouse originator died before its completion, reports Apartment Therapy.

This magical experience isn’t for all prince and princess hopefuls of the land. The suite had remained mostly unused until 2006, when Disney World hosted a ‘Year of a Million Dreams’ sweepstakes and gave out a one-night stay as a prize. It is also reported that only a few celebrities have stayed in the room, including Tom and Suri Cruise.

While there aren’t fairy godmothers to grant wishes in real life, Disney fans can at least have some of their hopes obliged with this intimate glimpse of the stunning quarters.

@disneyparks

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, here’s an exclusive #Cinderella Castle Suite Tour for you 🏰✨ #Disney #CinderellaCastle #Suite #RoomTour #WDW #Magic #DisneyParks

[via Apartment Therapy, cover image via Craig Adderley / Pexels] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412904/Disney-Showcases-Rare-Tour-Of-Cinderella-Castle-s-Magical-Hidden-Suite/

Netflix Previews 2021’s Movie Lineup, New Blockbusters Coming Every Week

Posted on January 14, 2021 by admin

Video screenshot via Netflix Film Club

Netflix is giving its subscribers 71 new reasons to stay at home in 2021. The streaming service has scheduled to release a brand new movie every single week this year, taking the cinematic experience to your humble abode.

The platform has recently posted a teaser for what viewers can expect for the rest of the year. The video features an all-star cast—including Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Hemsworth, Melissa McCarthy, and Amy Adams—remotely amping audiences up for upcoming blockbusters spanning musicals, action features, rom-coms, and more.

Among the 71 Netflix movies to expect are the film directorial debuts of Halle Berry and Lin-Manuel Miranda in their respective movies, Bruised and Tick, Tick … Boom!.

While the film-making and distribution industry has been grappling with the untoward effects of COVID-19, Netflix’s strategies seem to impressively go against the grain. In 2021, you might be watching even more flicks than when theaters were still open.

[via Mumbrella and Variety, video and cover image via Netflix Film Club] http://www.designtaxi.com/news/412902/Netflix-Previews-2021-s-Movie-Lineup-New-Blockbusters-Coming-Every-Week/

Cosmopolitan UK’s Body Positive Magazine Covers Amass Mixed Responses Online

Posted on January 14, 2021 by admin

Image via Cosmopolitan UK

Cosmopolitan UK magazine has raised questions about possibly “glamorizing” obesity after featuring plus-size models on its February cover.

The issue is dedicated to body positivity and stars plus-size women with the tagline, “This is healthy.” The personalities include track-and-field athlete Morgan Lake, fitness influencer Sophie Butler, and plus-size blogger Callie Thorpe.

The magazine also unveiled nine other covers for the issue, and other models include yoga teacher Jessamyn Stanley and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds. “These 11 incredible women with very different bodies are proving wellness isn’t one-size-fits all,” Cosmopolitan UK wrote.

However, the covers have received mixed responses from readers, with some praising the magazine for its portrayal of health while others claimed it sent out a dangerous message to the public.

“Weird time for @Cosmopolitan to do this cover given the relationship between obesity and death/serious illness from COVID,” a Twitter user voiced out. Good Morning Britain’s host Piers Morgan also slammed the cover, stating, “No, it’s not. And given that obesity is a major factor in why many get severe covid illness, this @CosmopolitanUK cover is shamefully irresponsible.”

Others defended the cover, with one saying, “We need more visibility of people of all sizes, so people feel less shame and stigma.”

“I think it’s great that a magazine like this is trying to change the stereotype of what women see as healthy. I spent all of my childhood feeling ashamed that I was bigger than everyone else, and there was no one my size on TV, and yet everytime I went to the GP I was healthy,” another user explained.

Despite the criticism, Cosmopoiltan UK said the response to the body-positive covers has been “overwhelmingly positive.”

“Cosmopolitan UK is all about uplifting our audience and promoting diversity, belonging and positivity,” it said. “Our aim is to make sure that no one feels excluded from the wellness space and we hope this issue will help inspire our readers, whatever stage of their fitness journey, feel empowered to make their mental and physical health a priority during this time.”

Health isn’t one-dimensional, and demonstrating this through a high-profile platform could empower readers to take control of their wellbeing no matter their appearance or lifestyle.