'Pack of cigs and a Bic lighter': Why are celebs glamorising smoking again?

The resurgence of smoking among celebrities has sparked a significant conversation about its implications in modern culture. Recently, Lady Gaga was spotted holding a cigarette in the promotional artwork for her new single 'Die With A Smile'. The artwork features both her and Bruno Mars dressed in vintage blue suits with striking red collars, set against a vibrant blue backdrop that includes a stop sign and a road. As the days grow shorter and the carefree days of summer fade, the notion of being a 'brat' continues to thrive. Charli XCX, a prominent figure in the music industry, has popularized the idea that to truly embody this brat persona, one must possess 'a pack of cigs and a Bic lighter'. This trend is not isolated; it is echoed by other stars such as Rosalia, who gifted Charli a bouquet of cigarettes for her birthday, and Addison Rae, who was seen smoking two cigarettes simultaneously in her music video 'Aquamarine'. Even actor Paul Mescal has openly stated that he refused to quit smoking while preparing for his role in 'Gladiator II'. The dangers of smoking are well-documented, with it being the leading cause of preventable deaths in the UK, accounting for nearly 78,000 fatalities each year. Dr. Misra-Sharp, a general practitioner and cancer specialist, emphasizes that even minimal smoking can significantly increase the risk of severe health issues, including lung cancer, which has a staggering 90% five-year mortality rate. Despite these alarming statistics, the trend of smoking is being revived by various singers, actors, and influencers, who are seemingly bringing cigarettes back into fashion. This was notably evident during New York Fashion Week, where cigarettes were showcased as fashionable accessories. The question arises: why is smoking being glamorized once more? At a recent fashion show by Christian Cowan, models were seen smoking while strutting down the runway, which has led to a 20-year-old university student named Lucy to take up smoking herself, stating that 'it's just what everyone does'. She noted that nearly all her friends smoke, and for them, it has evolved into more than just a habit; it has become a lifestyle choice. Lucy believes that the trend of embodying a brat persona has influenced many to start smoking, as Charli XCX herself suggests that one must have cigarettes to fully embrace that vibe. Charli is not the only celebrity who has inadvertently become a 'cigfluencer'. Numerous Instagram accounts now showcase countless celebrities like Dua Lipa, Chappell Roan, and Anya Taylor-Joy smoking. The traditional image of a smoker as an older, unhealthy man has been replaced by a new generation of young, glamorous celebrities who pose with cigarettes in hand, creating a stark contrast to the past. The aesthetic of smoking has shifted, reminiscent of the early 2000s when icons like Kate Moss and Jennifer Aniston were frequently photographed with cigarettes. The cigarette has transformed into a symbol of nostalgia, representing a carefree and indulgent era, and it is making a notable comeback in pop culture. The film 'Saltburn', directed by Emerald Fennell, encapsulates the essence of the mid-2000s, reminding audiences of a time when smoking indoors was commonplace. The film features promotional images of Jacob Elordi's character smoking, and actor Archie Madekwe even requested lessons on how to smoke, as he had never tried it before. A nonprofit health organization reported that nine out of the ten films nominated for the Oscars this year included smoking, an increase from seven the previous year. Additionally, some of the biggest songs of 2024 have incorporated smoking imagery, such as in the song 'Die With A Smile', where Lady Gaga is depicted smoking while playing the piano. Jessica, a 26-year-old marketing professional, remarked that smoking has become 'so normalized again'. She observed that just a few years ago, she did not know anyone who smoked, but now it seems that everyone is doing it, leading people to forget the health risks associated with smoking. Recent estimates from Cancer Research indicate that approximately 350 young individuals take up smoking each day in the UK, with nearly one in ten 15-year-olds admitting to smoking occasionally. However, the overall trend shows a decline in youth smoking rates, with official statistics revealing that fewer than one in ten young adults in the UK smoke cigarettes, a significant decrease from a quarter of 18-24-year-olds twelve years ago. While smoking rates among young people are decreasing, vaping has surged in popularity. One in seven 18-24-year-olds who never smoked regularly now use e-cigarettes. Jessica, who previously vaped, expressed that it has lost its appeal since it has become so common. This normalization of vaping may be prompting some individuals to revert to traditional cigarettes. In a recent TikTok video, singer Addison Rae expressed her disdain for vaping, suggesting instead that people should 'smoke a cigarette'. Dr. James Hook, a physician based in the US, has observed cases of young people transitioning from vaping to smoking. He believes that the glamorization of smoking by celebrities provides young individuals with a sense of credibility that they may not achieve otherwise. Dr. Hook also noted that the stricter regulations imposed by UK authorities on smoking could be encouraging rebellious behavior among youth. He stated, 'There will always be individuals who challenge the status quo, so it should come as no surprise that a ban on something only adds fuel to the fire of rebellion and a threat to a person's sense of independence. ' The UK government is planning to implement one of the strictest smoking laws globally, which will eventually prohibit the sale of cigarettes. This new legislation will effectively raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes by one year each year. As the government aims to eliminate this deadly habit, the revival of cigarettes and the rise of 'cigfluencers' may be more of a fleeting trend than a lasting cultural shift, particularly as the appeal of smoking seems to be more about the aesthetic and symbolism it represents rather than the act itself.