Despite the well-documented health risks of smoking, the image of cigarettes is making a surprising comeback in music and popular culture. Once seen as a relic of a bygone era, smoking is now being glamorized by music artists and influencers who are reshaping its cultural significance. The resurgence isn’t just about smoking itself but the aesthetic and rebellious symbolism it conveys—an attitude that has captivated global audiences.

Smoking’s Revival on the Music Scene

Several high-profile musicians have brought smoking back into the limelight. Charli XCX, a trendsetter and self-proclaimed “brat,” has reintroduced cigarettes as part of her signature look, describing the essential “brat” vibe as incomplete without “a pack of cigs and a Bic lighter.” Other artists have followed suit, incorporating smoking into their public personas, music videos, and even stage performances. Latin pop sensation Rosalía famously gifted Charli XCX a bouquet of cigarettes for her birthday, while Addison Rae, in her music video for Aquamarine, smoked in a striking double-cigarette moment that caught social media attention.

The trend has spread beyond individual artists to fashion and pop culture at large. New York Fashion Week earlier this year featured models smoking on the runway, echoing the early 2000s aesthetic where icons like Kate Moss and Britney Spears were frequently photographed with cigarettes in hand. This throwback to the “bad girl” image has resonated with fans who see smoking as a nostalgic nod to a more carefree, rebellious time.

Cigarettes as an Aesthetic Accessory

In today’s world, where health and wellness are at the forefront, why are cigarettes being romanticized? For many young people, it’s less about the act of smoking itself and more about the aesthetic it represents. Instagram accounts dedicated to “cigfluencers” share images of celebrities like Dua Lipa and Anya Taylor-Joy smoking, drawing admiration and thousands of likes. The glamorous imagery is reminiscent of early 2000s pop culture, where smoking was an accessory to a lifestyle marked by freedom and spontaneity.

In music videos and concert performances, cigarettes have become powerful props that signal defiance and nonchalance. The inclusion of smoking in films, such as Saltburn, where Jacob Elordi’s character is often seen smoking, adds to this narrative. In music, songs like Lady Gaga’s Die With A Smile feature smoking as part of the visual story, tapping into themes of rebellion and desire that connect with global audiences.

A Cultural Rebellion

Music artists are often at the forefront of social change and rebellion, and smoking has been woven into this narrative as a symbol of defiance. Dr. James Hook, a U.S.-based doctor, points out that glamorizing cigarettes can make smoking seem aspirational, especially for younger audiences who see it as a way to emulate the sophisticated, untouchable personas of their favorite stars. Artists like Paul Mescal have even refused to quit smoking, citing it as an integral part of their public image. This sense of rebellion is particularly strong in regions where strict anti-smoking laws and health campaigns make smoking seem like a bold, almost subversive act.

In the UK, for instance, new government regulations could eventually ban cigarette sales, adding to the allure of smoking as an act of rebellion. For some, the reemergence of cigarettes in pop culture is less about long-term trends and more about pushing against societal restrictions, particularly in places where smoking is heavily stigmatized.

The Global Appeal of Cigarette Aesthetics

Beyond the U.S. and UK, cigarettes are reappearing in media worldwide, influenced heavily by the nostalgia-driven aesthetics of popular culture. In regions like South America and Europe, where smoking has traditionally been part of social gatherings and nightlife, the cultural symbol remains potent. The global reach of platforms like TikTok and Instagram has amplified this trend, connecting fans around the world who admire the seemingly effortless coolness of artists and celebrities.

Not everyone is convinced by this resurgence. Health experts worry that glamorizing smoking could undermine years of anti-smoking campaigns. Even though the global smoking rate is declining, nonprofit health organizations like Truth Initiative warn that associating cigarettes with celebrity status and aesthetic appeal can encourage young people to experiment with smoking despite its risks.

Cigarettes: A Fading Trend or a Lasting Symbol?

The resurgence of smoking as a cultural image in music may seem powerful, but it’s likely a fleeting trend driven by nostalgia rather than a genuine lifestyle shift. Government policies, public health campaigns, and the rise of alternatives like vaping will continue to push cigarette use down. However, as long as cigarettes represent a symbol of rebellion, spontaneity, and nonconformity, they may maintain a niche presence in pop culture.

For music artists and their followers, cigarettes serve as an accessory—a shorthand for a particular aesthetic and attitude. Whether the trend endures or fades, this moment in pop culture reminds us of the power of symbols, especially when they’re wielded by influential figures.

While the image of smoking may hold temporary appeal in music and fashion, the health realities remain unchanged. Cigarettes might be making a comeback in music videos, on runways, and in social media posts, but for many, their attraction lies more in the symbolism than in the act itself.