Miley and the Pig

This journal has always had a soft spot for Miley Cyrus—or a hard one, depending on the context. She’s been a reliable presence in these pages whenever she decides clothes are optional, which is frequently enough that I’ve stopped pretending to be surprised.

The occasion this time: the cover of PAPER magazine, the same publication that brought us Kim Kardashian’s historic ass. The theme was "Use Your Voice," which Miley—born Destiny Hope Cyrus, 22 years old, former Hannah Montana, professional tongue exhibitionist—chose to celebrate entirely naked, pressed against a very startled-looking pig.

The full shoot ran shortly after. More photos, same energy. PAPER has a type—they find people who make polite society uncomfortable and hand them a cover—and Miley is the natural successor to that tradition. Whatever you think of the provocation, she commits to it completely, and there’s something genuinely compelling about someone that comfortable in her own skin. Among other things. I can never get enough of her grin. That part I’ll admit freely.