Age old question. What is cool? Who is cool?What defines it? Is it worth defining?  And why the hell does it sound so incredibly cliche (and well, “un-cool) now that I’ve put it down on the page?

Cool is in the eye of the beholder. Like many things in our society, it’s not meant to mean the same thing to everyone. Perhaps cool to you is the latest gizmo or gadget. Or the latest kicks for the sneaker heads amongst us. Or the hottest new hipster band absolutely no one has heard of and as SOON as someone has heard of it, it instantly becomes uncool (you know who you are). Or maybe it’s knowing the right people to get you into the right places to be seen. Let’s call this “cool by association”(or “faux cool”)

Or if you’re like me, perhaps you think that the cool factor is merely a manifestation of attitude. Swagger if you will.  A carefree attitude in the respect that you are so secure in yourself and who you are that you just don’t care what others think of you. Fashion is huge, but it’s not about the latest purse or hottest label–it’s about your personal style. Finding out who you are stylistically and owning it. Confidence to be who you are and not care about the person sitting beside you thinks of your large stole (faux fur of course), giant pearls, red lipstick and inexplicably dark sunglasses for a dreary day in the middle of a suburban jungle as you pick up your morning latte.

Not surprising that blogs about this “kind” of cool are numerous. This is the new definition of fashion…it’s whatever the heck you want it to be! As I’ve talked about before, the democratization of fashion is here. It’s not being dictated by the fashion houses, it’s the downtown gals who are shaping the new cool.  My two favorites are the Sartorialist (an oldie, but still a goodie) and the impossible cool. Which is JUST that. The most impossible kind of cool you can imagine. So beyond anything I could possibly hope to be myself, but such a treat to look at. Catherine Denuve, Audrey Hepburn, Kurt Vonnegut…gorgeousness beyond WORDS. Enjoy both:

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

http://theimpossiblecool.tumblr.com

And finally some of my favorites du jour that make me feel like tossing my entire wardrobe, moving to Milan, purchasing a vespa, taking up smoking (sorry kids) and drinking a very dirty martini at noon. None of which will actually happen, but a girl can dream right? Ah to be the cool kids.

Absinthe has long been revered and feared for its insanely high alcohol content, popularly known as la fée verte (the “Green Fairy”) .  For those who may have not taken in this fatalistic elixir, it is bottled at an incredibly high proof and usually served a bit watered down.  Associated with French Bohemian culture, popular in 19th and 20th Century France absinthe has been the center of intrigue to a culture hungry for a fresh new “experience”. Artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Vincent Van Gough and Oscar Wilde have all been associated with the infamous Green Fairy.

Absinthe, now legal in the United States (as of 2007) is finding its way into bars and clubs all over the country. Some spaces do a better job than others in creating unreal French boho experiences. The Edison in Los Angeles does a phenomenal job of recreating that subtly french underground world. Complete with a “fairy” and her absinthe cart that wanders around the maze of a lounge.  A complete sensory experience, the Edison provides a fun, fabulous trip back in time.

Brands have taken notice of this cult like following. Virgin America now serves absinthe on flights, turning up the temperature and edge on an already hot brand. Who wouldn’t want to discover the green fairy on board? I think I’ll pass on the psychoactive drink experience, but it’s definitely an interesting concept!

Believe in your flyness. Conquer your shyness. Advice from a self-help guru? Think again. Words of wisdom from none other than Mr. Kanye West. A thought-provoking little slideshow from our friends at Fast Company definitely inspired some thinking. With lessons not only suited for individuals or artists, but brands as well.

Here’s an artist, perhaps not the most talented rapper in the world (as umpteen YouTube videos from various live performances would illustrate), yet he has risen to the top of his field. How? An absolute and complete confidence and belief in his art. That’s what separates the boys from men in this arena. That’s what separates good brands from great brands. It’s the most simple notion. Belief in yourself as something great, yet having the humility to listen to criticism (which he claims to do, despite his well noted diva fits) and GROW from it. Become better. There’s an unwavering drive and thirst to become the best. Period. How many GREAT big brands have this to thank for their success? Apple. As their most fabulous “I’m a PC/I’m a Mac” ads will illustrate, a brash and brazen slap in the face to millions of PC users. A general “I’m sorry, but I’m better than you” is a wonderfully quirky way of not being afraid of demonstrating flyness. Brilliant.

It’s appealing to have a brand be confident (that is already pretty great, despite quips–just like Kanye) and just come out and SAY what they want to. Too often we get bogged down in mixed messages in fears of ever saying anything too strongly and rubbing someone the wrong way. Lesson to learn: sometimes you just have to find your voice and allow it to well, sing.  You might not be right the first time, or the second for that matter, but listen to what your criticism is and go back and be better. Question, question, quesiton…

“I question anyone who questions me. But I question myself all the time.”

Check out the whole slideshow here:

http://www.fastcompany.com/multimedia/slideshows/content/kanye.html#pause

(Source: Fast Company 2009)

–A bit more on  Kanye: he’s building his own brand. And not only does he have his own record label and has a successful recording career, he’s started his own franchise of Fat Burger restaurants in Chicago, a shoe line with Nike and Louis Vuitton and of course, is about ready to launch his own clothing line. Mr. West is doing just fine–

First of all they seem to be the common denominator in our society. Who doesn’t wear or hasn’t worn at some point of their life, that favorite pair of Chuck Taylors? And then there is the exact opposite force working in their favor-the element of personalization and potential for uniqueness that you can’t get in your favorite designer duds.

Thousands of people embark on sneaker conventions. Passionate for that pair of SB Dunks with that perfect day-glo yellow swoosh, or limited edition ANYTHINGS. The consummate “cool kids” footwear choice. So cool that you don’t have to try. You just ARE. Sneakers will tell your story.

Oh to join the cool kids…

Image Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/fastcompany/headlines/~3/qkPRMU3BJ48/1192106