Coolness
Manolo says, the Manolo’s internet friend the Virginia Postrel, she is also purse blogging today!
Actually, the Virginia she is cool blogging, posting the article in which the she considers what it is that makes something “cool”, and among the things cited as being cool for her is the most attractive purse from the BCBG Max Azria.
Ultimately, however, although the Virginia can point to the items of coolness, she cannot explain exactly what it is that makes them cool.
This it is because the “coolness” is more about the emotional than the intellectual.
In the past the Manolo he has discussed this matter of the super fantastic, which although not the same as coolness is similar enough for the purposes of this discussion. In such discussions, always the Manolo returns to this conclusion.
Sometimes the Manolo he can explain why something, it is super fantastic. Other times, the Manolo can only feel the super fantasticness in the vibrating of his very being.
This it is the recognition that the emotional response to the item under consideration precedes and and sometimes preempts the rational consideration, so that we want something before we know precisely why we want it.
It is the opinion of the Manolo that if we have trained out tastes over time, through exposure to truly wonderful things, we can come to rely upon such emotional responses as being worthwhile of acknowledgement. So that, for the example, the Manolo he does not need to articulate and explain why he loves the particular shoe, because he can feel, and he has learned to trust his tastes in such matters of feeling.
This it is exactly what is happening to the Manolo’s friend the Virginia. She cannot articulate why, but she nonetheless knows.
P.S. You must also buy the Virginia’s book The Substance of Style : How the Rise of Aesthetic Value Is Remaking Commerce, Culture, and Consciousness. It is one of the Manolo’s favorite books from the past two years, and it would make the fine gift for one who likes to consider the role of style in the modern world.
Even the super intellectual Virginia puts aside her smarts to feel the super fantastic! But isn’t that what cool hunting is all about? Stopping to enhale the super fantastic? OHh Virginia how we love you!
Almost Girl
http://almostgirl.coffeespoons.org
I have a response to both the Manolo and The Virginia!
http://almostgirl.coffeespoons.org
I contend that cool is the intersection of time and design!
As a graphic designer, I have much enjoyed reading the postings and articles of Virginia Postrel – thanks for leading us to her many moons ago, Manolo.
I have long believed that it is worthwhile to buy things that make you happy when you use them, even if a basic, boring, less expensive option is available. I am one of those visually stimulated people and therefore try to surround myself with things of beauty and good design. This doesn’t just apply to expensive shoes and handbags, but also to the package design of everyday products, from hand soap to cereal boxes to calendars. I will pay a little extra for a product if I think the package is particularly well-designed – good design must be rewarded!