cool

/kuːl/

adjective

[always] keeping calm, not being afraid, not [becoming] nervous, not letting oneself get upset; cool and nonchalant, serene.

Having a relaxed aura, not being anxious or eager, having things under control without apparent diligence. Being a lion, not a squirrel.

Coolness - some people and things are surrounded by a fascination, an aura that can only be described as cool. However, if you try to grasp the concept of Coolness more precisely and divide its different facets into concrete characteristics, it becomes difficult. Everyone knows the word cool. "Staying cool" is important, because no one would like to be uncool. But what does the term actually mean and what does it mean to be cool? Can Coolness be learned or are some people just naturally cool? 

The term Coolness 

Today, apart from the pure description of a state of temperature, the term is mainly used as a word shell empty of content. It is a general and at the same time trivial adjective that, according to a Google search, can be grouped with synonyms such as super, classy, calm, great, in control or relaxed. The German dictionary Duden defines it as the quality of always remaining calm and not being afraid. One thing is clear: Coolness is always desirable.

What is Coolness? 

Coolness and nonchalance seem to be closely related. It is icons such as James Dean, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix or Grace Jones who have an unagitated nonchalance and Coolness becomes second nature to them. Sometimes all it takes is a look, a certain posture or an unexcited smile to trigger a feeling of casual Coolness. But there is no universal formula that can be used to determine the "Coolness factor" of a person or a brand.

What does Coolness feel like? 

Coolness is a feeling, an intuitively perceived expression of autonomy and self-confidence. Serenity and independence without losing sight of oneself. Wild and freedom-loving, without concrete form or bound standards. This unrestricted boundlessness is timeless and thus always modern. An own, unmistakable identity, authenticity and clear values are standards that unite people as well as brands in their Coolness.

"Coolness" - the book 

Michael Köckritz, "ramp" editor-in-chief, takes the term and its various facets as his focus in his book "Coolness: The Casual Elegance of Freedom". The result of his research is a personal plea for coolness as a timeless modern aesthetic and self-confident attitude. The book "Coolness: The Casual Elegance" will be available from teNeues from 15.03.2023.

Coolness - The playlist for the book

Coolness is a state that also arises when listening to casual music. You can discover the songs and sounds that have accompanied and inspired Michael Köckritz in his book in a playlist of their own. "The Pure Elegance of Freedom" lets you dive into the cool world of Chris Rea, Grace Jones, Michael Bublé, Blind Pilot and many more. Enjoy the music that has shaped and helped to shape the picture book.