Glamour: It's Still Cool

 By Erica and Karen

One of us--the uptown one--found out that Diana Vreeland lived in her (old) building. That turned our thoughts to glamour. We like it, and we want it. How do we get it?

Well, first of all, what is it? The word is a variant of an old Scottish term referring to the occult, and to spells. Other descriptors include allure, fascination, magic, mystique, enchantment.  We think glamour is the aura that envelops women--and some men--who have lived and loved for a while, and plan to keep on doing both, for a long time.

Second, how do we achieve it? By sticking around, with style. Youth needs no glamour. Youth stands on its own. But once youth has lived a little, ripened, mellowed, other forms of allure develop. You learn how to control your spells. It takes a while, but we are learning exactly how to entice, with the good ones.

Ari Seth Cohen has caught the spirit of our idea of glamour. He has collected images of very gorgeous older women who emanate something much more than looks. Brains. Conversation. Connections. Fabulous clothes that send a message.

Glamour is fascinating. Diana Vreeland fascinated because she ran Vogue with an iron hand, while looking serene and elegant. Kay Graham fascinated because she ran the Washington Post after unexpectedly--and painfully--inheriting it. Lauren Bacall fascinated because of her voice, and her suits. Patti Smith fascinated with her androgyny and lifestyle. Gloria Steinem fascinates because she is an elegant warrior. Each fascinates in her own unique way.

Who epitomizes glamour for you?