I recently saw a tweet that said “I am the amalgamation of every single girl I’ve ever thought was cool.” That’s not true for me, but I certainly try (a whole bunch). Here are some women, some real, some fake, all badass, that I look to for inspiration in some way, shape, or form.
Also, this is Part 1 of likely many. There are just so many amazing women in this world.
Zoe Kravitz
Let’s start out especially strong: I’m convinced that this is the coolest bitch alive, except for maybe her impeccable mom, Lisa Bonet. I understand that being born into fame has a lot to do with getting to do whatever you want, but I feel like she would do it anyway. I fell in love with her alt-pop band Lolawolf three years ago and even almost got a septum ring because of her (still kind of want to, being honest). She’s gorgeous, edgy, smart, and can pull off anything she puts on her body (including this impeccable Marla Singer costume). I’m obsessed, and I’m not ashamed.
Elvira Hancock
Fun fact: I had my first kiss while watching Scarface but it was nothin’ compared to Michelle Pfeiffer in this role (that’s not a comment on the kiss or my sexual orientation, she’s just that stunning). Granted, her whole claim to fame is being a massive cokehead (she married not one, but two drug dealers), but her icy comments like “Don’t get it confused, Tony, I don’t fuck around with the help” are the levels of confident/bitchy I aspire to be. Also, the woman is the only character who makes it out of the film alive with her dignity somewhat intact, and she sure knows how to make an entrance.
Marion Silver
Just to get it out of the way, here’s another drug addict (not why she made my “muse” list). Jennifer Connelly in Requiem for a Dream has a really, really horrible, sad life, but the woman knows her way around a closet (she is a “fashion designer,” after all). She also has an impeccable go-to makeup look for a night out!* In all seriousness, though, I would wear every single thing Marion owns in this film, even the weird sports-bra-no-pants combo (90s Calvin Klein meets Unif? I can dig). Watch the movie for great greyscale sweaters, asymmetric coats, and an unbelievable pair of mesh pants, but probably don’t watch it if you don’t want to get psychologically wrecked.
*Bad joke, sorry
Caroline de Maigret
If you want to see the definition of a Parisienne, look up Caroline de Maigret (in fact, she helped write a book on just what that means). She is so effortlessly cool that she’s almost inverting effort; wearing no makeup, cracking jokes, having a long-term musician boyfriend and a near-secret child with him (?), modeling, running her own music label, helping women worldwide, and just casually being a Chanel ambassador. I’m not certain she’s real, being honest.
Evelyn Marsh
Actually, as far as Twin Peaks characters and characters in general go, Everlyn Marsh sucks, real bad. She’s conniving, trashy, and pretty unnecessary to the otherwise good plot. But hey, of all the characters, she looks the most like me (I’m self-obsessed, what can I say?) and wears really interesting, luxe menswear and the coolest aviators ever , so she makes the cut.
Solange
I know what you’re thinking: “Not Beyoncé?” Actually no, not Beyoncé, because I’m pretty sure Beyoncé is God, and there’s no way I can even attempt to emulate that. However, her sister is just as talented and goddamn, does she understand aesthetic. So much so, that she’s transformed her life into a work of art, and I think that’s the coolest thing ever. Watch the music video for Cranes in the Sky and you’ll understand what I mean; that thing belongs in the Met.
Margot Tenenbaum
A lot of people dress like Gwyneth Paltrow in this role for Halloween and it kind of pisses me off, because my culture is not a costume, thank you very much. Now I’m not in love with my brother like she is, but I am in love with her: the moodiness, the quirkiness, the intelligence, the wooden finger, the cigarettes, the interesting past, the Lacoste dress, and of course, that coat (which I recently found out was custom-made for the film; it had to be “honey.” So cool). Anyway, you know a character’s good when she has you actually rooting for an incestual relationship. Love ya, Margot.
Catherine Tramell
Okay, she may be a sociopath, but this woman is iconic (and probably the most beautiful woman in cinematic history). She has the best wardrobe, house , and sense of self I’ve ever seen. She’s also an author (cool) and taught us all how easily-influenced and dumb the men in the San Francisco police department can be. I wish I was her. Sorry, mom and dad.
Hillary Clinton
I recently watched the episode of Broad City where Ilana volunteers at the NYC Clinton Campaign headquarters, and I almost started crying because everything was so hopeful. This woman instilled so much inspiration in so many girls and women (including myself) through her competence, strength, joy, and resilience in the face of so much hate and misogyny. I can only dream of making as big of impact in the world as she has, but thanks to her, I know that it’s possible. Forever #mypresident.
And finally… drum roll please! (this shouldn’t be a surprise if you are at all familiar with me as a person)
Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
I don’t like to say that I’m obsessed with celebrities (hehe, discount this whole blog post), but these two women are the most captivating people on the planet. I’d be lying if I’d say I haven’t fallen into a weird sort of k-hole and lost track of time looking at creepy pap pics of them (on multiple occasions), but it’s because they’re so fascinating. They ditched the whole childhood star thing completely and adopted a whole new, elusive persona (only one, of course, they’re inseparable); one of high art, no social media, some ethereal soul bond, equestrianism, middle-aged husbands, designing unbelievable clothing, all the coffee and cigarettes, and of course, all the secrets (I could probably convince myself that they’re vampires if you asked me to). These women do not exist in the same plane as you and I mere mortals, but I swear on the dusty remnants of the Mary Kate and Ashley Two perfume bottle on my bedroom shelf, I’m gonna get there. x