So, what does it take to be a cool dude?

Rose Mary Roche explores the theory that character, from which genuine coolness is derived, is much more fascinating than pure good looks. Faddy fashions peak and then die while genuine cool is consistent and enduring.

WHAT exactly is the alchemy of cool? A difficult if not almost impossible question to answer. Genuine cool is beyond age, gender, race or religion – those lucky enough to possess it don’t even necessarily seem to be aware they exude it, don’t even seem to try too hard to cultivate it, which is perhaps the secret to its enduring appeal.

Everyone wants to possess it, but just what is the essence of the egnima known as cool? Individuals who have oozed it have included Charlotte Rampling, James Dean, Marlon Brando, Alexa Chung, Anita Pallenberg, Kate Moss, Emmanuel Alt and Keith Richards.