Be cool, be nice. Two simple instructions, and the title (sans comma) of a just-released book created to help combat cyber bullying. Because cyber bullying is neither nice nor cool, and, as our Editrix-in-Chief Sophia Neophitou would say: “KARMA, BABES!”
The book, out next week, brings together together an impressive roster of fashion talent – combining imagery from Burberry, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs, DSquared2, Pat McGrath and a cover by Marc Newson with support from celebs Kendall Jenner, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, Willow Smith and Zoe Kravitz. There’s even some rhythmic prose. Phewf!
Part of an international movement, both book and slogan are designed to encourage the young (and old) to use social media in a positive way, giving ways for readers to show kindness towards others. But how does one “be cool, be nice”? We asked the Dsquared2 twins, who created a BCBN capsule which was first seen at Milan Fashion Week and launched yesterday, how we can all improve in our daily lives.
“By having the attitude that there is goodness and worth to ourselves, to be grateful for what we have, which makes us behave as a consequence,” they said. “The problem with our daily lives are the problems: maybe you are having difficulties with family or work or school, it’s easy to spiral down in depression and negativity, and you can’t radiate being cool or nice in that state. But you can turn it all around, just by doing an act of kindness.”
“We were bullied; because we were twin boys from an immigrant family growing up in a suburb outside of Toronto.When we were in school we didn’t want to do sports like other guys did; we were interested in fashion, we were discovering our sexuality and we didn’t fit in and it made us feel unwanted and disregarded as being queer. We were lucky we had one another for support.”
Their advice for anyone else suffering? “Be strong, believe in your worth. You do have something to contribute to the world and the world will listen.”
Be Cool Be Nice is out on November 9th, published by Sizzle Press, £14.99.
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