Do It Yourself

Editorial Letter

Production: Amor Diaz @amor___diaz

Photography and Creative Direction: Izack Morales @izackmr

Styling: Kingsley Osuji @styledbykingsley

Hair: Roberto Campisi @rob_campisi

Makeup: Marta Mariotti @mariotti_marta

Words: georgina__villa

Last summer, during one of my leisurely walks through the enchanting Saint Germain neighborhood in Paris, I stumbled upon the little treasure that would shape the inspiration for this issue. An old library beckoned with boxes outside, each under the sign "livres d'occasion à 3 euros" (second-hand books for 3 euros). Unable to resist, I immediately found myself immersed in the contents of these old cartons. A vivid orange cover caught my eye – a book by Hans Ulrich Obrist (art critic and one of my favorite curators) accompanied by its Thai version. Without hesitation, I bought it.

The discovery turned out to be the book "Do It," a project initiated in 1993 by friends Christian Boltanski, Bertrand Lavier, and Ulrich Obrist. Originating as a conversation about an exhibition of do-it-yourself descriptions and procedural instructions, it eventually evolved into a book featuring artworks by over 100 international artists, from Yoko Ono and David Lynch to Sarah Lucas and Aiweiwei. These artworks took the form of do-it-yourself text instructions, encouraging readers to recreate them independently. The result? A diverse array of interpretations, each as unique as the individual creating it – an artwork in itself.

Inspired by the philosophy of "Do It" and after delving into the book together, our team at We the Cool observed a fascinating trend among the creatives we've collaborated with throughout the launch of the magazine in 2020. Many not only 'did' things themselves but also ventured into unexpected paths, diverging from their initial trajectories. Architects transformed into painters, fashion stylists turned table-set designers, and biologists metamorphosed into digital artists.

This revelation served as the catalyst for our current issue, a celebration of the unconventional journeys that creativity can take. It's a testament to the idea that true creativity doesn't necessarily adhere to a rigid set of rules, studies, or predefined steps. Instead, it urges us to simply "do it," starting from scratch and embracing the unpredictable, diverse outcomes that follow. The current issue of We the Cool Magazine is an ode to the spirit of unbridled creativity and the transformative power of just getting started!

In collaboration with Roberto Campisi, a visionary hairstylist renowned for his innovative approach, we delved into the world of unconventional materials to craft exclusive and extraordinary hairpieces. Embracing the "Do It Yourself" ethos, our editorial cover story unfolds with a showcase of stunning creations using ordinary items such as toilet paper tubes, balloons, flowers, and sponges. Campisi's artistic prowess transformed these everyday objects into avant-garde hair accessories that redefine conventional beauty standards.

Campisi's hands-on approach not only embodies the essence of the "Do It Yourself" movement but also serves as an inspiration for individuals to unleash their creativity and experiment with unconventional materials in their personal style endeavors. Through this partnership, we aim to encourage a broader audience to embrace the joy of self-expression and celebrate the beauty that can emerge from the unexpected.

We invite you to explore the making of HERE and we hope you enjoy this, our first 2024 edition.

Best,

We The Cool Magazine.