The world is shocked, shocked that someone as pretty as Lily Cole could possibly be smart enough to go to Cambridge. But alas, she is, and is therefore an incredibly unique woman who somehow manages to balance being both smart and attractive. This is a difficult balance when you're a mortal, but even more difficult as a celebrity. Yet, lucky for Lily, The Times say that being smart is like so hot right now:
She is the latest in a line of photogenic brainiacs making headlines by choosing the path of the bluestocking. Natalie Portman did it; so did Jodie Foster. Yet her decision seems of-the-moment. Nerd is in.
Ah, yes. Natalie Portman and Jodie Foster. Both of whom went to University how many years ago?
I think saying that Lily Cole going to Cambridge is fashionable because there are"cerebral bands" like "Vampire Weekend, Foals, Battles and We Are Scientists" topping the charts is pretty fucking obtuse. Cole herself doesn't quite seem to grasp why the world is so obsessed by her decision:
"It's bizarre that people find it so fascinating. I take opportunities as they come. Fashion has been a great one, but it hasn't stopped me doing other things."
I think it's a fantastic decision for Cole to go to University. It's a smart move. What bothers me is that society and the media seem floored that a woman that beautiful could possibly be that smart. Just take The Time's headline for Jessica Brinton's interview with Cole: "Some people get the looks, some get the brains, Lily Cole -- the model, campaigner and scholar -- gets it all". Being pretty and smart means that you 'have it all'?
Yes it's true, there are some women who are beautiful yet not all that intellectual, and vice versa. However, there are plenty of women who are both attractive and intelligent. Why must we be smart and ugly or beautiful and stupid? Just like we're either virgins or whores. Mothers or Sluts.
Why does society want us to be either one or the other?
Cate Sevilla is a freelance writer in London and regular contributor to Dollymix.