In 1927 Elinor Glyn wrote the novel “It,” where Ava, a New York City faux-socialite uses every means possible to secure wealth, celebrity and the city’s most eligible bachelor. The book was quickly made into a film starring Clara Bow and the “It Girl” was born.

As Glyn later defined the term she brought into the lexicon: “It is that quality possessed by some which draws all others with its magnetic force. With It you win all men if you are a woman—all women if you are a man. It can be a quality of the mind as well as a physical attraction. Self-confidence and indifference whether you are pleasing or not—and something in you that gives the impression that you are not at all cold. That is It.”

Over the last eighty-plus years “It” has defined every aspect of popular culture: film, books, art, design, celebrity, sports, fashion, music. “It” is what’s popular now. “It” is what’s going to be popular tomorrow. Those people and things who have “It” have lasting power.

Welcome to Your It List, defining“It” for the 21st century.