QUIET LUXURY: A SLIGHTLY DEEPER DIVE INTO IF IT IS A TREND OR HERE TO STAY

Whether you are a girl who likes to keep your fingers on the pulse of what’s trending or are contrarily the girl who prefers more of a classic timeless style, you may be interested in knowing what Quiet Luxury is and why it is currently all the rave-- let’s unpack.

So what exactly is Quiet Luxury? Based on the culmination of definitions I've encountered, I define it as understated, unassuming luxury – the type of luxury that stays under the radar. The idea of being wealthy without having to show it off.

Historically it is luxury that has been embraced solely by those with what's considered “old money.” It would be the type of luxury that usually looks and is extremely expensive yet unless you are familiar with it, you may have no idea what the brand is.

Despite the historic ramifications associated with Quiet Luxury, luxury of any kind should not be limited to a specific race! Nor should it be a means for classism or categorising ones worth or sense of style. But I will touch on this a bit more in a sec. Please keep reading.

More often than not, Quiet Luxury will include brands more focused on exclusivity, quality, and longevity rather than trends, popularity, and flashy logos. A common thread for Quiet Luxury is quality and an overall luxurious experience upon purchase and then for a lifetime. These are often brands more focused on building generational consumer relationships.

When diving more into the political aspects of what I have come to know about the symbolism associated with quiet luxury as it pertains to exclusivity, who should wear it, and how it is worn, I cannot and will not turn a blind eye to the derivation of white supremacy and classism that plagues the fashion community.

This notion of one specific race as the gate keeper for what determines Quiet Luxury and who gets to wear it is outright asinine. Yet as an influencer, in addition to white supremacy, I have found that there are also others, even within the black community, that have used access to luxury as a way to other, categorize, and value or devalue someone's sense of style.

In my opinion the aesthetic of Quiet Luxury, similar to that of a classic timeless style, can be achieved without so much of the elite status associated with it. A very minimalist, polished, clean girl style comes to mind when considering this aesthetic. This is a style I have seen embraced by many women of various races, to include the black community, even before the idea of Quiet Luxury became a thing.

My response to whether Quiet Luxury is a trend or here to stay is -- if we are solely focusing on actual looks associated with it, despite what it's become as a hot fashion topic that’s trending, I believe there is a timeless element that has always been embraced by those who choose this style aesthetic. Again, that is if we are solely focused on actual looks associated with it.

Some may find the style of this trend a bit stuffy, boring, and uneventful, however, I think this is when one’s individual style would come into play. Despite the classic timeless understated nature of this trend, it can also lend itself in ways that are very chic and fashion forward.

Quiet Luxury style references that come to mind include styles present in the former ABC hit show Scandal by that of Olivia portrayed by actor Kerry Washington. Some of the notable brands she wore were Prada, Proenza Schouler, Dior, and Goyard, to list a few.

For a more recent point of reference for Quiet Luxury style, think looks from the hit HBOMAX show Succession. Some of the most notable brands worn in the show by actor Sarah Snook who plays Shiv Roy include those by Matthieu Blazy’s Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, The Row, and Maison Margiela, to list a few.

So my final thoughts on this trend – I still find myself a bit perplexed about the idea of Quiet Luxury as a trend. When I think of looks and brands I’ve seen when referencing the trend, I see more of an overall style choice. So I guess I am taking a bit of issue with classifying a style choice as an elitist trend, especially if it is one rooted in classism and or white supremacy.

In my opinion you either embrace aspects of this trend into your individual style or you don’t. Otherwise

if we are solely focused on quality purchases and more of a minimal, clean girl style aesthetic then I personally don’t believe we need a trend like Quiet Luxury to achieve that. But what are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments.