QUIET LUXURY: 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? I define it as understated, unassuming luxury – the type of luxury that stays under the radar. Stealth Wealth, the idea of being wealthy without having to show it off.
This will typically include brands acquired by those who are of an elite status. 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.
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.
If wondering whether Quiet Luxury is a trend or here to stay, I’d say that while it has recently become a hot fashion topic that’s trending, I believe there is a timeless element to it that has almost always been around and is here to stay.
However, I also believe that the aesthetic of Quiet Luxury, similar to that of a classic timeless style, can be achieved without so much of the elite status typically associated with it. A very minimalist, polished, clean girl style comes to mind when considering this aesthetic.
If you are already someone who chooses a minimal understated style solely focused on quality then you likely already fall in line with the trend.
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 thoughts on this trend – Well, I’ll start by stating that I 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 and lifestyle. So I guess I am taking a bit of issue with mimicking a lifestyle and calling it a trend.
In my opinion you either already embrace aspects of this trend into your individual style as a lifestyle or you don’t. Otherwise it’s giving style concepts like “how to look expensive.” And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that except even the idea of “how to look expensive,” speaks to looks pulled from an expensive lifestyle when one may not be able to afford it.
If we are solely focused on quality purchases and more of a 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.
If interested in learning more about my style, see my lookbook and check out some of my latest videos on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjIF9vI9kZy3NVXJj3rXSiQ
