If you’ve been paying attention to social media and mainstream news outlets, you’ve likely heard of the new term “Quiet Luxury” taking the fashion world by storm. In fact, Quiet Luxury is a new name for a concept you already know quite well. It’s the glamorous cousin of minimalism. Keep reading because this article will delve into Quiet Luxury and who has become the icon of the biggest trend for 2023. We’ll also explore whether you need a special budget to embrace this trend and whether it is sustainable. Understanding Quiet Luxury is crucial for building a durable and easy-to-wear wardrobe.
What is Quiet Luxury?
If you break down the name, everything becomes clear. Luxury refers to quality clothing and accessories with heritage. Therefore, luxury brands have a history in the fashion timeline. In addition, luxury pieces are made with high quality and craftsmanship to satisfy a select group of people. Hence, luxury is not accessible, but always highly desirable. We can say that luxury is inherently elitist.
Regarding the trend part of Quiet, it is a counter-attack to the logomania fever dominating fashion for some years now. Brands like Gucci and Balenciaga exploit consumer insecurity, who need to show off their “good taste” and money through the clothing logo. In contrast, Quiet Luxury is for those who have money but don’t need to show it off. Quiet Luxury relies on the idea that the quality of the garment’s material and the sophisticated and bold yet classic cut are eloquent and elevate the person several levels above the mere mortal.
The Quiet Luxury puts an end to the luxurious inelegance of logomania.
The calm good taste of Quiet Luxury is visible in brands like The Row, Loro Piana, Max Mara, Khaité, Lemaire, Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander, and Hermès. And the fashion designer who represents everything we’re talking about is Phoebe Philo, who was behind the Celine brand from 2008 to 2017.
This is the biggest fashion trend for AW 23-24.
Who is a Quiet Luxury icon?
Recently, Gwyneth Paltrow has risen to the podium as Miss Quiet Luxury. During the trial, which she won, about a hit-and-run ski accident, the Hollywood Royal actress paraded a perfect wardrobe. The Row coat, Celine bag, Bottega Veneta boots, Loro Piana pullover, etc. Using natural hair and makeup, Paltrow preferred materials such as cashmere, silk, pure wool, soft leather, and layers of gold jewellery. The colour palette varied between beige, khaki, grey, pale pink, and black.
The actress’s fashion choices resulted in an effortlessly chic wardrobe with elevated basics. And we believe that with less than half of Gwyneth Paltrow’s budget, you too can have a similar wardrobe.
Is Quiet Luxury always expensive?
The idea behind Quiet Luxury or Stealth Wealth is to avoid conspicuous consumption. Therefore, it’s more about attitude than money. Do the math, instead of buying 10 tops for 30 euros at Zara or H&M, buy two wonderful shirts at Soeur, a French affordable-luxury brand. They will last for many years and elevate your wardrobe to another level. This is what the late Vivienne Westwood meant by her motto ‘Buy Less, Buy Better’.
The important thing is to choose a piece that will add to your wardrobe, combining well with the other pieces you already have. This creates the desired effortless chic effect. Clothes don’t have to be dull, on the contrary, innovative and provocative cuts are part of intellectual luxury. But you don’t want to follow the latest trend or fad, that’s for those who have no style.
We have selected a list of 10 mid-luxury brands that you don’t have to break the bank to create a wardrobe full of good taste and quality:
- Soeur
- The Frankie Shop
- A.P.C.
- Tibi
- Weekend Max Mara
- Lou Lou Studio
- COS
- By Malene Birger
- Anine Bing
- Skall Studio
Why is Quiet Luxury sustainable?
A fashion that puts material quality and production craftsmanship first creates clothes that last longer in your wardrobe. This reduces textile waste. In addition, luxury lives in smaller and more exclusive collections. Consuming less but with a higher tag price creates a more sustainable and fair production system. To summarize this idea, the luxury industry mogul, François-Henri Pinault, owner of the powerful Kering group, coined the term generous capitalism.
What to keep in mind to follow the biggest trend for 2023:
- Quality clothes.
- Tailoring and craftsmanship.
- Buy less, buy better. And take care of your clothes.
- Don’t try to be fashionable, but to have style.
- Build your wardrobe with a colour palette that matches well: beige, khaki, grey, and black.
- Mix vintage pieces with new ones.
- And finally, less logos and more good taste.