You may have seen the term on social media and are asking yourself, what is quiet luxury? No voluminous bags here. At the end of the post you’ll see some affordable brands and examples of quiet luxury style items.
A striking new trend has quietly slipped into the limelight. This phenomenon, known as quiet luxury, is not defined by ostentatious displays of wealth or status symbols. Instead, it champions a minimalist approach, focusing on quality, understated elegance, and a deeper appreciation for genuine craftsmanship. For those who seek richness in life beyond the superficial, quiet luxury offers a compelling alternative.
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In this post, we are going through this new trend and answering the burning question of what is quiet luxury?
What Is Quiet Luxury?
What is quiet luxury fashion?
Quiet luxury is a term coined to describe a discrete, refined, and sophisticated form of luxurious living. It embraces products and experiences that are high-quality, often handcrafted, and minimalist in design.
Sleek & Chic
This approach to luxury moves away from conspicuous consumption to a more thoughtful, restrained, and even introspective form of luxury.
The pillars of quiet luxury rest upon several foundational elements, with craftsmanship, authenticity, and exclusivity at the forefront. The allure is not in the logo or the marketing but in the quality of materials and the skill displayed in its creation. The trend is also underpinned by a sense of exclusivity, imparted by the limited availability or custom nature of goods and services. All in all, at the heart of the quiet luxury movement lies a shift in philosophical thinking. These include:
- Quality Over Quantity: Quiet luxury encourages investing in a few high-quality, essential items that last rather than constantly purchasing new things for the sake of variety.
- Sustainability and Ethical Production: Many quiet luxury enthusiasts are drawn to brands that prioritize sustainable practices, acknowledging the impact of their purchases on the environment and society.
- Emphasis on Experience: The focus is not merely on owning luxury items but on the experiences and emotions they evoke. This can range from the feel of the fabric against the skin to the sense of belonging to a group that shares similar values.
- Curation and Personal Style: It encourages the development of a personal style that transcends trends through careful curation of a wardrobe or living space that reflects one’s uniqueness and authenticity.
What is the quiet luxury trend?
This emerging trend can be traced back to ancient philosophies such as wabi-sabi in Japan or the cultural movements that arose in response to the Industrial Revolution in Europe and America. These historical roots reveal a shared ethos of appreciating the imperfect, the unobtrusive, and the handmade.
Not without controversy
This is all about personal choice and genuine appreciation rather than a pretense.
[Click to check out this trench coat]
But zooming back into the modern era, the concept of quiet luxury we see today is believed to have its roots in the mid-twentieth century. This was due to the rise of the minimalist movement in art and design. The artistic principles that championed simplicity, functionality, and clean lines soon found their way into fashion and quiet luxury colors. Of course, affordable quiet luxury brands and icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy all significantly popularized this approach.
The controversy surrounding quiet luxury
Like any emerging trend, this one is not without its controversies. Critics argue that the term is an oxymoron, positing that true luxury is by nature exuberant and extravagant. Others question whether the movement genuinely supports sustainability or simply serves as a new avenue for luxury brands to sell high-priced goods under the guise of minimalism.
However, as the movement grows, it’s evident that for a significant portion of its followers, this is all about personal choice and genuine appreciation rather than a pretense. In an age where conscious consumerism is increasingly important, it offers a middle ground—allowing for indulgence without the conspicuous waste often associated with traditional luxury.
What is quiet luxury style?
[CLICK TO SHOP THE LOOK ABOVE ON LTK]
What sets this trend apart from its ostentatious forebear is not necessarily price. Rather, it’s about showing wealth differently. Traditional luxury is marked by logos, flash, and a keen focus on the external statement made by possessions. This style, on the other hand, turns that notion inward, focusing on how the item makes the customer feel and the quality that will be appreciated over time. It’s a movement redefining status and good taste in high society as practicality and timelessness come to the fore. This shift is a reflection of broader attitudinal changes. For example, the Millennial and Gen Z cohorts have shown a greater interest in spending on experiences rather than products. They are less inclined to define their worth by material possessions and are more likely to admire brands that exhibit a more holistic approach to luxury.
Affordable Quiet Luxury Brands
This trend has found a home in the branding strategies of some of the world’s most prestigious companies, such as Hermès and Stella McCartney, who forge a narrative around craftsmanship and longevity that reverberates with the quiet luxury consumer. Brands like Cuyana have also harnessed Instagram and other platforms to showcase a more minimalistic approach to this type of luxe.
With that said, quiet luxury is not necessarily just for the elite. Affordable brands, from Everlane to Muji, offer products that reflect these values without the hefty price tag. For them, quiet luxury is as much about transparency, sustainability, and ethical production as it is about the product itself.
Cuyana
Known for their “fewer, better” approach to fashion and classic, minimalist designs.
The Row
A luxury label by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, revered for its understated elegance and expert tailoring
Everlane
A transparent brand that focuses on high-quality essentials and radical transparency in pricing and production.
Demellier
Demellier is a brand that encapsulates quiet luxury colors and appeal, offering an exquisite collection of affordable, luxe looking handbags.
COS
Hailing from the H&M group, Cos offers high-quality design and aesthetic clarity at an accessible price point, making quiet luxury more democratic.
Quiet Luxury Wardrobe Staples
When considering the wardrobe essentials of a quiet luxury aficionado, a palette of neutral tones forms the foundation. Clean lines and simple silhouettes prevail, devoid of any flashy details. Garments are chosen for their versatility, able to create a multitude of understated yet sophisticated looks.
The White Shirt
It’s the archetype of the quiet luxury wardrobe, embodying the perfect blend of form and function. In linen for summer or crisp cotton for winter, the white shirt is a chameleon, pairing effortlessly with jeans for a casual outing or under a tailored suit for a more formal affair.
Tailored Trousers
Whether in a classic cut or slightly relaxed, a well-tailored pair of trousers is a staple. A muted palette of grays, blues, or browns ensures versatility across seasons and scenarios.
The Trench Coat
An icon of elegance, the trench coat transcends both time and gender. Its fluid lines and precise draping encapsulate the very essence of quiet luxury.
Tasteful Accessories
In the realm of accessories, less is more, and their presence should be felt subtly, if at all. Think of a fine watch with a classic face or a pair of handmade leather shoes in the richest of browns.
The future of quiet luxury
Where is the quiet luxury trend headed, and what implications does it have for the wider consumer market?
Embracing a Sustainable Luxury Narrative: As quiet luxury continues to gain traction, it’s also pushing the needle on sustainable and ethical practices within the luxury industry. Consumers are increasingly influenced by the purity of a brand’s sustainable practices. Quiet luxury, with its inherent emphasis on quality over quantity, is uniquely positioned to champion this cause.
Appealing to the New Generation of Affluent Consumers: The younger, affluent consumer is not defined by the same norms and values as their predecessors. They’re seeking new indicators of status and value—ones that resonate with their own values of authenticity and sustainability. Quiet luxury, with its light approach to wealth and style, is well-placed to appeal to this generation.
Redefining What It Means to Be Truly Wealthy: In the past, wealth was often associated with the accumulation of material possessions. However, the quiet luxury movement challenges this definition. It suggests that true wealth is about the quality of what we own rather than the quantity. It is possible that the quiet luxury trend will redefine the aspirational nature of luxury. This may inspiring a new perspective of wealth in a more personal light.
The future of luxury looks quieter, but by no means less significant. This trend represents a seismic shift in the concept of luxury. The appeal of this movement will likely grow, cultivating a richer and more mindful approach to consumption and authenticity. After all, luxury is, and should always be, a personal choice
This post answered the question of what is quiet luxury.
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