Everywhere on Social Media and wherever else possible, we have been hearing about “Quiet Luxury”. As I write this, I feel rather late to the party - sorry. However, this is very relevant. Now that the hype is over, we can see this sartorial movement's potential impact and longevity.
Image curtesy of Fashion United
WHAT IS QUIET LUXURY?
According to Wikipedia:
“Quiet luxury is a lifestyle characterised by understated elegance and refined consumption, emphasising exclusivity and discerning taste without overt displays of wealth. Other terms to describe the same concept include stealth wealth, old money aesthetic, or silent luxury.”
It came upon us through a series of recent events and appearances:
The SUCCESSION effect: This HBO drama was about a power-hungry global media conglomerate billionaire family and their crazy conniving ways to take over from the patriarch. The wardrobe was muted, quiet, quite boring and epitomised by the unbranded 500 USD “Loro Piana” cap as worn by the character Kendall Roy.
Succession - The Roy Family
Gwyneth Paltrow’s civil court appearance for the Utah Ski accident where she turned up in “Billionaire chic”. Nothing impressive, more Loro Piana, muted tones, cashmere, all high-priced pieces and certainly some GOOP own-brand items.
“The Row” is literally everywhere. The Olsen Twins have relentlessly pursued their quiet luxury brand. Their price point reflects their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, luxurious materials and meticulous attention to detail. Each piece is meticulously constructed by skilled artisans using the finest fabrics, resulting in garments and accessories that stand the test of time.
Now, their bags are becoming the new “it” bags, starting at 3000USD and going up to Hermes price points with ease.
Sophia Richie’s wedding, where the bride has clearly shed her LA “young girlfriend” in the Kardashian circle to become elegant, minimal and mega-rich. As clearly displayed in her multiple low-key Chanel gowns.
Is “Quiet Luxury” a positive fashion direction or just another trend? Let’s have a look.
WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT IT?
Quiet luxury is a positive direction in the future of fashion as it focuses on high-quality, timeless pieces that are ethically and sustainably made. This shift towards more mindful and intentional consumption aligns with the growing demand for sustainable fashion.
Unlike trends that come and go, quiet luxury emphasises the value of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the use of luxurious, eco-friendly materials. This long-term approach challenges the fast fashion industry and encourages consumers to think about the longevity and durability of their clothing.
The impact of overconsumption on the environment and the well-being of garment workers has pushed the fashion industry to reconsider its practices. Quiet Luxury offers a solution by promoting a more ethical and responsible approach to fashion, focusing on quality, longevity and style.
All of this sounds great. At face value, this seems like significant progress. However, anything arising from popular culture has to be considered a trend. People are wearing those Loro Piana Caps exactly because of Kendall Roy. The stealth wealth chic has come to the fore after the maximalist trend (as epitomised by Alessandro Michele’s Gucci and his subsequent minimalist replacement). TikTok has brought this trend to its viral status with over 35 Billion views. Let’s be clear: this is clearly a trend. We need to take the authenticity of Quiet Luxury as seriously as @Gstaadguy. The hilarious tongue-in-cheek channel making fun of the 1%.
Gstaadguy - image curtesy of Lux Magazine
The fundamentals of Quiet Luxury are based on excellent intentions: supporting workers' rights, living wages, ethical materials, craftsmanship, and being a conscious consumer who shops for investment and keeps the clothes for a long time, shopping aligned with your values and being aware of over-consumption and where to spend. All the things we talk about on this blog. This is real progress. Sadly, the reality is not aligned with this.
Upon closer look, many of the Quiet Luxury brands are not ethical, sustainable or, as “good on you” states, “Not taking adequate steps to ensure payment of a living wage for its workers”, “environment rating is very poor”, “it uses a few eco-materials”, “there is no evidence it has taken meaningful action to reduce or eliminate hazardous chemicals”.
Sadly, this is the case for many of the brands mentioned here.
Yesterday, I saw a lady dressed in this Quiet Luxury aesthetic. It was beautiful, classic and very chic. I don’t know what the labels were; nothing was branded except for her well-worn, never-full LV. She clearly always dressed that way; she was at ease and looked comfortable, not out to impress.
In summary, if Quiet Luxury is a positive step forward for fashion or a trend, it is entirely up to us. We can buy ethical, sustainable fashion and wear it for years. Or we can dress for a trend created by a TV show and then move on.
My fabulous upcycled blouse by @DesignBlender
I know what I am doing:-
wearing my beautiful old clothes (Prada, Miu Miu, YSL, etc.)
buying investment pieces from Sharon Wauchob, FRS, and Missoni.
Upcycling with @Designblender
Tailoring hand-made suits with Magnus Novus
Buying pre-loved at The Hula
As always, have fun, love life, and enjoy fashion.
Love
Kate xx