Nothing is louder in fashion at the moment than the phrase “quiet luxury.” Every fashion writer is reporting the rise of “stealth wealth” style in a recession-era; Tik Tok virals break down coded signals between the generationally wealthy vs. new money, and articles on Sofia Richie’s marital rebrand brews discussion of how a sudden shift to monochromatic style elevates a woman’s relationship status.
For most, the appeal of quiet luxury is simply that it’s functional. In a time of loud style and fast, disposable trends, minimalism amid cultural excess signals easy elegance and restraint. It trades subtlety for covert branding, consequently shifting focus on the wearer over the garment. But perhaps the true trope in quiet luxury is simply being free from the obsession with trends. Whether the intention is to mirror the perception of the affluent or cultivate a genuine regard for refined and well-built staples, here’s to hoping that the QL movement influences our habits beyond aspiring to an aesthetic.
The vanguards of “quiet luxury” style:
Ralph Lauren, The Row, Totême, Hermès, Brunnelo Cuccineli, Bottega Veneta.
The new school:
Gabriela Hearst, Rosetta Getty, Nili Lotan, Tove.
Under-the-radar, but in-the-know:
Metier, REFINE, Another Tomorrow, Sophie Buhai.
The accessible:
Vince, Theory, COS, J Crew.
I tapped two women who embody QL as a lifestyle on their take on the trend:
Viktorija Jasevice, Founder of VSJ Consulting @viktorijajasevice
VJ: “For me quiet luxury is time and privacy. We live in super exposed times - everyone knows where we live, what we eat, what brands we consume... We are also always on the go - dressing from desk to dinner, from airplane to meeting, from office to vacation... I think so-called quiet luxury in fashion is having a moment right now because we live busy overexposed lives, so we are longing for clothes that will support such lifestyle, clothes that suit whatever happens in life. Ultimately time is luxury, so if you don't have to spend hours planning what to pack, what to wear, and so on, you have it figured out.
My philosophies:
If it's good quality, it will last.
If it's timeless, it will work for years and years.
If it fits well, you will wear it a lot and won't even think about it.
If it functions for different occasions, it will multitask.”
Patricia Lagmay, Stylist @patricialagmay
PL: “Quiet luxury is simple, intelligent designs made with high quality materials for utilitarian use. Ideally not delicate or fragile, and with no unnecessary details.
Before buying a product, I ask is this something I need or just something I desire? If the latter, do I really love it, or is someone's marketing just doing a number on me? What am I supporting by buying this? How long do I see it existing in my life? Will it last, physically? Stylistically? Will it thrive in my care/can I give it the care it needs? And whenever I can—whose hands made it?”