Quiet luxury is the hot topic in fashion lately. It’s on all social networks. Let’s break it down, shall we?
When small screen teens Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen established the row In 2006, the world of luxury was as impenetrable as ever. But 17 years later, this logoless brand rivals esteemed brands for its appeal, with its sumptuous staples, eye-catching accessories and attention to detail. So what does quiet luxury mean? Understated and timeless elegance, the ability to make simple wardrobe bases feel luxurious and unique, impeccable details, quality and craftsmanship. How do you put on a proper cover? How does a fabric behave? It is the art of making investment clothing.
Where does this obsession with a kind of casual richness that transcends flashy logos and seasonal silhouettes come from? Most of the attributes that define quiet luxury relate to the quality of materials, the neutral color palette and the overall emphasis on basic silhouettes, reflecting an understated approach to dressing. But the defining element of don’t worry luxury What has incited such cultural fixation relates to its resemblance to an aesthetic most commonly perpetrated by the “old money” archetype.
The irony is that the general public can participate in this exclusive and unidentifiable echelon of status and dress as if they belong to a particular social class without spending the amount of money one would assume they would. The vibe is when you know you know.
But then, does it matter?
One way to explain this cultural shift is as a predictable response to the most recent bout of logomania. But also, historically, the type of people who wear ordinary but very stylish clothes (think Phoebe Philo herself) are not attracted to celebrity status and instead prefer to have low-key exposure. People who live and work under the cultural radar and consciously choose to stay there. In an age of oversharing on social media, there is a deep longing in the air for a kind of anonymity we will likely never have again. And at its core, this is fashion and style, right? A language without words. Maybe there’s some comfort in your clothes keeping you vaguely anonymous. Especially in a world where Google surely won’t do it.
The quiet luxury makes me miss the whimsy and joy of getting dressed. But anyway, the underlying sentiment is that wealth comes in all shapes and sizes: some holders of the oldest money are also the oldest fans of Versace. The deepest kind of luxury It is freedom. And freedom gives you the opportunity to do what you want.
Scroll down to see the edition by brands: Tove, Toteme, Khaite, Loro Piana and also (great price) COS.
What do you think of quiet luxury?
