The Quiet Luxury trend has been in the headlines lately. It’s apparently one of the biggest trends of 2023.
What is Quiet Luxury?
Or “Stealth Weatlh” or “Old Money” style as other call it. It is about wearing understated garments in high-end quality. It’s about changing our shopping habits by buying less in better quality, embracing fully the “Less is More” concept.
Intrigued at first, for this sudden interest to “Quiet Luxury” style, I did some research and wondered why so much attention now for a trend that is not new according to me.
Why only now?
That was the first question that popped into my head when I learnt about it. Nothing new about creating a capsule wardrobe and focusing on high-quality classic pieces, preferably in neutrals colours. This has been on social media for a while now. So why only now do we have this craze for “Quiet Luxury”?
According to some fashion lovers on the internet there could be several reasons explaining this:
1. First, the show Succession portraying a wealthy and powerful global media conglomerate family, the Roys, and their fight for succession obviously. We see them wearing very expensive but subtly toned-down designer pieces, no signs of ostentatious logos. As viewers, we learn more about “Old money vs New money” way of living.
2. Second, we have Gwynelth Paltrow Civil Court case in which she strategically wore high-end pieces in neutrals hues, to win the jury some would say. Her trial, spanning eight days, made international headlines, and attracted attention on social media.
3. The repercussion of Covid 19 could be another reason. Once people realised how much less they needed in their wardrobe during lockdown, they were more willing to live with less.
4. It could also be, the current economic downturn with an increase of inflation and cost of leaving, forcing people to be more mindful of their spending.
5. The least explanation could just be an awakening to the impact of the fast fashion industry on our planet.
6. Or it could be a combination of all the reasons above.
In my opinion, the new thing here with Quiet Luxury, is not about having a minimalist wardrobe, embracing fully the “Less is More” concept it’s more about “looking rich” and that’s why, quite frankly annoys me. I mean it’s great if people learn to live with less and better thanks to this trend, but … taking the subway instead of a private jet won’t make you look rich or going to Maccas instead of a 5 stars Michelin restaurant, or having to clean instead of a maid doing it for you is not rich. It’s all about pretending, or playing to be rich…
The other thing is, where is our personal style, when we are all wearing basics in Beige? A colour of the riches in the western world apparently. But only in the western world, because in India or some countries in Africa for instance, bold and vibrant colours are signs of wealth instead.
Besides once everyone is bored pretending to be rich, once this trend is gone (because it’s just a trend after all) what would happen next? Maximalism? Flashing logos and bling bling style?
What I would have preferred instead, is for people to have a keen interest in saving the planet, being fully conscious of the impact our fast fashion industry and consumers behaviours have on the planet.
For me, the focus should be more on shopping intentionally while being aware of the impact of our consumerism on our planet… and bank account! Because buying cheap quality clothes that look “rich” from fast fashion brands (using poor fabrics and child labour) is not going to make a difference.
I have always been advocating for a more mindful lifestyle. The impact that fast fashion has on our planet matters to me. That’s one of the reasons that prompted me to start a career in fashion (beside a real true passion for it since a young age). By being more mindful, you can save so much, for yourself and the next generation. Plus, who want to look like little soldiers in the street, all in luxurious ivory hue? We should cultivate our personal style, let it grow and be unique!
Here, is what I would recommend instead:
1. Don’t follow blindly fashion trend!
In every trend, pick and choose what works for you, your lifestyle, and your personal taste. If magenta is your colour, then go for it.
2. Always prioritize Natural Fabrics
Always!! Whether it’s a trend or not, always buy your clothes in natural fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, genuine leather (or high-quality fake leather). Your clothes will last longer and it’s better for the environment and works somehow against child Labor (fast fashion brands would never invest in quality fabrics).
3. Embrace your colour palette!
Because these are the colours that suits you the most and will bring the best out of your features. You can create a cohesive colour palette from it and have a versatile capsule wardrobe for each season. You will be unique and will stand out against the crowd.
4. Keep it down a notch with patterns!
It doesn’t mean you have to remove them all but pick few that suits your body shape. Big patterns make you look bigger, stripes can either enhance or not, depending on where and how you wear them. Too many clothes with different patterns won’t be easy to match. Instead, have items in different textures and fabrics to play around with.
5. Always invest in your Classic pieces.
You don’t have to break the bank and buy Zegna is you can’t afford it. But train yourself in buying less in better quality. Buy an outfit per season only, or even per year. And put all your budget in it. You will look so much better, and your clothes will last so much longer.
In summary, always remember to shop smarter, be mindful of our environmental impact and look great in your own way! You are unique, never forget that!
Hope this article was a good read for you. Please leave a comment below and I will try my best to respond as quickly as possible.
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