The phrase “quiet luxury” is a new fashion idiom that has taken over the autumn/winter ’23 runways and our Instagram feeds.
Unlike “Barbie pink” and “balletcore,” which have found homes in labels like Valentino and Miu Miu, silent luxury might be more than it seems, reflecting our pockets and providing the groundwork for the acclaimed designer Phoebe Philo to make a comeback. However, before we go any further, let’s clarify what silent luxury actually is.
In a nutshell, quiet luxury is modern minimalism with a greater emphasis on investment pieces and deliberate buying practices.
According to Vogue magazine, although “quiet luxury” may be categorised as a trend, high-end designer prices are not always associated with it. Instead, this fashion movement is a reflection of a change in consumer behaviour toward more deliberate buying, favouring quality over quantity and making long-term investments. This can entail choosing a vintage item with great craftsmanship or a designer bag with subtle marking that avoids the overt branding associated with logomania.
However, the term has been met with many critics who believe it isn’t really a thing and you can’t measure someone’s wealth based on how minimal their clothes are, and it is just another way to class people.
Fashion digital creator Bryan Yambao made a lengthy Instagram post explaining why he doesn’t buy into the idea of ‘quiet luxury’.
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Prioritising timeless essentials over flashy standout items will help you achieve this subdued “old money” look. Key components include exquisite accessories that don’t overpower the entire appearance and superb fitting that enhances the silhouette, even in the case of slouchy dresses.
