Quiet Luxury

Is this just another blah….blah….blah….fashion press obsession to try and convince us all that something new and innovative is afoot and we all need to dash out and spend, spend, spend. Let’s explore!

The inspiration is reported to be Shiv Roy from Succession – her expensively curated wardrobe of subdued classics has sent the glitterati into raptures. Apparently the programme stylists visited the most exclusive New York ateliers and boutiques to observe at close quarters the super rich, or the 1% as they are now referred to, whilst they browsed, shopped and socialised, desperate to accurately portray this group.

Poster girl for the elite one percenters is Gwyneth Paltrow who so perfectly displayed her quietly luxurious wardrobe of sumptuous greige cashmere and exquisite  tailoring at her recent trial. Acres of column inches were devoted to her understated wardrobe that gently whispered wealth, taste and exclusivity – apparently only fellow ‘in-the-knows’ would recognise such low-key luxury.

What does Quiet Luxury actually mean?

My understanding is:

• No obvious, ostentatious branding or logos
• No recognisable embellishments that shout super rich
• Must look effortless, not even the merest hint of trying too hard. 
• Little known labels that only the elite can afford
• Classic, predominantly neutral, mega expensive and oh so discreet

To my mind it isn’t really anything new or ground-breaking. Let’s think back to previous style icons who displayed the essence of quiet luxury. I’m probably giving my age away, thinking Katharine Hepburn in her exquisitely cut fluid trousers and luxurious drapey shirts. Jackie O would definitely feature – on duty immaculately simple tailoring and gorgeous pill-box hats, off duty capris and cotton shirts. Of course the glorious Audrey deserves a mention, whether resplendent in black dress and pearls or riding, gamine cropped, on a moped through the streets of Rome. Say no more….

I run out of superlatives for Carolyn Bessette, the epitome of flawless simplicity whether we’re talking her sleek, much-copied, never equalled wedding dress or ultra cool New York workwear.

Let’s be honest here – 99% of us are not super wealthy and yet I know many women who exhibit the timeless, ageless, understated elegance that is now deemed to be quiet luxury. Coastal grandma is so last year in her luxe linen and fine cashmere topped off with a Panama and tortoiseshell shades. Same ethos – different soundbite?

My two closest friends are neither famous nor wealthy. Both adore clothes.

One with a slightly more cool bohemia vibe to her classic attire, the other more traditional in her effortlessly chic wardrobe of tonal neutrals and grown-up staples. Both wear pieces from 20 and 30 years ago – maybe not a necessity for the 1% – but great exponents of buying better and less, my forever fashion heroes.

So, quiet luxury feels like just a new headline rather than a new mindset. I can’t afford the 1% brands, however I will continue to abide by the enduring pillars that have stood me in good stead –

Less is always more,

Longevity beats fleeting everytime,

Pearls are timeless,

and,

Refined elegance may not be headline grabbing, but it’ll do for me.