We live in interesting times. We have moved into the boom period stage post Covid where destination travel and living out loud have returned with a roar, and with that comes the requisite shouting about the perfect fit on social media. With much zest and vigor those with the means to do so are traveling, shopping and indulging to demonstrate their fresh from lockdown lifestyles via social posts. To understand quiet luxury, you must first understand that this is the very definition of loud luxury. Its a style characterized by bold logos, flashy designs and ostentatious displays of wealth.
In contrast, quiet luxury is a lifestyle characterized by understated elegance and refined consumption, emphasizing exclusivity and discerning taste without overt displays of wealth. And its popularity is growing.
Tom Ford once famously said that time and silence are the most luxurious things today, and he is right. In the cacophony of noise that is city traffic, the Kardashians and Tik Tok dance videos, the simple pleasures of perfect design, peace and quiet, undiscovered travel destinations and elegantly simple attire are becoming increasingly attractive.
It is becoming more and more passé to don brands that shout their logos boldly on everything from tote bags to sweatshirts, while the trend toward quiet luxury is more of an underlying ethos that has always prioritized craftsmanship, quality and elegance. A beautifully tailored camel coat over a crisp white shirt and black trousers is a fashion choice that tends to exude a sense of refinement and sophistication through subtle details and a minimalistic style, rather than relying on overt branding that cries out to be noticed for its cost.
The concept of quiet luxury has gained momentum recently even in the realm of home decor where sustainability goals are leading homeowners to opt for decor that is quietly elegant and goes beyond just being visually appealing. For example, luxury carpet maker Tai Ping opts for undyed and naturally coloured materials made from natural fibres like wool, silk, and cashmere for its Biophilic Collection.
Olivier Roux, who worked for years at Dior and has 20 years of experience in international business development in luxury and fashion says “in France, luxury has nothing to do with the bright, shiny, new things. Logos and monograms are not luxury. It’s a cashmere sweater from Loro Piana. It’s a vintage Hermes bag, preferably handed down by your mother or grandmother. It’s heirloom jewelry that’s been in your family for generations”. For some designers, quiet luxury boils down to a philosophy or a state of mind. “I do not think of it as a trend—I see it as a way of life,” Danielle Corona, creative director of the accessories label Hunting Season, says.”Most of our community appreciates the value in timeless design [and] they are not usually influenced by trends.”
Quiet luxury started as a trendy phrase used by the fashion industry to describe expensive designer clothing that wasnt obnoxiously obvious. But the term now also speaks to unique getaways and experiences that take them away from people and the noise associated with them.
In contrast to similar-looking fashion movements like minimalism and normcore, the idea of expressing wealth style has more to do with mood and attitude than it does aesthetic. There is an ongoing conversation anchored in investment dressing, true connection to a brand, and a sense of elegance that transcends time.
The beauty of quiet luxury is that it can be inserted into all areas of your life as a form of self-care, the little things that bring you joy, that remind you not to take life too seriously, to also enjoy the finer things now and again. Curating a quiet luxury mindset influences how you think and feel. It affects how you spend your time, energy, and resources daily. Planning how you envision where you want your time, energy, and resources to go is choosing to live with intention and purpose each day.
Below are three ways that you can invite some quiet luxury moments to your life without breaking the bank all while enjoying the beauty and grandeur of quality products and experiences:
Travel
Perched on the edge of sparkling waterways, this elite resort on a secluded island offers a spa, mineral pools, a garden conservatory, and an indoor tennis court. Instead of booking that lavish holiday, more and more travelers coming to Canada are looking for something fresh, a first, and something very much outside of the stress of their daily lives. The rise of the sustainable luxury resort has given eco-conscious travelers a place to spend their travel dollars and free time that leaves them pampered, rested, and with a clear conscience. Locations that are environmentally sound and even aim for carbon neutrality and protecting the planet. Whether it’s quiet luxury, or an escape from the stress of city life, Canada is the place to experience something extraordinary: The Resort | Sonora Resort, BC, Canada
Dining
Private dinner parties and group gatherings are becoming more and more popular especially as part of destination travel and holiday enjoyment. For those who wish to indulge in a personal chef, it is worth considering that they can introduce you to a world of new wines, foods, menus and experiences. Tailored food and beverage experiences offer a sophisticated way of enjoying quiet luxury. Consider Chef Francesco Maganuco for your future dining experience: Elevate Your Dining: Your Personal Private Chef in Sankt Moritz.
Fashion
Fall is always a time for change, and a fashion season that can be pretty transformative. The character Shiv Roy in the HBO series, Succession wears a wardrobe that is often mentioned when discussing the quiet luxury trend.
It features soft colors, luxe fabrics, and elegant yet classic silhouettes. What is even better is that women and men in the know may likely already have items in their closets that can be considered quiet luxury. Classic pieces we have owned for years or pieces we have found while vintage shopping. There is a good chance you can achieve quiet luxury without purchasing a single new garment. Its value is all in the details – those perfect stitches, muted tones and clean lines. An ideal investment should you want to add it to your wardrobe would be the Camel coat found here: GRLFRND The Big Winter Coat in Camel | FWRD