Quiet luxury. Stealth wealth. Whatever moniker is on our lips (and social media feeds) of late, it’s clear that an emphasis on understated elegance has captured public attention. Yes, timeless fashion is nothing new.
But the surge of interest in quiet luxury signals a shift toward a more elevated way of dressing and away from flashy logos. Enter quiet luxury brands.
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WHAT IS A QUIET LUXURY BRAND?
While everyone and their (fashion-forward) mother has an opinion on what can be deemed quiet luxury, there are some common threads across brands.
A quiet luxury brand embodies sophistication and elegance through subtle design elements and refined aesthetics. You’ll notice an emphasis on craftsmanship, quality, and timeless appeal and a rejection of overt branding. These elegant brands put forward understated, yet high-quality products that exude a sense of refined luxury.
Below, explore contemporary brands, emerging ones, and legacy quiet luxury brands that were creating timeless looks before stealth wealth even entered common parlance.
MODERN QUIET LUXURY BRANDS
The it girls of quiet luxury await. Click any brand name to shop the collection.
The Row
The Row, a brainchild of the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, is the exquisite antithesis to logmanis. Elevating minimalism to an art form, the brand features sleek garments in innovative silhouettes. The stealth wealth brand is a favorite among A-listers from Zoe Kravits to Bella Hadid.
TOTEME
Founded by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman, TOTEME offers elevated, crisp staples that remain approachable. Their iconic scarf jacket serves as a symbol of their approach to fashion – one that exudes a subtle, yet undeniable sophistication, redefining the minimalist’s approach to style.
Peter Do
Peter Do’s designs encapsulate avant-garde elegance that are works of art in their own right. Through architectural silhouettes and impeccable craftsmanship, the brand embodies a bold, edgy, yet quietly luxurious persona that is simply unmatched.
KHAITE
KHAITE’S approach to luxury clothing is understated, yet intrinsically sexy. Their collections strike a harmonious balance between sumptuous fabrics and timeless silhouettes, offering a modern yet nostalgically elegant aesthetic.
Vince
Vince skillfully translates modern essentials into elevated casual wear. By placing a strong emphasis on everyday luxury, their relaxed tailoring and high-quality fabrics strike a fine equilibrium between comfort and refinement.
JW Anderson
JW Anderson seamlessly fuses traditional craftsmanship with a modern design, resulting in a playful, artful aesthetic. If you’re in search of a Pheoe Philo-esque sensibility, place this quiet luxury brand in your rotation.
Building a capsule wardrobe? Explore the best brands to shop here.
LEGACY QUIET LUXURY BRANDS
Let’s turn our attention to legacy brands. These are names you’ll recognize as they’ve cemented their place in the realm of timeless fashion. If you love modest yet stylish looks, scroll on.
Brunello Cucinelli
A stalwart in the realm of quiet luxury, Brunello Cucinelli stands as an essential inclusion on any list celebrating refined elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. It sits in the tier of elegant brands that are both impeccably crafted and oh-so-understated.
Love understated elegance? Explore a chic French capsule wardrobe here.
Max Mara
Max Mara has long been the epitome of time-honored sophistication, recognized for its superior tailoring, high-quality materials, and the confidence exuded by its discerning clientele.
Loro Piana
Renowned for its attention to exquisite materials and immaculate craftsmanship, Loro Piana embodies an understated yet unmistakable luxury that transcends time.
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta remains a paragon of understated luxury, celebrated for its iconic intrecciato leather and artisanal craftsmanship that has captivated generations.
Jil Sander
Jil Sander has continually set the benchmark for minimalist elegance, focusing on clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and an enduring commitment to timeless sophistication.
Margaret Howell
Margaret Howell epitomizes timeless British style, offering a quietly elegant aesthetic and an unwavering dedication to quality, simplicity, and classic design. Picture functional, relaxed pieces with an epicene aura.
Loewe
Loewe, a major luxury house founded in 1846, champions craftsmanship and innovation. With its rich heritage and dedication to artisanal excellence, the brand represents an understated luxury that beautifully weaves together tradition and modernity.
Joseph
Joseph is one of those elegant brands synonymous with contemporary and classic wardrobe essentials, exemplifying a perfect harmony between modernity and time-honored, enduring designs. Perfect if you’re building a chic capsule wardrobe.
NEW QUIET LUXURY BRANDS
Explore emerging brands with a distinct design ethos.
Objets Daso
Objets Daso emerges as a fresh force in the quiet luxury sphere, delivering an elegant, modern approach through geometric shapes and a Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic, bringing unique character to the realm of sophisticated accessories.
If you’re building a quality closet, here are the investment pieces you need to see.
Hunting Season
Hunting Season’s luxury accessories embody a timeless approach, designed to seamlessly journey with individuals through life’s experiences. Crafted by a skilled artisan, each piece aims to be a lifelong, treasured artifact. Beyond thoughtful designs, their brand is woven with ethical responsibility, advocating for sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Want more? Check out quiet luxury handbags here.
YOUR QUIET LUXURY QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Ask and you shall receive. Here are five quiet luxury commandments:
Choose Understated Elegance: Opt for pieces with timeless designs that exude sophistication without being flashy. Minimalist details, muted colors, and clean lines comprise the quiet luxury look.
Prioritize Quality: High-quality craftsmanship and materials are quiet luxury essentials. Look for well-made, enduring items that stand the test of time.
Avoid Logomania: Embrace simplicity. Avoid loud logos or overt branding. Instead, focus on classic silhouettes and accessories with discreet details.
Seek Timeless Pieces: Stock your closet with items that won’t fall victim to fleeting trends. Timelessness is a hallmark of quiet luxury, so invest in pieces that transcend fads.
Highlight Your Style: Select items that reflect your individual style. Quiet luxury isn’t about uniformity but about expressing your unique taste and personality through refined choices.
Is it a look… or a lifestyle?
The quiet luxury attitude encompasses an understated confidence and a refined sense of style. It’s a mindset that values sophistication without the need for overt displays of opulence. A spate of celebs such as Sofia Richie and Gwyneth Paltrow embody this attitude, opting for pieces that speak volumes through their quality and understated elegance.
This attitude isn’t about being loud or showy; it’s about a deliberate curation of well-crafted, timeless items that exude sophistication and grace. It’s a preference for quiet sophistication, reflecting confidence in one’s choices and a deep appreciation for the finer details in life.
Now it’s time to build an elegant wardrobe.
