Low-Key Luxe
Max Mara’s FW23 trench coats are subtly luxe. Photos courtesy Max Mara
Quiet luxury is trending quite loudly these days. Also known as “Stealth Wealth,” the concept is certainly not a new one although maybe the terminology is. Many designers such as Hermès, The Row and Jil Sander have been discreetly peddling their ultra-elevated essentials with a certain je ne sais quoi to those in the know. The idea is that for those who can truly afford the most luxurious of clothing, there’s no need for logos or in your face branding and the non-trend is trending in a big way this fall.
And while hit-series Succession has ended, the sophisticated silhouettes the show inspired remains. Quiet luxe is conceptualized by under-the-radar quality, exquisite craftsmanship, rich fabrics with clean lines in muted shades. For those with a trained eye, the clothing tells its own discreet but opulent story. It’s a rapid switch from the flashy and often bright party-ready styles that have dominated over the last year or so. But the fashion pendulum is swinging and as the euphoria of last year’s relentless events calms and with more volatile economy in the mix, customers are looking to tone down the glitz.
Many established designers like Max Mara, Giorgio Armani and Toteme are honing their quiet luxury credentials and riding high on a growing customer base. However, a handful of younger labels are starting to hit their stride in the market as well. Tove who had its runway debut in London this season is known for their long, sleek dresses, while the collection over at Fear of God consisted of clothing in modern silhouettes in shades of buttery yellow and pale green. These emerging brands prove that minimalized styling is neither stagnant nor dull.
If this is all too rich for your wallet, there are ways to help mimic the aesthetic. Benefiting from the quiet luxury wave will be brands such as Vince, Banana Republic and Everlane, and when mixing them with your higher-end investment pieces, achieving the look becomes accessible for all. Understated, ultra-luxe fashion is on a roll and speaking louder than ever.
Kim Smith has been a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu since 2004. Born a true Londoner, Smith had a successful career in public relations in the fashion industry in London for more than eight years before moving to Hawai‘i in 2002. Smith’s work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television as well as working with individual clients on their specific style needs. See her work at kimsmithstyle.com.