What is luxury?
The term luxury refers to a state of great comfort, elegance, and extravagance. It often involves products or experiences that are expensive and exclusive, and are intended to provide a sense of indulgence or privilege. The concept of luxury has evolved over time and can be subjective, depending on an individual's culture, socioeconomic status, and personal taste.
In the fashion industry, luxury is often associated with high-end brands that use high-quality materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and unique designs to create garments, accessories, and footwear that are considered exclusive and desirable, we all know who these brands are. There are brands who do not use high quality materials, craftsmanship or even unique designs yet charge luxury prices and are considered by some as luxury. Quiet luxury is NOT about these brands or ethos.
So what Quiet Luxury?
The concept of "quiet luxury" embodies this shift in the fashion industry, emphasising expert tailoring, high-quality materials, and a refined aesthetic that is subtle yet sophisticated. Quiet luxury is characterized by simple, timeless pieces that are designed to last, rather than trend-driven items that quickly go out of style. The focus is on quality rather than quantity, and on investing in pieces that will stand the test of time as opposed to flashy logos and ostentatious displays of wealth.
How did the term “quiet Luxury” evolve
Quiet luxury is a concept that has been gaining popularity in the world of fashion and lifestyle, and it is inspired by various cultural influences, including the style choices of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and the TV show Succession.
Gwyneth Paltrow is known for her understated, minimalist approach to fashion and lifestyle, which emphasizes simplicity, quality, and comfort. Her lifestyle brand, Goop, embodies these values, offering a curated selection of high-end products that prioritize wellness, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Her colour selection are simple and classic, her fabrics always natural and organic.
Similarly, the TV show Succession depicts the opulent world of a wealthy and powerful family, but it does so with a sense of understated elegance and restraint. The characters' clothing and surroundings are luxurious but not ostentatious, conveying a sense of refined taste and sophistication.
When Cousin Greg date carries a Burberry Tote (with the chaviest of Burberry patterns, more Chinatown), Tom uses it to put her down, a handbag which he deems “ludicrously capacious”.
Personally, I question whether the costume designers in Successions use Shiv’s styles as an example how money can’t buy style – remember the ill fitting cheap looking dresses from the wedding in Italy? And even episode 1 & 2 of season 4, the browns, creams and rusts she wears, they look cheap and don’t become her colouring.
When she keeps it simple and neutral, she looks the money, she attains the "Quiet Luxury" look.
Altogether, these influences have helped to popularise the concept of quiet luxury, its not new, but its back in vogue and why?. Quiet Luxury - determines the value of quality over quantity, simplicity over extravagance, and sustainability over excess, possibly driven by our need to consume less but better, to make the things we own last. This approach is characterised by a focus on timeless, well-made products that are designed to last, rather than disposable fast fashion. It also emphasises a sense of mindfulness and intentionality, encouraging people to make thoughtful, conscious choices about the products they buy and the way they live their lives.
Cashmere is often referred to as the ultimate quiet luxury piece due to its unique combination of softness, warmth, and elegance. Cashmere is made from the fine hair of the cashmere goat, which is found primarily in the Mongolian Plains (WearWith's Cashmere) and Himalayan regions of Asia.
What sets cashmere apart from other fibres is its exceptionally fine and soft texture. Cashmere fibres are extremely thin and delicate, making them incredibly soft to the touch. This luxurious texture makes cashmere a popular choice for high-end clothing and accessories.
In addition to its softness, cashmere is also known for its excellent insulating properties. Cashmere fibres are hollow, which means they can trap heat and keep the wearer warm even in cold weather. This makes cashmere a popular choice for winter clothing, such as jumpers, scarves, and hats for the wearer and blankets, socks and even water bottle covers, its pure unadulterated luxury.
Another reason why cashmere is considered a quiet luxury piece is its understated elegance. Cashmere is often associated with classic, timeless styles that never go out of fashion. A Wear With cashmere sweater, for example, is a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, it will look and feel good forever and can be worn knowing no harm came to the environment in its creation
If Gwyneth Paltrow personifies Quiet Luxury, WEARWITH Cashmere defines it - a rare fibre, combed from the underbelly of a goat by hand, made in Outer Mongolia in a SFA certified factory, where the employees are very well treated (I can vouch for this personally) and the cashmere is spun and dyed using environmentally friendly methods.
WEARWITH is about the wearer, we believe when you wear our Cashmere you will embody Quiet Luxury - you don't need a "brand" or branding or to be branded to look good, the feel of our cashmere and the cut of our styles will ensure you feel good about how you look. And you can feel good knowing that you are doing good - no goats or people or the environment was harmed in the making of your WearWith Cashmere.
WEARWITH = QUIET LUXURY (but more affordable than Goop or Succession styles)
For more read
Quiet Luxury Is the Buzz Term of the Moment: 5 Pieces That Define It, January 2023."A great sweater is a common hack for looking expensive, so it's not surprising that sumptuous knits are a defining staple of the aesthetic. Whether it's a pullover, a cardigan, or a skirt, the material should feel weighty and luxurious to the touch. Trends also don't really factor in here, so stick with classic silhouettes that avoid flashy buttons or patterns."
Why 'Quiet Luxury' Is Having a Moment - Time Magazine, April 14, 2023
'Quiet luxury' is back for the first time since the Great Recession. Here's what it is and what brands stand to benefit. - Business Insider, April 16, 2023
‘Quiet Luxury’ Is Extending Beyond the Runways—And Into Your Home - VOGUE, April 18, 2023
