Maria in Vancouver
The Revival of the Quiet Luxury Lifestyle
The only reason I was glued to Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent Utah courtroom ski dispute was due to the fact that I was captivated by her understated, minimalist style and elegance. I loved, loved, loved how she was so totally logoless and did not sashay in the courtroom wearing loud luxury items. I found Gwyneth’s sense of style relatable. There were no tacky monogrammed bags or flashy recognizable logos and blings. Don’t get me wrong, I have deep respect and will always have great admiration for the Holy Trinity of luxury handbags: Hermes, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Besides, Chanel will never let go of its double C logo, which is perfectly understandable. Come what may, Chanel will still continually reign as the must-have investment bag in a lady’s closet. It’s just that as one grows older, one has suddenly shifted one’s preference to the quiet or coded luxury.
Quiet luxury style. (Photo by Unsplash)
You might ask what quiet or coded luxury is? It means the opposite of the Real Housewives of Whatever City or anything that’s Kardashian (with the exception of Kendall Jenner) — instead visualising someone like (again) Gwyneth Paltrow, or Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Think of the original pioneers of quiet luxury style gurus: Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, and of course, let’s not forget, Jackie Kennedy. Quiet luxury describes a type of luxury that flies under the radar, silently making a dramatic entrance instead of announcing its entrance loudly. Quiet or coded luxury is devoid of anything vulgar or overpowering presence. It’s all about stealth wealth and encapsulating how the old money families (and the real wealthy) live — low-key. In simple layman’s terms, it’s all about not showing off. Be discerning with your tastes but be discreet with your wealth.
Quiet or coded luxury has recently been experiencing a resurgence. Thanks to the influence of the popular HBO hit, “Succession”, the story of the über rich family headed by its patriarch, Logan Roy. There is one particular scene on Episode Two that aptly describes why the true rich avoids splashy logo luxury brands. It was the scene when Greg brought his girlfriend Bridget to the family gathering and she walked in with this monstrous and ludicrously capacious Burberry tote. In a heartbeat, the savvy Tom Wambsgans scathingly attacks Bridget’s nouveau riche taste. To quote Tom: “What’s even in there?” Tom laments. “Flat shoes for the subway? Her lunch pail? It’s gargantuan. You could take it camping. You could slide it across the floor after a bank job”. Now, you get the drift, right? Incidentally, even Louis Vuitton has started charging more for bags and accessories without their obvious logo and branding, again, thanks to the reawakening of the quiet and coded luxury lifestyle!
Quiet luxury brand: Ferragamo’s Pump with shaped heel.
However, while others may think that quiet luxury is a passing trend, I, on the other hand, beg to differ. It’s actually far from being a trend. In fact, it has always existed way before the two cultural moments we’ve been having: Gwyneth Paltrow and the Roy family from Succession. Quiet or coded luxury has been around since France’s economic crisis during the 1700’s and also during the 19th Century Gilded Age. It is a lifestyle lived by the old money families. And now in 2023, it’s making a comeback and is being seen by the younger generation as their “new lifestyle” after what the world’s recently been through: a deadly pandemic, a post-pandemic recession, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the current protests in Paris about the pension age dilemma, the higher inflation and volatile economies in most countries around the globe, rising food and housing costs — because of all these — it’s actually a breath of fresh air not to have an ostentatious display of wealth. It’s now cool to be simple and less flashy. People who are embracing the quiet luxury lifestyle are exhausted with the uncertainty of the current economic situation we are facing today and they stay away from showing off their wealth; they don’t want the world to know that they have fat bank accounts.
Quiet or coded luxury in fashion clothing. It means a more neutral tone in colours: think black, grey, brown, beige, white. It means a more minimalist, classic and tailored look. The garments are typically made from genuine leather, cashmere, silk, 100% cotton, and merino wool. It means wearing clothes sans logos and the familiar gaudy prints. It means having this cool attitude when it comes to dressing up: I don’t care about what others think or will say about what I’m wearing. Nobody needs to know what label I’m wearing. All that matters is that I know I’ve invested in a real high quality garment, it’s not cheap, it has classic lines, it’s a staple piece, and it’s going to last me a long time.
Coded luxury in fashion is about subtlety and only those with a trained eye would know that it’s a prestigious brand. It’s all about looking anonymously chic, being low-key, unshowy, and yet still asserting status and quiet wealth. The following fashion brands are known for quiet and coded luxury: Ferragamo, Celine, Hermes, Brunello Cuccinelli, Moynat, The Row, Khaite, Bottega Venetta, and Loro Piana. Oh, and the best thing about quiet luxury? You don’t have to break your bank. Quiet luxury is surprisingly accessible.
Quiet luxury in fashion accessories. Having muted and restrained accessories are a significant benchmark or measure in the quiet luxury market. Again, I can’t stress enough the importance of shying away from bold logos and leaning more towards the unassuming brand. Instead of loud Gucci belts, go for Ferragamo belts. Instead of the monogrammed bags, go for the simpler style of Jacquemus bags. Instead of buying shoes with large logos emblazoned on the shoes, opt for the logoless Bottega Venetta leather shoes or again, the more subtle Ferragamo shoes. As for jewellery, avoid chunky, fake, and flashy blings. Instead, go for the classic real pearls and dainty little diamonds. When wearing jewellery, try not to decorate yourself like a Christmas tree! The style you’re going for is the “less is more” look. When it comes to choosing your accessories, channel the élite minimalist style.
Quiet luxury in makeup and hair aesthetics. In keeping with fashion and accessories, your hair and makeup aesthetics must also be low-key. The idea is to avoid the over made up look. The concept of stealth wealth is not only limited to fashion. It also extends to the beauty products you use. You don’t need a $400 facial product. All you need is a product that is of great quality and trusted brands: Clinique, Augustinus Bader and/or Clarins are pioneers of the quiet luxury brands. Remember quiet luxury means you don’t need to break your bank or worse, go bankrupt! When it comes to maquillage, you don’t need to stuff your face with heavy foundation, over the top blushers, primers, glowing bronzers, fake bee-stung lips, and thick fake lashes! No need for all these unnecessary trends. After all, a great skin that only needs the most minimal makeup is the most luxurious look of all!
Natural makeup and hair aesthetic. (Photo by Unsplash)
Again: think less is more and also, the no makeup look is always a classic look that you can’t ever go wrong with. It’s also time to cut short the impractical long nails with all the bling nail polish. It’s so passé. Instead, channel the Princess of Wales for her impeccably groomed nails with just the right length (for nails). When it comes to hairstyles, ditch the extensions! Forget about unflattering and wild colours. Stay closer towards your natural look and go for a classic haircut. Above all, invest in a great quality product such as Oribe for shampoo and conditioner. For hair colouring, go for Goldwell hair colouring products. Choose brands that will stay on your bathroom top shelf for life!
Quiet luxury on the home front. Your home aesthetics is really all about how you feel about your home and not what others will think of your home. It’s enjoying your home for yourself. It’s not about having the approval of others but rather being comfortable with your home surroundings. Decorating your home should be a reflection of your personality — your true self. You don’t need to go by the rules. When it comes to furnishings, invest in classic pieces that will last a long time. It is about quality over trends and quantity. When choosing a colour palette for your interior home design, it should be a love letter to everything that inspires you in life. Your choice of interior design could be any style for as long as it’s yours. Bear in mind though that quiet luxury is rooted in deep, saturated earthy tones like cream, beiges, and a splash of blacks here and there. Think plush fabrics and natural leather for a touch of sophisticated moodiness.
Quiet luxury lifestyle. (Photo by Unsplash)
Living the quiet luxury lifestyle. The key to the quiet luxury lifestyle is the simple living lifestyle. You don’t need to impress anyone. It’s always best to stay low-key. Don’t aspire to be like the Joneses. Don’t compete with the Joneses. Instead, aspire towards a natural and holistic mindset of living. It’s leaning towards the basic premiums not just in your choice of wardrobe, but in all aspects of your life. For me, the true definition of a quiet luxury lifestyle is not about what you have in life, but rather what you do with your life and your way of behaviour. It’s living your life according to your own desires, needs, and rules. Live a life that is neither dictated by society nor ruled by society.
Living the quiet luxury lifestyle is also about choosing your inner circle wisely. Your inner circle are the people who are very close to you, who understand you, people who you can be your natural self with, people you are most comfortable with, and people who you trust to always be there for you when you need them. Ideally, your inner circle of friends should only be limited to a few friends, no more than five. However, in my case, I’m lucky to have six best girlfriends whom I constantly refer to as my sisterhood tribe. By the way, my sisterhood tribe all live and abide by the quiet luxury lifestyle — after all — similar minds attract each other.
Choosing your inner circle wisely. (Photo by Unsplash)
Living the quiet luxury lifestyle means you don’t need to attend every party and events you’re invited to. Just as you are selective with the company that you keep, you should also be selective with attending social gatherings. My husband and I avoid parties. We prefer intimate dinners to large events and therefore we avoid having to make painful, small polite talks. It is all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures like going for a hike; walking along the seawall; going for a bike ride at your neighbourhood park; staying at home watching Netflix; buying flowers and fresh fruits at your local market. Also, it is about being charitable without announcing it to the world.
(Photo by Unsplash)
Living the quiet luxury lifestyle is all about taking good care of yourself both physically and emotionally. It means you do not neglect your wellbeing. My husband and I work hard on our business six days a week so I like to pamper myself every Saturday by going to my favourite salon and having my hair washed and blow dried (which by the way I’ve been doing since my singleton days). My husband and I like to indulge in twice-monthly manicures, pedicures, and deep tissue massage sessions. My husband and I like to go out on weekend dates either for dinner or lunch. My husband and I like to indulge in sleeping in on Sundays and waking up late and having Sunday dinners with my son or with my in-laws. We like to take care of our mental health by meditating and stretching regularly at home, by reading our favourite books, and by watching feel-good movies. It is also about making sure you eat healthy and nutritious food.
Above all, living the quiet luxury lifestyle is all about becoming aware of what’s important for you. It is all about investing your time in meaningful ways and avoiding stress and drama and the people that bring you so much unhappiness and heartache. It’s about giving your energy to worthwhile activities. Living a quiet luxury lifestyle is about having time for doing absolutely nothing; it’s leaving space to sometimes doing nothing at all and not feeling guilty about it. The quiet luxury lifestyle is all about being confident in yourself because that is the greatest luxury of all — when you know, you know! Lastly, the quiet luxury lifestyle means living a life of gratitude — it’s being thankful for all the blessings that you have in life.
