By Fabiola Banora
If fashion in 2023 is marked by anything it would be the minimalist look called 'quiet luxury' and the urge to achieve it.
Only last year we ushered back in maximalism with the Y2K resurgence, the dedication to pop of colour and bold silhouettes. So when exactly did "quiet luxury", "stealth wealth", and "unassertive luxury", find its way into our lives and wardrobes? Some would say out of the blue, others believe it was always at the forefront of fashion.
So how exactly did quiet luxury become the loudest trend? It's difficult to pinpoint where exactly the recent surge of 'quiet luxury' came from, as it is definitely not something new, with classic understated style dating back to essentially the beginning of fashion. However, In 2023, the buzz of quiet luxury took centre stage with the wedding of Sofia Richie in the south of France. Initially not seeking the title of 'queen of quiet luxury', she became its poster child with three exquisite bespoke gowns, embodying "classic elegance", whilst her then husband-to-be basked in Ralph Lauren, synonymous with the aesthetic. The wedding, which had the whole world's eyes peeled, reiterated to people that you don't have to overdress much to grab the world’s attention, in other words, "simple but effective". It single-handedly spiked the world’s interest with millions of Google searches into the world of quiet luxury.
Sofia Richie & Elliot Grainge on their wedding day (Norman & Blake)
The trend transcended the wedding scene and infiltrated the wardrobes of maximalist celebrities like Kylie Jenner, known for her bold style. Her shift towards minimalism marked the trends' undeniable force. When Kylie Jenner decides she’s toning it down and going for an effortlessly chic look, the world listens! Known for her over-the-top and in recent years affiliation with streetwear looks, the celebrity's recent spotted looks undoubtedly show that Quiet Luxury has taken over.
This trend highlights the dynamics of celebrity culture and the way in which what your favourites are wearing matters. In the age of ‘it girls’ and digitised fashion, what celebrities wear and when they wear it holds great significance. Millions of people around the world are now going for this aesthetic, with TikTok's being titled "Want to get the quiet luxury look" We now know more than ever that fashion is a constantly shifting pendulum, between minimalism and maximalism. Just last year, we celebrated bold colours and bold styles. However, at its core, we’re taking away that fashion is constantly evolving and capable of adopting various forms.
Kylie Jenner in Paris MEGA/GC Images
In the realm of fashion, it’s hard to tell whether the 'quiet luxury' trend is here to stay, and what role it will play in the industry is still unfolding. However, it is known that as trends gain broader traction, they are explored further by brands and fashion enthusiasts alike. So the question on everyone's mind: How long can this hushed form of elegance endure before it speaks? Will the mix between maximalism and minimalism become more evident in months to come, as opposed to one or the other being the dominant force? Only time will tell.
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