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The Quiet Luxury: When True Wealth Speaks for Itself

The ultra-wealthy are a discreet crowd, exuding an air of understated elegance.

1 September, 2024

A woman wearing a beige trench coat and carrying a designer bag

In contrast to “quiet luxury” is “logomania,” which expresses the ego of the wealthy through outfits adorned with prominent logos, instantly recognizable as luxurious.

“Quiet luxury” signifies unostentatious opulence—subtle yet sophisticated. The wealthy individuals embracing this style don’t seek to stand out in a crowd; instead, they opt for understated attire and maintain a low profile.

In the first three months of the year, search queries for “quiet luxury” and “stealth wealth” surged by 373% and 334%, respectively. Overall, “quiet luxury” reflects a refined, elegant, and understated style embraced by the ultra-wealthy. Notable advocates of this trend include royalty like Kate Middleton and tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg, along with celebrities known for their understated elegance, such as Tăng Thanh Hà.

The “quiet luxury” trend is characterized by outfits in neutral tones, embracing minimalism and elegance.

“Quiet luxury” is more than just a fashion trend; it’s a lifestyle embraced by the truly wealthy.

Trend Tied to Economic Context

“Quiet luxury” is not a new concept but has long been a trait of the super-rich. However, it has gained broader appeal due to societal shifts. The economic landscape of 2023 is rather bleak, with numerous businesses suffering losses, rising unemployment, and families tightening their budgets.

Flaunting wealth in such times can be considered insensitive and may provoke backlash. “Quiet luxury” reflects empathy and a timely trend, contributing to a shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

The TV show “Succession” offers a glimpse into the world of billionaire families, showcasing their understated, privacy-focused, and low-key lifestyles.

When You Have Inner Strength, You Don’t Need to Brag

Adherents of “quiet luxury” often come from families with inherited wealth, are A-list celebrities, or belong to royal families. They are already symbols of sophistication due to their talent, intelligence, confidence, and charisma. They don’t rely on external possessions like clothing, jewelry, or cars to showcase their status.

Take Mark Zuckerberg, for example, who has a net worth of $106 billion but is often seen wearing the same grey t-shirt. Similarly, Kate Middleton isn’t afraid to re-wear outfits to events. Despite not following trends or obsessing over designer labels, her style has become a blueprint for elegant women. When you have inner strength, you don’t need to brag about it!

Understated Doesn’t Mean Inexpensive

“Quiet luxury” may appear understated, simple, and low-key, but it’s far from inexpensive. Zuckerberg’s seemingly plain t-shirt costs $400 (approximately 9,600,000 VND). A white turtleneck, green jacket, and boots ensemble worn by actress Gwyneth Paltrow to court attracted widespread attention, not because of logos but because the entire outfit was valued at VND 166 million.

Zuckerberg’s wardrobe may consist mostly of grey t-shirts, but they are far from ordinary in terms of price.

The Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow is also an icon of the “quiet luxury” movement.

They don’t need everyone to know or discuss their wealth, but they still choose the highest-quality garments, often custom-made, with an emphasis on timelessness and subtlety. Even basic items like hoodies, cashmere scarves, and jeans can cost tens to hundreds of millions of VND. This is how the “quietly rich” subtly flex their financial muscle.

Incorporating “Quiet Luxury” into Your Life

Instead of splurging on extravagant items, the ultra-wealthy focus on quality and functionality. They also invest in sustainable values like health, long-term financial goals, education, security, and social responsibility. By adopting a lifestyle that shuns ostentation, the super-rich set an example for their children, teaching them not to rely on family wealth, fostering a culture of saving, and focusing on genuine values.

In reality, “quiet luxury” isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. We can all embrace this lifestyle to strive for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

– Avoid flaunting your wealth: Refrain from engaging in discussions about personal income or displaying your spending habits on social media. Focusing on core values instead of trying to impress others will give you more time for self-improvement and discovering your true passions.

– Practice sensible consumption: The truly wealthy don’t need to prove themselves with designer labels, and neither should you. Instead of following short-lived trends, choose high-quality, timeless pieces that suit you.

– Invest wisely: Finally, always know where to allocate your resources. Invest in your health, knowledge, and long-term financial plans.

By embracing a refined, humble, and knowledgeable lifestyle, you’re practicing “luxury in silence”—a wealth that stems from inner strength.

Frequently asked questions

Quiet luxury is an attitude and a way of life that prioritizes quality, craftsmanship, and understated elegance. It is a form of true wealth that speaks for itself through its inherent value and refined taste, rather than through loud displays of opulence.

Quiet luxury moves away from the flashy and ostentatious displays of wealth often associated with luxury. Instead, it focuses on subtle sophistication, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the finer things in life that bring genuine pleasure and fulfillment.

The hallmarks of quiet luxury include high-quality materials, impeccable craftsmanship, timeless design, and a sense of understated elegance. It often involves a curated and personalized approach to one’s surroundings, possessions, and experiences, reflecting a deep understanding of one’s own tastes and values.

In an increasingly noisy and chaotic world, quiet luxury offers a sense of calm and refinement. It appeals to those who seek a more meaningful and authentic connection to their surroundings and possessions, valuing quality over quantity and substance over superficiality.

Incorporating quiet luxury involves a thoughtful and intentional approach to one’s choices. It may involve investing in high-quality, well-crafted items that will stand the test of time, curating a personal space that reflects one’s unique taste, and seeking out experiences that enrich and fulfill on a deeper level.