Five New Quiet Luxury Styles
We examine the everlasting qualities of garments worthy of ‘Quiet Luxury’ status, citing a few examples we’re proud to carry.
These days, the phrases ‘Quiet Luxury’ and ‘Stealth Wealth’ are among the hottest buzzwords across the fashion industry. It appears everyone’s jumping on the train, reaching their own definitions, and crafting their own set of rules to suit their philosophies.
At its core, however, Quiet Luxury is not a new concept — it’s something labels like ZEGNA, Loro Piana, Kiton, and others have perpetuated for generations, and true to the term’s antecedent, has remained unadvertised and discreetly celebrated.
These brands know that true luxury isn’t elevated by large logos, distracting decals, or bright colours; rather, it’s enhanced when high-quality features are hidden in plain sight.
While we do appreciate the irony of all the noise and clamour surrounding Quiet Luxury recently, we’d rather illustrate what it’s all about with a few trademark examples selected by Andy Chitty, Fashion Direction Manager at Harry Rosen, who adds insight into his product choices.
ZEGNA x The Elder Statesman Plaid Oasi Cashmere Overshirt
“What I like about this plaid cashmere overshirt is that it conveys a sense that Quiet Luxury as a concept isn't binary,” says Chitty. “It's not that colourful garments can't be ‘Quiet Luxury,’ it's more that in order for something to qualify, it has to be unsuspecting.” This brushed, long-hair cashmere is exclusive to ZEGNA, featuring fibres that are so long that they actually lift up from the garment, a sign of the strength and quality of the fabric.
Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Ribbed Knit Hooded Sweater
“Everyone’s got a favourite hoodie, but have you ever experienced what it’s like to wear one made of 100% cashmere?” Chitty asks. This super-soft sweater from Brunello Cucinelli is made with the Italian luxury label’s trademark cashmere, which comes from the Kashmir region in Central Asia. From there, the supple fabric passes through Brunello Cucinelli’s picturesque workshops in the hamlet of Solomeo in Central Italy where it’s adapted into modern designs like this hooded knit.
Giorgio Armani Pleated Lyocell-Silk Trousers
“Silk is a fine fabric that feels sensational against the skin,” says Chitty. “Often when luxury garments include silk, they’re buttressed by fabrics like wools, linen lyocell, or cotton to give the fabric more bulk and substance.” This pair of lightweight trousers combine casual elements, like an elastic waistband and slight dropped effect, with more refined details, like slanted side pockets and forward pleats.
Jil Sander Alpaca Wool-Blend Bomber Jacket
Jil Sander is a label that has mastered the art of elevating casual streetwear styles with premium materials and contemporary cuts. Silhouettes are playful yet refined, inspiring new life into classic items, much like this bomber jacket. “The integration of different luxurious fabrics in this piece makes wearing it a sensory experience defined by sensational softness, unparalleled comfort, and warmth,” says Chitty.
Santoni Pebbled Deerskin Sneakers
These supple leather loafers from Santoni are hand-cobbled in Italy’s Le Marche region — a place globally renowned as one of the planet’s most esteemed regions for shoemaking. While Santoni may have made it name crafting world-class leather dress shoes and accessories, these easy-wearing sneakers showcase the brand’s ability to create more casual styles too. “As many of us are on our feet all day, the quality of one’s shoes is important, and the sensation of these on one’s feet really resonates with superlative luxury,” says Chitty. “Extremely comfortable, flexible, and rich.”