Luxury isn’t about logos—it’s about craftsmanship, quality, and timeless elegance. The quiet luxury trend is redefining fashion, shifting the focus from flashy branding to understated sophistication. Discover the top designer brands that embody this style and learn how to curate a wardrobe that speaks volumes—without saying a word.
Image: Bottega Veneta
Quiet luxury isn’t just a fashion trend—it’s a mindset. This approach to fashion prioritises impeccable tailoring, the finest materials, and timeless silhouettes over transient trends. Unlike fast fashion or logo-heavy branding, quiet luxury pieces exude an air of exclusivity without ostentation. Think of soft cashmere coats, perfectly tailored trousers, and buttery leather handbags that don’t scream for attention. It is embraced by those who value discretion, superior craftsmanship, and pieces that stand the test of time.
If you’re drawn to this refined aesthetic, knowing the right brands to invest in is essential. From heritage houses that have mastered the art of minimalism to contemporary labels redefining modern minimalism, certain fashion brands perfectly embody this understated powerful style. In this guide, we’ll explore the top names in quiet luxury—brands that combine elegance, quality and timeless appeal.
What is Quiet Luxury?
A quiet luxury wardrobe is designed with the wearer’s needs, preferences, and daily routine in mind. In today’s digital age, it’s common to see young people curating outfits solely for social media. While it may be amusing to watch these fashion influencers stroll through a bustling marketplace or cinema hall in towering heels, these looks are impractical beyond the curated world of Instagram.
In reality, most of us aspire towards a wardrobe that looks fabulous at the workplace, sundowner cocktails and a relaxed weekend with friends or family at the mall, cinema or dinner. This is where Quiet Luxury comes in—prioritising elevated wardrobe essentials that embrace the values of craftsmanship, high quality and style over disposable trend-driven pieces.
Per Forbes — ‘In contrast to similar-looking fashion movements like minimalism and normcore, the idea of expressing stealth wealth style has more to do with mood and attitude than it does aesthetic. Sure, a predominantly neutral colour palette is ascribed to and streamlined silhouettes are undeniably characteristic of quiet luxury. Beneath that, however, lies an ongoing, once hushed conversation anchored on functionality, investment dressing and true connection to a brand.’
Top 10 Quiet Luxury fashion brands
- Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta, an Italian fashion brand founded in 1966 and known for leather goods of excellent quality, is the poster child for quiet luxury. Its intrecciato weave introduced in the Seventies and motto “when your own initials are enough” speak volumes about the understated design aesthetic, emphasis on texture and quality, eschewing flashy logos in favour of modern minimalism.
Embracing a philosophy where craftsmanship meets art, Bottega Veneta continually pushes creative boundaries while staying true to its understated roots. The luxury brand’s commitment to superior quality ensures that each collection exudes a quiet luxury style. Whether it’s a meticulously hand-stitched handbag or a trench with streamlined silhouette and neutral palette, Bottega Veneta is a benchmark for those seeking discreet luxury and timeless appeal.
- The Row
The Row was established in 2006 by sisters Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen. Focusing on exceptional fabrics, impeccable details, and rigorous tailoring, the maison’s collections explore the strength of simplistic shapes and uncompromising quality. Today, the label is renowned for its pared-back and anti-trend approach to fashion. From the most exquisite cashmere jumpers to leather sandals, every piece that The Row handcrafts is made from the highest quality materials.
“The Row are the epitome of understated and timeless elegance, they make simple wardrobe foundations feel luxurious and unique. Every season I am in awe of this brand and how true it stays to its DNA,” Libby Page, market director at Net-a-Porter, tells Vogue. “The Row is one of my top destinations for a trans-seasonal wardrobe, with impeccable detailing, quality and craftsmanship they have set the benchmark for quiet luxury dressing. They excel at intelligent dressing for intelligent women of all ages.”
- Brunello Cucinelli
Originally launched in 1977 as a cashmere business, Brunello Cucinelli is recognised for its ethical approach to luxury, Italian craftsmanship and timeless design. The brand creates pieces that are as much about comfort as they are about aesthetics. Each collection is a study in impeccable tailoring, soft fabrics, and neutral colour palettes. Beyond its elegant designs, Brunello Cucinelli is deeply committed to sustainable practices—where the focus is on high quality, ethical production and style that transcends fleeting trends. The brand’s timeless appeal and conscientious approach continue to make it a pillar in luxury fashion.
- Loro Piana
A brand that made an impact on web-series, Succession, Loro Piana is a paragon of the quiet luxury style with a heritage rooted in the use of the finest natural fibers. Founded in northern Italy in 1924, the brand is celebrated for its expertise in sourcing and crafting premium cashmere and wool into pieces that are elegant and exceptionally comfortable. The collections emphasise subtlety, with designs that are both sophisticated and resilient. By prioritising natural materials and timeless design, Loro Piana continues to set the standard for discreet luxury. If you’re wanting to add to your cashmere collection, head here now.
- Céline
Céline is associated with an aesthetic of minimalist sophistication and modern elegance that defines the quiet luxury style. Known for its clean silhouettes, understated palette and a commitment to craftsmanship, Céline produces collections that are both timeless and avant-garde. A masterclass in balance and restraint, each piece places emphasis is placed on quality, precision and simplicity. This dedication to minimalism and refined craftsmanship has cemented Céline’s reputation as a leader in luxury fashion.
- Hermès
Hermès is a storied name in luxury, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design. The collections—from iconic handbags to impeccably tailored apparel—embody the principles of quiet luxury style through their focus on artisanal detail and understated elegance. Hermès eschews ostentatious logos in favour of subtlety and quality, making every piece a work of art in its own right. With a heritage that spans over a century, Hermès continues to set the benchmark for luxury by combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative design.
- Jil Sander
German designer Jil Sander is celebrated for her minimalist approach, defined by clean lines, a muted colour palette and an emphasis on craftsmanship. The brand’s meticulous attention to detail and functional beauty are hallmarks of quiet luxury. Now helmed by designers Luke and Lucie Meier, the house has been stepping away from this aesthetic as recently seen its print-heavy AW23 collection, but is still known as the go-to label for those who appreciate elegance and simplicity.
- Lemaire
Lemaire champions the philosophy of sculptural simplicity. With a focus on fluid silhouettes and understated elegance, the brand offers pieces that are both versatile and timeless. Lemaire’s designs are characterised by their clean lines and a muted colour spectrum, allowing the quality of the fabric and the craftsmanship to shine through without unnecessary embellishments. Embracing a minimalist ethos, Lemaire crafts garments that prioritise comfort, functionality and enduring style.
- Akris
Akris is recognised for integrating innovative design with traditional craftsmanship. The luxury fashion brand is distinguished by its commitment to precision tailoring, high-quality fabrics and a minimalistic aesthetic. The essence of Akris lies in its ability to combine contemporary design with timeless appeal. Each collection is a testament to the brand’s focus on simplicity, functionality, and exceptional quality—key elements that define the quiet luxury style.
- Max Mara
Max Mara is celebrated for its impeccable tailoring, high quality fabrics and an aesthetic that prioritises understated beauty and simplicity. The Italian fashion brand emphasises classic silhouettes that transcend seasonal trends. Each garment is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on lasting quality. This dedication to timeless design has established Max Mara as a go-to brand for those seeking unassuming but incredibly well made wardrobe staples.
How To Style The Quiet Luxury Look
- What colours should I wear for a Quiet Luxury look?
Stick to a sophisticated, neutral palette such as beige, camel, ivory, navy, charcoal and pastels
- Can I achieve Quiet Luxury on a budget?
Yes! You can achieve the look by choosing high-quality fabrics like wool, silk, and linen from affordable brands, tailoring clothes for a perfect fit, shopping for minimalist pieces from brands like COS, Arket, or Uniqlo, and buying second-hand designer pieces from resale platforms like Vestiaire Collective.
- What fabrics are best for a Quiet Luxury wardrobe?
Opt for natural, high-quality fabrics such as cashmere (for sweaters and scarves, silk, wool, linen and high-quality cotton.
- What kind of accessories should I wear?
Keep fashion accessories minimal and elegant. Some key Quiet Luxury accessories include a structured leather handbag like a Bottega Veneta or Hermès Kelly; simple gold or silver jewellery, timeless sunglasses like tortoiseshell or black frames; high-quality leather belts; and a silk scarf.
- What footwear works best for Quiet Luxury?
Choose classic, high-quality shoes in neutral tones. Some staple options include leather loafers, minimalist white sneakers, pointed-toe pumps, classic ankle boots, and strappy leather sandals. Avoid excessive branding and focus on timeless silhouettes.
Where to buy Quiet Luxury
Quiet luxury is all about subtle elegance and impeccable quality, and you can find these understated treasures at a range of specialty retailers and high-end department stores. For example, boutiques like The Row and Loro Piana emphasize timeless designs that exude sophistication without overt branding. These stores, alongside renowned department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus, offer curated selections where craftsmanship and premium materials take center stage. Whether you’re shopping in person or online, these venues cater to discerning tastes by showcasing collections that prioritise quality over conspicuous logos.
In addition to brick-and-mortar stores, many luxury online platforms provide excellent options for quiet luxury shoppers. Websites such as Net-A-Porter, Farfetch, and Matchesfashion feature a wide array of labels known for their refined aesthetic, including Bottega Veneta and Brunello Cucinelli. These platforms not only offer a convenient shopping experience but also provide detailed insights into the design philosophy and heritage of each brand. By merging traditional craftsmanship with modern accessibility, both physical and digital retailers ensure that the essence of quiet luxury remains within reach for those seeking elegance without the flash.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
