There is nothing quiet about quiet luxury.

Since its boom in early 2023, quiet luxury and stealth wealth have been a plague upon us with the help of the fashion industry, entertainment and social media. Influencers and celebrities have overhyped it, shows such as Succession have over-popularised it and the industry has unabashedly shoved it down our throats. Here is why it is one of the worst fashion trends to have ever existed and is overstaying its welcome.
Articles referenced:
www.elle.com/uk/fashion/trend...
www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fash...
www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/artic...
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
1:41 What is quiet luxury?
2:40 The myth of ‘timelessness’.
6:27 This is simply new money repackaged.
10:20 Quiet luxury and old money are not the same thing.
12:52 Our obsession with looking wealthy.
14:12 Brands which embody quiet luxury.
16:57 Conclusion: We don’t need the quiet luxury label.

[@roxanebethjohnson3594]

I'm roughly the same age as CBK. "Back then" her style was what we all wore (at least in large urban cities like SF and NYC) but her style, as I remember, wasn't considered anything particularly special. If you could not afford Prada & Hermes, which most of us could not afford in our early 20s, you bought Banana Republic and a Kate Spade bag, as I and my friends did. We didn't call it "'90s minimalism" or even "contemporary minimalism". It's just what we wore. And nothing CBK wore was considered iconic to us at the time, as it is, rightfully, now. She was just a beautiful girl married to JFK, Jr. and we were all super jealous . Just want to make that point...people were not so conscious of fashion trends in the moment in the same way we are now, thanks to social media. Otherwise, a flawless video and I loved EVERY moment of your intelligent breakdown of quiet luxury. Looking forward to more.

[@marissashantez6051]

No one calls the time they are in anything. It's hard to see what youre doing. For example; This hick thinks she knows. She doesnt know.

[@sandraankenbrand]

Well, actually same age, but I so much adored CBKs style and I read all Vogues etc my mother had from being 5yrs old on, so I considered it timeless clsssics already and she was a role model... I strolled Paris second hand stores in the 90s until I found a Hermes Bag I could throw on my first three months wage in... and went on and on... and the brands did and still do a lot of repair and aftercare service of "inherited" pieces...

[@s.fernandes7560]

In the ninties I was 18 to 28. Back then we could not afford design clothing and there were almost no logo's. Sure we had the Ralph Lauren logo on shirts and years before the Calvin Klein t-shirts. Grunge style still ruled and House music and clubs came up here in Europe and Amsterdam were I live. Now quiet luxury was seen back then what the rich wore or older people or what I could see my mother wear. And we did not want that. Also not to wear same brands shoes and bags my mother would wear. Now the quiet luxury speaks to me in my 50's but not to be or show rich. Just to invest less items in better quality so can wear them longer. Invest in little more expensive better quality basic t-shirts. Not those cheap ones after 2 or 3 washes the fit is gone. And invest in a Cashmere jumper during the sale. The feeling of these is much more comfortable and so soft and the older I get the more comfortable I want to be. It has nothing to do for me to somehow look more rich. Now you see young people in their 20's and 30's wearing same outfits as women in their 40's, 50's and older.

[@blancc.]

I see your point and thank you for your input, especially from the point of view of someone older who has seen a variety of trends come and go over the years and has taken time to cultivate a true sense of style. I completely agree with the original idea of what quiet luxury was meant to stand for: investing in quality pieces which are meant to last. My issue with it is seeing young people such as myself chasing after the look and excessively consuming a large amount of designer clothing or even fast fashion just to emulate the look of wealth. They fail to see or implement what quiet luxury stood for, and social media has definitely encouraged and perpetuated this sort of behaviour, which is ironic, as it is meant to be the opposite of overconsumption. I don’t think there’s a problem with people in their 20s and 30s dressing like those in their 40s and 50s as we should be able to dress however we like at whatever age, but to misunderstand what the movement is about, in my opinion, is misguided and unhealthy.

[@s.fernandes7560]

@@blancc. no problem at all dressing in you're 20s and 30's or even 40's and 50's the same. Just wanted to say that me and my girlfriends avoided that that in our 20's in the nineties. I see Sophia Ritchie in styles I love, look fantastic on her and even would wear myself in my 50's.

[@MK-bt4w]

Great video. There's so much I want to say about it. I'll say 2 more things - The average millionaire becomes a millionaire at age 49. Gen Z is not supposed to look rich. Enjoy your poor youth. One day you'll realize how much more fun it was than your older affluence. Seriously. 2) I have a Loro Piana cashmere sweater and it's ok, but I wouldn't say it's the epitome of quality. White + Warren cashmere is my favorite.

[@blancc.]

That’s such a good point. We should enjoy looking young as much as possible. And thanks for the info on LP cashmere, saves me some money from trying it out!

[@VBoo459]

This!!!!

[@Chrisia-Queens]

Thank you. I'm tired of broke people with quiet luxury. Fashion is a self-expression. We should play with different styles, aesthetic, colors palette. Why limiting yourself with one style???? I found quiet luxury fashion boring.

[@janetownsley865]

My mom born in 1936 advocated this dressing, but she just always told me buy fewer, nicer things and mix and match and use accessories.

[@blancc.]

That’s good advice - it’s what the minimalist movement was all about, removing excess and the encouragement of treasuring what you already own which makes it more special.

[@MK-bt4w]

The capsule wardrobe actually started in the 1970s then was popularized in 1985 with Donna Karan. I started seeing it talked about around 2002.

[@blancc.]

Thank you for that info. I think social media really helped popularise it in 2019.

[@berlineczka]

There is also one brand that deserves mention: Ralph Lauren. He basically single-handedly created the prep style and the "rich people on vacation" fashion. Before that rich people wore whatever they wanted, and mostly had it tailored. RL created this illusion that this is what rich people wear.

[@natabelle14]

Quiet luxury goes back to at least the 1950’s. The clothing was custom made by tailors and fashion houses (the buyers of haute couture were their clientele) Grace Kelly would be their type of client. Also look at the clothing that royals wore after WW2. Hermes, Ferragamo, Dior are some brands that marketed to these customers. Check out old issues of Town and Country magazine from the 1980’s. A lot of the pictorials and ads are quiet luxury as well

[@sandraankenbrand]

After Punk/Grunge when I started into a career in the 90s I was a huge fan of CBK - since then I invested in those brands. I was able to invest in timeless classics and some extravagant pieces and keep them pristine... My wardrobe now is exactly what currently everyone is promoting: Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, The Row, Kaithe, Max Mara, Cos, Joseph... I love every little piece and hardly buy anything since 8yrs... but it took me about 20yrs to get everything together and only buy new, when something is worn out - but I do really care for my items, washing by hand, keeping stuff clean, polishing regularly, using invisible mending, cobbler bf starting to wear a shoe, use aftercare service etc... Btw: love your voice!

[@blancc.]

I’m a huge fan of CBK too as someone in their 20s in this era. There’s so much functionality and a lack of pretence in her way of dressing which immediately appeals to us as young working women. I find it interesting that even back then her popularity came after a hefty and intense sort of trend i.e 90s punk/grunge, and for us 2010s logomania; pulling back and stripping down to basics help rid the excess and loudness of it all. My closet is also filled with those brands or something similar, and there’s nothing wrong with buying what’s currently popular so long as they’re cherished and made to last which it seems like you are doing. P.S. Thank you and thanks for watching ❤️

[@sandraankenbrand]

@@blancc. subscribed… hope there will be more coming up

[@emerybayblues]

Hey don't dislocate your shoulder clapping yourself on the back,

[@VBoo459]

Man, I’m 30 now and naturally into my “quiet luxury” era. But because. I can afford quality and I’m not such a fantasy girl anymore, I want things that I will most likely love in 5 years time. I’m so happy my youth, my 20s were filled with whacky style, exploring, crazy, colour filled wardrobes (even if the colour was so BAD on me). Please Gen Z - explore the fun and freedom of being young. 30 is still young, yes I am, but it’s not 18,20,25 young.

[@josephinebournes8212]

You've got to be a Gen Zer 😢 the idea of having a capsule wardrobe predates 2019 by decades. I was reading books on capsule wardrobes in the early 2000s.

[@GratiaCountryman]

I was reading books on capsule wardrobes in the 1980s. I worked at a department store that actually sold sets that played into it.

[@shoyuramenoff]

I don't think that's what they meant. More like the most recent iteration of the trend. Even though trends are cyclical, they are done slightly differently each time.

[@enochjoshuawang9053]

this is such a well planned video i can’t believe you only have 100 subscribers!!! love the minimal editing and straight to the point examples ❤

[@blancc.]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@marewaltwms1]

I agree

[@Metaphoreign]

Old money /quiet luxury is easy and cheap -- just go to a church thrift store in a rich town.

[@blancc.]

Yes that’s a lot more sustainable and environmentally friendly than turning to fast fashion.

[@montse3139]

What do you think about Victoria Beckham's brand? I think that for a lot of time it was overlooked because it was very "classy" for the post 2010's trends

[@blancc.]

VB is an interesting one. Her designs are actually very clean, classic and minimal but sales have been suffering for years - David Beckham had to bail her out several times if I recall correctly. I think it could be due to the fact that the branding is too tied her name which makes it more a celebrity brand even when it genuinely has a unique design ethos. Could be that people find it too monotonous and boring, or that it doesn’t cater to a specific audience which ends up catering to no one. And because it’s more generic-looking than other brands like The Row and Khaite, the price-point doesn’t quite justify purchasing. Which is a shame as it has decent quality and is great for workwear and evening looks.

[@montse3139]

@@blancc. Thank you.

[@sheb77]

So glad I found your channel 😊 I enjoyed your fresh take on a topic that seems to be analyzed to death. I’ve always subscribed to the idea of spending money on classic, high quality pieces. They’ve lasted for many years and are always stylish. Even the more trendy pieces used to be a lot better made. I’ve kept some of my clothes from the 90s so long that they’re back in style! 😂 (Re: Harper’s Bazaar - “Bazaar” rhymes with “afar.” )

[@dariamazitova9072]

Thank you for this video. I love your insights, your examples, as well as your calming, balanced voice and clear, concise manner of conveying your point.

[@PrinithaGovender]

You are intelligent and this well articulated video nails it. Although I love minimalism, I hate the contradiction in what designers have marketed. If anyone doesn’t get this video, then it shows their intelligence or rather lack of. I’m so over videos that focus on the latest fashion trends and promoting it. It’s unhealthy, not just for our mental health but also for our financial health, which plays a big role in our overall health. Well done.

[@blancc.]

Thank you! You are so right in what these marketing tactics have done to our financial and mental well-being.

[@yoloing9415]

This was a really well done video documentary on quiet luxury! Spectacular story telling. Looking forward to your next video!

[@blancc.]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for watching!

[@kellyharper8072]

I think if you have a great haircut, coordinated subtle makeup, clean, classic shoes and clothes you got it made. You don’t have to constantly buy something. If you have a crappy attitude, clothes are not going to save you.

[@ladykadiijha]

THANK YOU your amazing

[@blancc.]

Thanks for watching!

[@irena-rute-rutzvinklevicie3636]

THANKS for interesting luxury clasic design. Good luck for new magic idea on.// Rutereni Iren

[@luisaspiller1653]

I found this video very insightful and informative. You are absolutely right: brands want to make money and they find all the times ways to make money. I would rather call dressing in classic pieces rather than quiet luxury and that is what I have done always which suits me of course and my budget. I would think given the emphasis on saving the environment that young people would embrace buying fewer and better quality pieces rather than a lot of clothes from fast fashion. I hope you will continue producing more videos. I found your views refreshing as well as insightful

[@blancc.]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@kissmetess]

Have always worn whatever the hell i wanted ..that will never change..trends be damned😅😂

[@giedrebey5444]

Great points loved the video🙌. New subscriber ❤️

[@blancc.]

Thank you ❤️

[@bogdana473]

In the 90-s everyone had minimalist wardrobe bc everyone was POOR. People had ONE pair of jeans at a time.

[@conniemurphy5439]

Damn your good, I have always dressed to make my small frame look " normal" the only look that worked was clean, polished & perfectly fitted clothing with some sort of punch to make it seem uncalculated and cool. But I have wlways had a budget, its just good taste executed. Quiet Luxury that is.

[@mikahansen2395]

Well put. Value the style of your presentation. Abhor visible labels.

[@blancc.]

Thank you! I too detest unsubtle labels.

[@marisoldiaz6237]

Great video 😊

[@kimandkats]

Totally agreed.

[@berlinstrasse]

wow its allow to have a style even if you are not a bilionare, can you imagine that 🙄

[@peterkoinzell7983]

That’s why I like to wear yohji

[@tamulemon]

Pretentious, that is the word, the Row included.

[@burgersuperking]

I loved when I heard that Rick is quiet luxury now.

[@blancc.]

Rick Owens is quiet luxury in terms of how under-the-radar it is and for people in-the-know about it, but it’s actually more avant-garde and brutalist.

[@AlexHider]

Great video. A minor note - it’s bazAar.

[@zvezdoblyat]

6:20 thats the hottest outifit I've ever seen kendal wear

[@lindanorris2455]

Caroline Kennedy NO LONGER EMBODIES anything. SHe is dead.

[@mariamechkova8582]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@shortscar2]

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