10 Understated Pieces Flying The Flag For Quiet Luxury

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10 Understated Pieces Flying The Flag For Quiet Luxury

Words by Mr Shane C Kurup

20 January 2022

When it comes to the merry-go-round nature of fashion, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the capricious appetite for the new and now. For some brands, it’s all about relying on hype to peddle their wares, but others choose to pursue the ideal of understated luxury, where fine materials and solid workmanship hold sway. Because when something’s truly good, there’s no need to shout about it.

01.

The suede jacket of dreams

If anyone knows the true worth of beautifully made attire, it’s Mr Tom Ford. His uncompromising affinity for sumptuous materials is consistent in his collections, as we can see from this beautifully cut suede jacket. It’s certainly a step-up from your battered denim trucker – but just stay well away from the beaujolais.

02.

The woven wallet

Given that Bottega Veneta’s fame in fashion stems from its leather goods, it stands to reason that it’s still a dab hand working with the material today. As evidenced by this simple wallet, no brazen logos are necessary – the Intrecciato weave and leather quality speak for themselves.

03.

The plush sneakers

You can always rely on Brunello Cucinelli to put a luxurious spin on the ordinary. Case in point being these sneakers, which combine the sportiness of a knitted upper with butter-soft Italian leather trims. You won’t want to be running any marathons in these, though – just think of the scuffs.

04.

The seasonless loafers

Over the years, George Cleverley has had the patronage of everyone from Sir Winston Churchill to Mr Colin Firth and looking at its signature loafers, it’s easy to understand why. The hand-finished details and polished shine of the calf leather will earn this pair a permanent spot on the favourites section of your shoe rack.

05.

The cloud-soft hoodie

Cashmere sweats might sound like the most indulgent idea ever, but once you try on this cosy hoodie from Kingsman, you’ll be an instant convert. The fuzzy, pleasantly tactile yarn makes a casual weekend staple feel that little bit more polished, so dressing it up with a blazer doesn’t feel like a faux pas.

06.

The bag for life

Iberian leather has long been sought for its softness and durability and Madrid-based LOEWE has undoubtedly bolstered that reputation. With enough room to stow all your essentials – from personal effects to your tech – this tote is made from a silky smooth, full-grain hide that will only get better with age.

07.

The next-level sweater

Loro Piana built its name on the quality of its in-house fabrics, which are so good, they’re often found in the cutting rooms of other high-end designers. Its cashmere is a particular highlight and this suede-trimmed zip-up has a plush advantage over your standard sporty sweater.

08.

The urban hikers

Mr Manolo Blahnik is one of cordwaining’s foremost characters and his nose for the individual is reflected in his designs. These clodhoppers have the heft of woodsy hikers, but their tactile calf-hair uppers give them a subtle point of difference that make them more suited to city streets than alpine trails.

09.

The luxe cover-up

Cashmere features heavily on this list, and it isn’t dubbed the king of yarns without good reason. SSAM has made judicious use of the fibre in the shape of this elegant coat, which is also lined in pure silk – just in case the that glossy outer shell doesn’t feel indulgent enough.

10.

The eco-conscious sweatpants

New York label The Row has been championing the concept of quiet luxury since its inception and has garnered a cult following as a result. These sweatpants are made from an organic cotton jersey, that’s not only exceptionally comfortable, but is free of the chemical nasties often used to cultivate the crop.