…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
The internet loves buzzwords, and the latest one making the rounds is ‘stealth wealth’.
This term describes a personal aesthetic of inconspicuous luxury, which is popular among the super-rich.
The trend has become known as ‘Succession dressing’ due to the popular HBO series, in which characters wear understated outfits that embody understated wealth.
Stealth wealth is becoming increasingly prevalent, with people attempting to look financially ‘normal’ despite being multimillionaires.
The trend is also reflected in high-end fashion, with brands such as Max Mara and Jil Sander showcasing pared-back ensembles on their runways.
The ‘Quiet Luxury’ Niche
Quiet luxury is a niche space that has narrow perimeters and is by no means a dull way to dress.
It is an anti-fad statement that differentiates those who are genuinely stylish and concerned with quality and longevity from those who are more trend-led.
It is an aesthetic that values subtlety over ostentation, with the focus on quality and timeless pieces that always look elegantly cool.
Personal stylist Antonia O’Brien believes that stealth wealth is a response to the hyperactive advertising on social media.
The Smug Essence of Stealth Wealth
The discourse surrounding the stealth wealth trend links to ‘old money dressing,’ with practicality and frugality not being concerns of the super-rich.
This trend is the sartorial equivalent of an elite member’s club, with hidden signs that only those initiated can recognise.
To those who can afford to spend thousands on a basic sweater, it’s like a long in-joke for extremely wealthy people.
However, some may argue that there is something guileless and fun about unashamed displays of wealth, suggesting someone who has not grown up in a land of plenty but gleefully finds themselves there now.
Commentary
The rise of stealth wealth highlights a trend toward subtle luxury, with people seeking out quality over trend-led items.
While the trend may be perceived as insensitive, given its extortionate price tags, it is becoming increasingly popular among the super-rich.
It is an aesthetic that values subtlety over ostentation, with the focus on quality and timeless pieces that always look elegantly cool.
While some may find the trend smug, it is a response to the hyperactive advertising on social media, and it separates those who are genuinely stylish and concerned with quality from those who are more trend-led.