A Discreet Luxury

Stemming from the consumer trend of metamodernism and the dawning of a new romanticism forms the forecasted fashion trend of the ‘discreet luxury’ (Von Maltzahn 2011). Metamodernism surrounds the idea of oscillation  (Von Maltzahn 2011). This is the notion of contradictions - subtlety versus opulence, nature versus science  (Von Maltzahn 2011). Confused? Yes, don't worry, I was too! To put it simply we are going to see a trend of fashion that chooses quality over the brand, making you  the consumer feel better about spending that little bit extra.

Pictured above is Giorgia, who has paired a tailored yet softened jacket, with a floral, short but long, cotton dress. The colours and fabric of these pieces together create an aspect of romanticism and contradiction. The faded floral represents nature while the structured, simplistic space-like jacket represents the notion of science and futurism. This trend of romantic futurism can be seen through Natalia Grzybowski’s ‘Hybrid’ collection that combines elements of nature and technology (Grzybowski 2012). Grzybowski quotes, ‘Each design has been strategically designed and engineered for the body to eliminate textile wastage while creating a stunning visual’ (Grzybowski 2012). Her vision highlights the fashion trend of modish lenience toward environmental consciousness, durability of materials and corporate sustainability. Now to put it bluntly, the pieces Giorgia is wearing aren’t cheap, so I asked why she chose the more expensive pieces - ‘I wanted to spend my money on something worth it, something that was well made, that had quality to it. I want to invest my money in something that will last years. I thought this piece did that.’ 

WGSN.com reports that colours connected to this womenswear trend will include shades of ivory, variations of blue and midnight, nude, putty, cosmetic pink, and lilac, sage green, eggplant and silver (WGSNc 2012). We are slowly picking ourselves up and dusting ourselves off after the GFC, thus consumers want to immerse themselves in luxury brands again but ever so subtly and with a social responsibility. This can be seen through Giorgia’s Marc Jacobs bag. This bag is not screaming luxury brand through lavish embellishment or overt logos, but it is trade marking itself by the small gold plaque on the front of the bag. Thus the idea is subtle luxury is inherent (Frankel 20120). So Ladies, don't feel guilty of indulging in a bit of luxury, but remember less is more.