Advertisement

Updated June 2nd, 2023 at 14:14 IST

Succession's Shiv Roy puts the spotlight on quiet luxury - what is it?

Succession may have concluded but it has made public the very well-guarded quiet luxury aesthetic whose exclusivity is vying to be replicated by the Internet.

Reported by: Aalokitaa Basu
Succession
Succession and the 'trend' of quiet luxury (Image: succession/Instagram) | Image:self
Advertisement

Over its four-year long run, the HBO show Succession has left a lasting impact on the contemporary television landscape. However, it has also brought into focus the abstract concept of quiet luxury that pervades the satirical, dark-comedy drama. The 'successioncore' aesthetic has been repeatedly decoded by self-proclaimed fashion experts on social media, with elaborate storefronts promising a direct hop on to the trend. However, what often goes unacknowledged, is that the concept of quiet luxury is far from new, and definitely isn't a trend.

Constructing '#successioncore'

Michelle Matland, Succession's costume designer, revealed how she had prepared for the show. Michelle said she and her team would religiously follow one-percenters to niche, branded stores like Brunello and Loro - to personally experience being part of the stealth wealth community. Their research led to the birth of the 'successioncore' aesthetic we see in the series. While contemporary social media jargon calls it 'successioncore', the concept is the same as 'old money aesthetic'. However, there is a crucial issue that arises with the ideological boom of quiet luxury enabled by Succession. The concept of quiet luxury is much more than just replicating a look - its a lifestyle that chooses you, and very rarely is it the other way around.

Shiv Roy: Poster girl for 'stealth wealth' dressing

Succession's Siobhan 'Shiv' Roy has emerged as the poster child for fanning mainstream interest in quiet luxury, much to the dismay of one-percenters the world over. Her silhouettes through the show, follow the capsule-wardrobe template of the uber-rich but still manage to reflect her personal insecurities and triumphs. Be it the black turtleneck and high-waisted plaid pants from season 2's Vaulter, the alabaster white knit top paired with a buff-toned diva drape from season 3's Secession or the sleek grey suit and satin shirt from season 4's Rehearsal - Shiv's wardrobe speaks clearly, yet softly, for all that it stands for.

shiv roy s2

(Image: Shiv Roy in S2's Vaulter. Source: Warner Bros.)

shiv roy s3

(Image: Shiv Roy in S3's Seccession. Source: Warner Bros.)

Shiv Roy s4

(Shiv Roy in S4's Rehearsal. Source: Warner Bros.)

If this reads as a rather monotonous expression of fashion, viewers of the show will tell you that Shiv did not really shy away from pops of colour, though her outfits still held the sobriety and gravitas of the rest of her looks. Season 3's Chiantishire saw Siobhan in a cool, floral, cerulean blue halter bodycon, as she tumultuously toured Tuscany. The same season also saw Shiv turn out in a memorable emerald green sheath dress, with gold accents, in Too Much Birthday - both specimens of colourful quiet luxury.

chiantishire

(Image: Shiv Roy in S3's Chiantishire. Source: Warner Bros.)

too much birthday

(Image: Shiv Roy in S3's Too Much Birthday. Source: Warner Bros.)

What is 'quiet luxury' and how does it stay 'quiet'?

Neutral colour palettes, clean cuts and timeless silhouettes - this is the foundation of the quiet luxury aesthetic. It is about making sartorial choices that are 'classic’, enough to often reach family heirloom status. Put simply, the quiet luxury aesthetic looks down upon the need to stand out. Rather, they are a cut above the rest in terms of style and of course, the price tag. Unlike the logomania of yesteryears, when luxury brands would mark products with their monograms, the aesthetic prides itself on its curated persona of 'quietness'.

succession

(Image: Shiv Roy in S3's finale. Source: succession/Instagram)

Exclusivity versus accessibility 

Quiet luxury asserts a sense of in-group belonging among most one-percenters. Consequently, it also excludes everyone who can't afford to partake in such fashion choices. All the internet hacks teaching us how to embody the 'old money aesthetic' (without actually wearing expensive brands), is therefore just a replication of this long-standing social construct in the world of fashion. What Succession has essentially managed to do, either intentionally or otherwise, is present a lineup of strong personas that audiences wish to embody - the most accessible part of this equation being the clothes, courtesy the expansive industry of dupes. However, for a concept which largely draws its power from hefty price tags, the line between exclusivity and accessibility is not as blurry as it’s made out to be. In conclusion, the underlining mantra of quite luxury is the age-old saying - Money speaks, Wealth whispers.

Advertisement

Published May 31st, 2023 at 00:03 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

After Supriya Shrinate, Another Congress Leader Insults Women
6 minutes ago
Force Motors' Q2 results
8 minutes ago
Crew
8 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024
10 minutes ago
Congress Press Conference
13 minutes ago
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir
16 minutes ago
Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey: ‘Anti-India’ Bangladesh Journalist Who Questioned US, UN on Arvind Kejriwal
16 minutes ago
Kia Motors
19 minutes ago
Kabir Khan
19 minutes ago
Dollar strong after US inflation data
21 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo