Is Quiet luxury over?

For the last few years, the term ''quiet luxury'' has dominated the fashion world.  The aesthetic was everywhere, with neutral palettes, tailoring and understated logos.  It emerged during a time when there was economic uncertainty and people gravitated towards pieces that signalled taste rather than spending power.  Some brands build their entire brand around it with timeless cashmere, perfectly cut trousers and discreet accessories, like the Row.  It felt inspirational, yet attainable and and it was for those who didn't need to prove anything.

But in 2026, it has become clear that this is mostly over.  Not because people suddenly dislike the trend, we still see it in some trends and there is still a place for it in the right way in 2026.   We had the 90s Carolyn Bessette trend with the love story documentary and everyone went mad for the 90s minimalist style.  But as the year has gone on, the cultural moments that made quiet luxury desirable have changed.  It has become so mainstream that maybe the exclusivity that made it attractive in the first place has changed.  Simple pieces mean they're easier to dupe.  Handbags being the biggest thing you would see being duped.  It also feels a little like a uniform in 2026 and we are craving something different and some personality.  We are craving colour, texture, story telling and self expression, because that is what style and fashion is all about.

We aren't fully back to maximalism though, instead, it's a beautiful hybrid of minimalism and maximalism through:

1)  Bold accessories paired with classic basics - I'm seeing lots of beaded jewellery , scarves worn as belts, lots of big Tom ford Aviator sunglasses, fun shoes and bags and plenty more.

2)  Vintage pieces mixed with designer items - As Vinted has become one of the top retailers in 2026, the vintage in our wardrobes has become better and more easily attainable.

 3) Texture and shape - If like me you still struggle with colour and prints, adding texture and shape within your pieces is the easiest way to evolve it.  Think bubble hems or asymmetric hems and lots of lace.

 So quiet luxury isn't disappearing entirely as it is the core for many of our wardrobes, but it is becoming more fun and the future belongs to style with personality.

The biggest example of this has been the Matthieu Blazy Chanel mania where the world has gone mad for the new designers collections for Chanel.  The world went completely crazy for all these unique and slightly bolder pieces, to the point where there were queues outside the stores on opening days and you couldn't get your hands on the items.  These pieces included lots of leopard print, colours and unique shapes.  There was even a giraffe handbag.  Everyone has been seen pairing these pieces with more minimalist outfits and the accessories are the moment, proving where we are with our minimalist and maximalist hybrid.  This is where I am loving fashion at the moment and the space that we are at.

There are some extreme versions with the likes of fruit and vegetable heels, which some brands have done very well, but Christian Louboutin has taken to the extreme.  I personally can't see anyone wearing these Banana and Pineapple heels without it looking like a costume.  They are all sold out pieces though, probably for the collectable factor.  They aren't something I would wear, but i appreciate them.  I can however see the leopard print heels and the salad heels being worn with black dresses and looking really chic.  If done well, maximalism pieces can look great!