Whether it was the size of the jewel that adorns your neck, the authenticity of the fur around your shoulders, or the exclusiveness of the designer label validating your handbag, in the past, opulence has been loud. It’s been less about the intrinsic value of something and more about the message it sends to the world—that message usually being one of affluence and abundance.
And while logomania and designer labels still find their place amongst the elite, today, many of the world’s most prominent figures are opting for “stealth wealth” instead—choosing the brands that whisper to the in-the-know circles rather than shout to everyone.
Timeless and trend-transcending, they’re the luxury brands that prove themselves in quality and craftsmanship, rather than relying on flashy logos to fight their cause.
We call them quiet luxury—the muted murmurs of elite labels, softly enticing you to join the covert club of IYKYK.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? Taking a stand against fast fashion and unsustainable consumerism, Luxe Digital has always been a big advocate of buying fewer, better pieces. We’ve been team #wealthwhispers rather than team #moneytalks, even before it was a trend.
As a result, our expert team has been evaluating (and unearthing) low-key brands and quiet luxury labels since 2018—paying careful attention to quality, craftsmanship, timelessness, functionality, and sustainability—in order to determine the best of the best.
For more on how we test luxury products and brands, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxuries.
The 15 best quiet luxury brands
Luca Faloni
Your sartorial invitation to an Italian escape, Luca Faloni showcases a curated collection of luxury linens, cashmeres, and other Italian fine materials. Founded in 2014 by its namesake, the luxury menswear label is centered around versatility and durability.
Dedicated to preserving the tradition of Italian craftsmanship, we love that Luca Faloni pieces are made in Italy by small, family-run businesses. Combining artisanal techniques with contemporary designs, the under-the-radar brand is perfect for the modern gentleman seeking an effortlessly elegant wardrobe.
Learn more about Luca Faloni in our brand story.
| Best for: | An Italian (style) escape for men. |
| Price: | $$ |
Ralph Lauren
Renowned for its classic, preppy style, Ralph Lauren fuses the quintessential American aesthetic with a distinct timeless elegance we’ve admired for years.
Founded in 1967 by designer Ralph Lauren, the eponymous label became famous for its polo shirts (Been there, wore that.), becoming a symbol of an upscale lifestyle.
Featuring traditional motifs, rich fabrics, and effortless, sporty elegance, Ralph Lauren has expanded its collection to include accessories, home furnishings, and fragrances. And while the brand is unmistakably high-end and high-quality, some of its collections are still some of the more accessible. Check our dedicated story about Ralph Lauren for more.
| Best for: | Sporty sophistication. |
| Price: | $$$-$$$$ |
The Row
Founded in 20016 by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row is synonymous with quiet luxury, garnering a cult following for its minimalist, under-the-radar aesthetic. Rooted in sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship, we love the luxury label’s refined designs and neutral color palettes.
Heavily emphasizing tailoring and fit, The Row focuses on ready-to-wear pieces, handbags, eyewear and footwear—all of which are instantly recognizable amongst in-the-know circles.
| Best for: | Rowing against the fast fashion wave. |
| Price: | $$$$ |
Celine
Celine is celebrated for its clean, minimalist aesthetic and logo-less designs—a prestigious pioneer of the quiet luxury trend.
Founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, the brand initially focused on children’s shoes before evolving into a high-end women’s fashion purveyor. It quickly became known for its sleek silhouettes, premium leather goods (check Celine’s most iconic bags), and a paired-back palette of earthy tones.
Characterized by French chic, elevated by a distinct contemporary edge, Celine continues to whisper with decadent details and unparalleled craftsmanship.
| Best for: | A secret sartorial handshake of sorts. |
| Price: | $$$ |
Khaite
Established in 2016 by Catherine Holstein, Khaite is a fearless fusion of perfect opposites. Blending the past and present, strength and softness, structure and fluidity, the New York-based fashion label challenges everyday dichotomies through its multi-faceted designs.
Devoid of loud patterns, flashy logos, or excessive embellishments, Khaite is recognized by its unmistakable understated elegance, quality materials, and subtle branding.
Signed off by all the it-girls—Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lawrence, and Katie Holmes included—Khaite is most popular for its elevated basics, and in particular for its sumptuous knitwear and refined denim.
| Best for: | Flying high without making a noise. |
| Price: | $$ |
Bottega Veneta
Founded in 1966, Bottega Veneta gained popularity for its signature intrecciato design, a unique method of hand-weaving leather. Today, the gorgeous weave is still prominent in Bottega Veneta’s timeless handbag collection, exemplifying the label’s commitment to intricate details and impeccable craftsmanship.
While it’s not afraid to include vibrant hues—such as the iconic Kelly green—the brand is relatively low-key. Void of overt displays of branding, Bottega Veneta prefers to cement its name in history through discreet designs and subtle sophistication.
| Best for: | Weaving together the past, present, and future of luxury. |
| Price: | $$$ |
Brunello Cuccinelli
Earning a reputation as the “king of cashmere,” the Italian luxury brand is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, decadent designs, ethical philosophy, and well, of course, its many appearances in HBO’s Succession. Brunello Cucinelli was founded in 1978. A first-mover in the industry, the brand became a symbol of responsible luxury, committed to endorsing sustainable and humane practices.
Merging traditional Italian craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, Brunello Cucinelli is still one of the most coveted labels, especially for those wanting to take a stance against fast fashion and flashy logos.
| Best for: | Making indulgence ethical. |
| Price: | $$$ |
Loro Piana
A paragon of exceptional quality and timeless elegance, Loro Piana is renowned for its world-class cashmere and impossibly fine wools. Established in the early 19th century, the Italian brand is committed to impeccable craftsmanship, evident in its meticulous selection of fibers.
Loro Piana’s carefully curated selection of quiet luxury apparel and accessories includes gorgeous cashmere sweaters and caps, alluring handbags, and street style-inspired kicks.
| Best for: | Whispering sweet nothings. |
| Price: | $$$ |
Toteme
Distinguished by its unique approach to modern minimalism and functional fashion, Toteme is recognized for its Scandi-inspired simplicity and contemporary refinement. Founded by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman in 2014, the Swedish label offers versatile, tailored pieces that prioritize form and function without obtrusive branding.
As one of the most popular quiet luxury brands, Toteme has catapulted to cult-favorite status, with the Toteme Camel Coat becoming a capsule closet staple amongst celebrities.
| Best for: | Capsule closet classics worthy of Hollywood royalty. |
| Price: | $$ |
Max Mara
Born to empower women through fashion, Max Mara’s thoughtful designs are both elegant and practical, addressing the daily needs of the multifaceted modern woman. With a focus on timeless sophistication and quality craftsmanship, the Italian brand is a blend of traditional tailoring and contemporary sensibilities.
Best known for its beautiful workwear, classical coats and functional accessories, Max Mara’s trend-transcending pieces find their worth in their quality materials and intrinsic value.
| Best for: | Taking the “Max” out of maximalism. |
| Price: | $$ |
Jil Sander
Unique for its trailblazing approach to minimalism, Jil Sander was founded in 1968 by the eponymous German designer. The brand is celebrated for its clean lines, precise tailoring, and restrained color palette, often described as ‘less but better.’
As one of our best quiet luxury labels, Jil Sander’s collection of ready-to-wear, bags and accessories focuses on the purity of form, eschewing unnecessary ornamentation for functionality and timelessness.
| Best for: | Showcasing German precision. |
| Price: | $$ |
Hermès
While Hermès does have some of the most iconic bags (like the Birkin and Kelly), it generally avoids loud logos and obvious displays of branding.
Established in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a harness workshop, the brand initially catered to European noblemen. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, highly regarded for its leather bags, silk scarves, and ready-to-wear collections.
| Best for: | Investing in cult-favorite classics. |
| Price: | $$$$ |
Loewe
Founded in 1846 by Enrique Loewe Roessberg, Loewe is actually one of the oldest and most prestigious fashion houses. Although we’ll forgive you for thinking the Spanish label was new to the scene.
Loewe has always been a quiet luxury brand, prioritizing craftsmanship and quality over excessive branding. Because of this, it flew under the radar for many years, quietly dressing the Spanish Royal Household.
It wasn’t until more recently that the understated label became a big name, styling Beyonce, Kylie Jenner, and Rihanna with low-key favorites such as the raffia woven tote (one of Loewe’s most iconic bags).
| Best for: | A covert club of IYKYK members. |
| Price: | $$$ |
Cuyana
Cuyana, a relatively new player in the luxury fashion industry, sets itself apart with its philosophy of “fewer, better things.” The brand, founded by Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah in 2011, focuses on creating high-quality, timeless pieces designed to last.
Cuyana’s approach emphasizes sustainability and ethical production, aiming to reduce waste and promote conscious consumption. It specializes in capsule wardrobe-worthy women’s wear and leather accessories.
| Best for: | Creating a carefully curated capsule wardrobe. |
| Price: | $$ |
KAAI
Founded in 2017 by Ina Verhaert and Helga Meersmans, KAAI is designed for professional women by professional women. Polished but practical, the Belgian brand combines functionality with high-quality materials and sleek designs.
As some of our best designer work bags, KAAI bags are characterized by their organization, with compartments and features designed to hold everyday essentials like laptops. They’re also known for their comfortable multi-carry options, as well as thoughtful details, such as protective metal feet.
| Best for: | A powerhouse bag for powerhouse women. |
| Price: | $$$ |
Frequently asked questions about the best quiet luxury brands
A quiet luxury brand is one that embodies understated elegance and high-quality craftsmanship without relying on loud logos or flashy designs. These brands prioritize timeless appeal, refined simplicity, and the use of the finest materials, appealing to a discerning clientele.
Brands that exemplify quiet luxury often include Bottega Veneta, The Row, Celine, and Loro Piana. These brands are known for their minimalist designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and use of high-quality materials. They favor a subtle, sophisticated aesthetic over bold branding.
Yes, quiet luxury continues to be a significant trend, especially among consumers who appreciate understated elegance and quality over ostentatious branding. Quiet luxury reflects a growing preference for timeless, high-quality products that embody sophistication without the need for conspicuous logos.
Quiet luxury often features a color palette of muted, understated tones. These include soft beiges, creamy whites, elegant grays, deep navies, and earthy greens. Such colors underscore the trend’s emphasis on sophistication and timelessness.
