Quiet luxury for men’s elegance.
On what every man needs: A good cologne, a well-cut dark suit, crisp white shirts and good manners.
Kobi Koachman.
Hip-hop is perhaps dead. Well, we see upcoming rappers every day but it’s either RnB, Gengetone, a mixture of Bongo and South African Amapiano, drill, rock and pop and Afropop which is taking the international stage by storm thanks to Burna Boy and Rema. Hip-hop is still at the top of all these genres, but why am I saying it is dead? Despite the recent celebration to mark 50 years of hip-hop that was wrapped up at the VMAs award ceremony, the influence it had on culture has gone down. Hip-hop is the reason we had loud excessive branding of logos on clothes to exude status and wealth. Even my top ten rappers including J-cole and Kendrick Lamar, have embraced a rather quiet luxury aesthetic. Where I come from, would not identify you as moneyed if you did not wear clothes from those specific fashion houses that are affiliated with wealth.
In my previous articles, we spoke about timeless elegance, and how the world is changing its perspective on clothing. People are rather going for garments that are timeless and do not have to follow trends. Have you ever wondered what people like Elon, Zuckerberg or Bezos wear because their clothes always seem basic? In the world of men’s fashion, there is a growing appreciation for the subtle and understated elegance that defines quiet luxury brands. These brands focus on craftsmanship, quality materials, and timeless design rather than flashy logos and conspicuous consumption. Let’s explore some of the top recommended quiet luxury brands for men that epitomise sophistication and refinement.
Brunello Cucinelli.
If you have made TikTok your search engine, this is not a new name. Founded by Brunello Cucinelli in the mediaeval village of Solomeo(1978), Italy, this brand is synonymous with the highest standard of quality. The brand is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, and use of high-quality materials particularly cashmere crafted with great care and attention to detail. The brand specialises in timeless sophisticated designs, creating clothing, accessories, and footwear that exude understated luxury and refinement. Brunello often utilises a neutral colour palette, including various shades of beige, grey, and earth tones. This minimalist approach to colour allows their pieces to be versatile and easy to integrate into a wardrobe. All products are made in Italy, reflecting the country’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and artistry in fashion. The brand also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices.
Loro Piana.
Loro Piana is a prestigious Italian luxury brand that is renowned for its exquisite fabrics and high-quality clothing and accessories. It has a rich heritage dating back to 1924 when the company was founded in Trivero, a small Italian village. The brand is particularly celebrated for its exceptional fabrics, with a strong focus on natural fibres. Loro Piana is famous for its cashmere, vicuna, merino wool, and other luxurious materials. Their commitment to sourcing the finest fibres and developing unique treatments sets them apart from the industry. Their accessories are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and their tailoring is characterised by precision, resulting in clothing that fits impeccably and feels comfortable. The designs embody timeless elegance and sophistication. Their clothing and accessories feature clean lines, classic cuts, and a subdued colour palette, which contributes to their enduring appeal. Loro Piana occasionally releases limited edition collections featuring unique and rare materials which are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Tom Ford.
Tom Ford is a prominent American fashion brand that was established in 2005, the brand has become synonymous with high-end fashion, beauty, and accessories. Tom Ford’s designs are renowned for their sophistication and elegance. He is known for creating clothing, eyewear, fragrances, and accessories that exude luxury and glamour. The brand’s tailoring is a standout feature, offering impeccably crafted suits, blazers, and formalwear. Tom Ford’s suits are celebrated for their sharp silhouettes and attention to detail. Tom Ford’s designs often embrace a timeless aesthetic that transcends fleeting fashion trends. The pieces are designed to have lasting appeal and can be considered investment pieces.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label.
The Ralph Lauren Purple label represents the pinnacle of luxury within the Ralph Lauren brand. The brand is known for its uncompromising commitment to quality. Every piece is crafted to the highest standards, using the finest materials available. The commitment to excellence extends to fabrics, stitching, and finishes. Their impeccable tailoring offers a range of menswear including suits, dress shirts, and formal wear. The tailoring is characterised by precision, ensuring a perfect fit and polished look. Ralph Lauren Purple Label embodies timeless elegance. The designs are classic and enduring, often featuring clean lines, subtle detailing, and a restrained colour palette. This ensures that the pieces remain stylish season after season. The brand frequently utilises luxurious materials such as cashmere, silk, and fine wool. Since it’s made in Italy, it is renowned for its craftsmanship. The use of a purple label on the clothing is a symbol of the brand’s luxury and exclusivity, setting it apart from other Ralph Lauren Lines.
A.P.C.
Atelier de Production et de Creation is a French brand founded by designer Jean Touitou in 1987. Known for its minimalist and understated approach to fashion that allows for versatile and easy-to-wear pieces. A.P.C. has carved out a niche in the industry for those who appreciate simplicity and timeless style. While A.P.C focuses on simplicity, it doesn’t compromise on quality. The brand uses high-quality materials such as premium denim, fine cotton, and high-grade leather. This emphasis on quality ensures that A.P.C. garments are comfortable and durable. A.P.C. is particularly well-known for its denim collections. The brand’s new raw denim jeans have a dedicated following. The denim is sourced from Japan and crafted into timeless styles, with the idea that the jeans will age beautifully over time, forming a unique patina based on the wearer’s lifestyle. It specialises in creating classic wardrobe staples. This includes items like well-fitted jeans, crisp white shirts, tailored blazers, and versatile outerwear. These pieces are designed to be the building blocks of a modern and minimalist wardrobe. A.P.C. are intentionally timeless, avoiding fleeting trends. This makes their clothing suitable for individuals who prefer enduring style rather than fast fashion.
Ermenegildo Zegna.
Ermenegildo Zegna is an Italian luxury fashion house that has been synonymous with premium menswear since its founding in 1910. It is one of the last remaining family-owned luxury fashion houses, founded by Ermenegildo Zegna in Trivero, Italy, and remains under family stewardship. Known for its exceptional tailoring, with a wide range of tailored menswear, from suits and dress shirts to casual wear. Each piece is crafted with precision, ensuring a flawless fit and polished look. The brand is celebrated for its use of high-quality materials, especially fine wool. Zegna’s signature fabrics, including Trofeo and High Performance, are prized for their softness, durability, and comfort. They even produce their wool from their wool from their sheep farms in Australia. The brand is known for its innovative approach to menswear. It has introduced groundbreaking concepts such as ‘Techmerino’ fabric, which combines natural fibres with technology to create comfortable and performance-enhancing clothing. Zegna offers made-to-measure services, allowing customers to create custom-tailored clothing to their exact specifications. This personalised approach to fashion is highly appreciated by discerning customers.
Common Projects.
Common Projects is a highly regarded luxury footwear brand known for its minimalist and clean design philosophy. Their sneakers are characterised by their sleek and simple silhouette, often featuring a low-top or mid-top profile with minimal branding. The signature touch is the gold-stamped serial number on the heel, which represents the style, size, and colour of each pair. Exceptional craftsmanship, and dedication to quality using premium materials from high-quality leather, suede, and sometimes exotic materials like Ostrich or Python. Common Projects are designed to be versatile and suitable for various occasions. They can be dressed up or down, making them a favourite choice among individuals who appreciate both style and comfort. Founded in 2004 by designers Peter Poopat and Flavio Girolami, Common Projects has gained a loyal following for its sneakers and footwear collections.
In a world where luxury often screams for attention, these quiet luxury brands for men offer a refreshing alternative. They prioritise quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design over ostentation, allowing their pieces to speak for themselves. Whether you’re in search of a classic suit, a cashmere sweater or the perfect pair of sneakers, these brands exemplify the essence of quiet luxury, helping you achieve a sophisticated and understated elegance that never goes out of style.