Luxury Fashion: Less Is More and It’s About Time!
As fashion legend Vivienne Westwood sagely stated, “Buy less clothing. Keep wearing things you love. That is status.” This quote has always resonated with me, especially as I’ve watched the fashion industry evolve over the years. It’s a refreshing reminder that true style isn’t about accumulating endless items—it’s about cultivating a wardrobe that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and ethics.
I remember a time, not so long ago, when excess was the ultimate symbol of wealth. Luxury wasn’t necessarily about the timelessness of a piece—it was about how much you had. The more bags, shoes, and dresses you owned, the more you were perceived as elite. But let's face it—there's only so much space in one’s closet, and no one can wear everything they own.
This obsession with excess never quite sat right with me, especially as I built my business around the concept of confidence in your closet. It’s about finding those perfectly curated, impeccably fitted pieces that you love and that work for you - rather than buying into the idea that you need to fill your closet with things you’ll most likely wear once. In fact, I’d argue that a well-curated wardrobe—something that’s cohesive and tailored to your style and shape—is infinitely more valuable than a closet bursting at the seams with unnecessary options.
The Shift Is Here: A Luxury Slowdown
It seems the tide is finally starting to turn, however. According to recent findings, the personal luxury goods market (i.e. clothing, bags, jewelry and cosmetics) is experiencing its most prolific slowdown in 15 years. (Excluding the Pandemic, of course.) It seems the “bigger, better, more” mentality is beginning to lose its shine. Perhaps the biggest shift happened in 2024, when exorbitant prices and a lack of customer loyalty caused the sector to stall. People are no longer as eager to spend excessively on items that aren’t adding real value to their lives. And as this shift is projected to continue into 2027, I can’t help but see this as a bit of a wake-up call for the industry.
For years, we’ve been conditioned to look to the big fashion houses to tell us what to want. From runway shows to influencer-driven trends, we were spoon-fed the idea that luxury equals volume—more purchases, more purchases, more purchases. But it turns out, that model is starting to crumble under its own weight.
Time to Evolve
I think this moment in fashion history is so full of potential as it slowly shifts to a more conscious, sustainable, and thoughtful relationship between brands and consumers. According to Fortune, “Overcoming the luxury slowdown won’t just be a case of waiting the market out: brands need to listen to consumers and adapt accordingly.” Rather than focusing on the bottom line, maybe its time for brands to work on creating experiences that foster a deeper connection to the product. I think this is where we can hope to see some innovation. How incredible would it be if the brands that thrive in this new landscape are those who prioritize relevance, sustainability, and inclusivity. It shouldn’t be about selling us stuff—it’s about selling us something that lasts, that we love, and that makes us feel confident. In my opinion, that’s the true essence of luxury.
The New Luxury: Curated, Conscious, Confident
It is my sincere hope that we can eventually enter a new era where less is truly more. Instead of filling our closets with fast-fashion pieces or trendy impulse buys, we’re starting to appreciate the art of curating a wardrobe that reflects our personal values and aesthetic. Fashion shouldn’t be about having more - it should be about having pieces that matter. That’s the kind of luxury that stands the test of time
If you feel inspired to make a change, now could not be a better time. Make your voice heard by supporting brands that align with your personal values, or work with a stylist who specializes in working with these more conscientious designers. We might not change the tide overnight, but even the smallest ripples grow larger.
