Music is not just about the notes. Chord progressions, melodies, harmonies, and the way these components interact are part of the experience, but dynamics matter, too: when to play loud, when to play quiet, when to keep it steady, when to surprise the listener and get quiet when they’re expecting loud. And perhaps even more important than the notes you play are the notes you don’t play: the silences between phrases, the gaps that create rhythm.
Meaningful
While playing lots of notes at a high volume makes a lot of noise and gets noticed, the gaps and silences, space and rhythm, make a thoughtful statement. It’s the same in other art forms—the colors you don’t use, the space you don’t fill, the ideas you don’t express, the action you don’t explain is as meaningful as what you actually do paint, or write—and fashion is no different. Luxury is no longer about making the most noise with brand names and logos everywhere. It’s not about conveying status or calling attention; it’s about wearing something that is well-made, meaningful, and quietly stylish.
The distinction underlines the difference between flash and taste, between the latest hype and a carefully considered aesthetic. The person interested in the latter exudes confidence and personality: they are not making purchases based on status but on what they find beautiful and made with craftsmanship and artistry.
More Joy
It is also about making intentional choices. We are all becoming increasingly concerned about the future, about what kind of world we want to create, live in, and leave for future generations. These attitudes filter into our purchasing habits. We want things that are going to put more joy into our lives and into the world. We want things that are going to last a lifetime, not fall apart or fall out of fashion in a year. We’re not buying to show off wealth or show that we’re part of some trend; we want things that are meaningful to us, that connect us with others, things that are handmade and are built to last.
You know how good your clothes and jewelry are, and that makes you feel good about yourself. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, or whether or not they know what brand you’re wearing or how much you paid for it because you’re doing it for yourself. And soon, others will take notice. Not because you’re calling attention to yourself, but because of the aesthetic you’ve put together and the confidence you exude while wearing it. You’re not making a lot of noise; you’re playing the silences, making music in the pauses. That’s the essence of “quiet luxury,” the understated statement.
