May 29th, 2024 | 4 Min Read

It’s no secret that fashion trends come and go quickly each year.

But there is one trend that experts predict is shifting the fashion industry completely - starting with the eyewear market.

The trend is “quiet luxury” or in other words, high quality products that display status without the use of a large visible brand name or logo. 

Specifically referring to a fashion trend characterized by understated elegance, high-quality materials, and impeccable craftsmanship without overt branding or flashy logos.

This style emphasizes sophistication and timelessness, often favoring classic designs and subtle details over loud, attention-grabbing elements.

The focus is on the intrinsic value of the clothing or accessories, highlighting refined aesthetics and superior construction, appealing to those who appreciate luxury in a more subdued and discreet manner.

From a psychological standpoint, high fashion brands thrive because of the status wearing those brands bring to its customer. 

However, less obvious codes - in the case of eyewear - such as high quality acetate, stainless steel, sleek design and packaging - the provenance and the way they are cultivated is a selling point. 

Supporting Data

The rise of "quiet luxury" in the eyewear industry is underpinned by several compelling data points.

The global eyewear market, valued at USD 147.60 billion in 2020, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2021 to 2028, with significant gains in the premium segment.

Consumer preferences are shifting towards quality and craftsmanship over brand logos, with 56% of luxury consumers prioritizing these factors.

Economic indicators show a 3.5% increase in personal consumption expenditures for luxury goods in 2023, while 73% of global consumers are willing to change consumption habits for environmental reasons.

Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston influence trends with their minimalist eyewear choices, evidenced by over 50,000 Instagram posts tagged #quietluxury and a 30% increase in Pinterest searches for "minimalist eyewear".

Furthermore, 64% of luxury consumers seek exclusivity and personal expression in products without overt branding, and 57% prefer investing in durable, high-quality items.

Fashion shows like the 2023 Paris Fashion Week prominently featured quiet luxury, signaling a broader industry shift.

Headlines Confirming Quiet Luxury is Growing:

"Innovative products, quality, accessibility, personalized consultancy lure in customers, especially younger ones.”

Whether you're an advocate of flashy logo's or not, it's becoming ever more clear the future lies in "quiet luxury".

References:
- Grand View Research, 2021. Global Eyewear Market Size Report.
- McKinsey & Company, 2022. The State of Fashion.
- Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2023. Personal Consumption Expenditures.
- Nielsen, 2022. Sustainability and Consumer Behavior.
- The Row, 2022. Collaboration Press Release.
- Bain & Company, 2022. Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study.
- Deloitte, 2022. Global Powers of Luxury Goods.
- Vogue, 2023. Paris Fashion Week Trend Report.