HBO’s hit TV show “Succession” has impacted the fashion industry in more ways than one. The show has become a prime example of the “stealth wealth” fashion phenomenon, which has been around for decades. The trend focuses on understated and polished clothing that is not overtly flashy but is made of high-quality materials.
The characters in “Succession” are seen wearing nondescript clothing with neutral colors, such as black and white. The focus on quality and discretion is unique to the “stealth wealth” trend. The characters on the show, who are part of a dysfunctional family fighting for leadership of an international media conglomerate, are dressed in luxury brands such as Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, and Tom Ford.
The way the characters are dressed has become an Easter egg-style game for superfans of the show who try to determine the brand behind the styles. The “Succession” effect has fuelled demand for certain luxury items, such as Loro Piana’s baseball cap, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
The assistant costume designer on “Succession,” Jonathan Schwartz, noted that the show’s characters have had little style evolution, which perhaps reflects a larger message of the show. “The funny thing about this show is even in the characters, nobody changes,” he said. “They start off as bastards and they end up unchanged from that.”
The costumes on “Succession” have worked because of their authenticity to the characters and how they don’t distract from the dialogue. The show’s costumes and “stealth wealth” have appealed to the masses for their aspirational quality.
“Stealth wealth” can be seen as an extension of the pandemic-influenced fashion trend of paring down wardrobes and investing in better quality pieces. It’s aspirational because they’re wearing Loro Piana sweaters that most of us might not be able to afford,” said Cathleen Sheehan, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “It’s a classic black turtleneck, but you have to study it and see why it looks good, what it is about it, so it’s aspirational.”
The Burberry Title Vintage Check Tote Bag, which costs $2,890, was recently featured on the show, and despite not fitting in with the logo-free aesthetic of “stealth wealth,” was the subject of Google searches after the episode aired.
In conclusion, “Succession” has influenced the fashion industry by popularizing the “stealth wealth” trend. The show’s costumes and “stealth wealth” have appealed to people for their aspirational quality and authenticity to the characters on the show. The trend reflects a larger shift towards investing in better quality pieces and paring down one’s wardrobe.
