The Rise of “Stealth Wealth” Fashion – A Look at Succession’s Influence
For the past five years, HBO’s “Succession” has gained immense popularity for its witty dialogue, dysfunctional family relationships, and, of course, its finely curated fashion. The hit TV show has led the way in popularizing the “stealth wealth” fashion trend, characterized by understated and polished clothing that exudes a luxurious vibe without being too flashy. While minimalist fashion trends have been around for decades, “stealth wealth” is unique in its emphasis on quality and discretion, allowing consumers to appear wealthy without drawing too much attention.
“Stealth wealth” fashion is all about polished pieces that are not too showy, subtly hinting at the quality and value of the item. While the trend is similar to the minimalist fashion trends of the ‘90s and 2010s, “stealth wealth” takes things up a notch, emphasizing high-quality materials and understated detailing that appeal to fashion-conscious individuals. Cathleen Sheehan, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, explains that “stealth wealth” fashion is all about studying the intricate details and materials of the clothing to recognize the pieces.
“Succession” showcases this trend perfectly, with the main characters wearing understated clothing such as cashmere sweaters, logo-less suits, and blank baseball caps that rarely jump off the screen. Fans of the show have become obsessed with determining the luxury brands behind the styles, which may be Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, Tom Ford, Paul Stuart, Ralph Lauren, and others.
Jonathan Schwartz, the assistant costume designer of “Succession” shares that they do not follow what billionaires wear but rather follow the character and where they would shop. The characters’ clothes are dictated by their personality and preference, matching the overall theme of the show. For instance, Roman Roy would shop more downtown, while Tom Wambsgans would shop on Madison Avenue to fit their respective characters.
“Succession” has also sparked a buying frenzy of luxury items from viewers. From Loro Piana’s baseball caps to its white-soled shoes, the show has fueled demand for certain luxury items, with many selling out in retail after being worn by the show’s characters.
The show’s characters have limited style evolution in the four seasons, which might reflect the larger message portrayed. Schwartz thinks the show’s costumes work because of their authenticity to the characters, not distracting from the dialogue. Nonetheless, Kendall Roy, played by Jeremy Strong, has undergone the most significant style evolution, reflecting the changes in his character. Starting off the show in corporate-style suits, he has since transitioned to more casual yet pricey leather jackets, suede jackets, streetwear sneakers not so flashy but clearly expensive.
Despite the pandemic-influenced fashion trend of paring down wardrobes and investing in better quality pieces, “stealth wealth” fashion has maintained its appeal to the masses. Sheehan believes that the “stealth wealth” trend’s aspirational quality comes from wearing Loro Piana sweaters that most of us may not afford. The trend offers classic pieces with a little more detail than conspicuous fashion and subtly exudes luxury.
“Succession” has made it clear that fashion doesn’t always have to scream, “look at me.” Rather, the trend exudes luxury and sophistication in a more refined way, turning fashion into a more studious exercise. By placing emphasis on quality and detail, “stealth wealth” fashion has become a go-to choice for fashion-conscious consumers and a timeless trend that will remain in the future.
