In the last five years, HBO’s “Succession” has won over fans with its dialogue, character relationships, and finely curated minimalist wardrobe. The show has been popularly credited with fueling ‘stealth wealth’ fashion trends, which have been around in some form for decades. This type of fashion is understated, polished, and relies on quality and discretion to make a statement.
The “Succession” characters dress in nondescript clothing that rarely jumps off the screen; for superfans, the logo-less clothing has become an Easter egg-style game of determining the brand behind the styles, which are typically luxury brands like Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, Tom Ford, Paul Stuart, Ralph Lauren, and others.
But beyond the obvious appeal of branded items, the “Succession” characters have had a significant influence on wardrobe choices for many viewers. From Loro Piana’s baseball cap to its white-soled shoes, Burberry’s Vintage Check Tote Bag to Jeremy Strong’s streetwear sneakers, the fashion choices of Succession’s characters have garnered significant attention and increased demand for these understated items. This phenomenon can be observed as an extension of the pandemic-influenced fashion trend of paring down wardrobes and investing in better quality pieces.
The authenticity of the costumes on “Succession” has been attributed to the show’s popularity, as well as the appeal of “stealth wealth” as an aspirational lifestyle. Cathleen Sheehan, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, has observed that it’s not about “look at me” but rather “look a little closer” to the finer details of these understated pieces.
However, the “stealth wealth” label also raises larger questions about what we value in clothing and how our choices reflect our identity. Through the characters of “Succession,” we can observe the emphasis placed on quality and discretion as a statement of power, highlighting the fact that not all wealth or power is ostentatious.
Overall, the interest in “Succession” and its costumes reveals the desire for authenticity, high quality, and understated elegance in fashion. Whether it sparks a larger trend or not, “Succession” has certainly captured our imagination and influenced our wardrobes in subtle ways.