Minimalism is Luxury (Article)

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ichard Gregg, an American philosopher, wrote “The Value of Voluntary Simplicity” in 1933 that predicted today’s obsession with cleaning, disconnecting, and slowing down.

“We think that our machinery and technology will save us time and give us more leisure, but really they make life more crowded and hurried. It is time to call a halt on endless gadgeteering”

Today this concept is referred to as minimalism. This movement of downshifting has become more popular in recent years as more individuals are seeking meaning and trying to live more purposefully. As these difficulties grow more prevalent, I would like to look at the notion of simplicity, and see if it is compatible with our shared love of fashion, and if minimalism truly can be luxurious.

You could believe that minimalism and luxury are incompatible since minimalism focuses solely on the essentials, but luxury goes beyond even the most basic need. I believe, however, they can cooperate. In recent years, we, as customers, seem to be continually bombarded with different types of marketing for the current collections, whether it is in the form of real advertisements, influencers, or our friends who we consciously or unconsciously see in new ensembles every day. This unwittingly develops a personal drive to keep up with fastpaced consumption patterns, buying a new purse or garment, even if we do not need it.

Two key variables can be blamed for our increasing exposure:

To begin with, the number of collections issued has risen substantially in recent years. Whereas biannual displays, i.e. Spring/Summer and Fall/ Winter collections were formerly the norm, practically every major fashion house now provides pre-collection options, such as resort or cruise.

The second aspect, frequent social media exposure, exacerbates the problem. While we naively gaze at all of these lovely photographs on Instagram, something is almost always being sold, unconsciously developing desire. Minimalism strives to make our lives more simple. Buying less and keeping things simple allows you to focus on the essentials, rather than superfluous items.

I have yet to meet a fashion minimalist that does not look stunning every time they leave their house. Minimalism allows for endless combinations of garments from the recognisable, sophisticated and classic tones of beige and white to navy, black, and gray. These ultimately neutral and stylish shades work well with accessories — a camel

purse and ankle boots, for example, are a match made in heaven. The materials, as well as the style and cuts, are all complimentary so there’s no risk of committing a fashion faux pas.

A minimalist lover never fails to enchant, and they probably spend little more than five minutes picking what to wear. Who has time to sit in front of a wardrobe for half an hour when you are trying to make a name for yourself in the professional world or busy having a once in a lifetime experience? People want to appear well, but they don’t want to spend the majority of their day doing so. Minimalism is the polar opposite of time-consuming; it is straightforward and uncomplicated. It is every busy person’s ideal situation, which is why so many people are adopting minimalism as a way of life, not just in fashion. Adapting to a minimalistic lifestyle requires a transformation of your wardrobe. Remember simple is key in terms of colours and materials , and quality over quantity.

Photography- Amber Bennet Stylist- Alina Zhang Models- Mishael Kusi-Yeboah, Murph Zhang, Hiroyoshi Sato, Ravleen Kaur, Imrana Pirbay