“Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.”
- August 19, 1883 – January 10, 1971
- Born in France
- Designer, businesswoman
- Founded the Chanel brand and advocated modern and simple fashion, especially popularizing the “Chanel suit” and “little black dress,” and contributing to the liberation of women.
Quote
“Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.”
Explanation
In this quote, Coco Chanel challenges conventional ideas about luxury and wealth, suggesting that luxury is not defined by material abundance or the absence of poverty, but by taste, refinement, and elegance. To Chanel, the true essence of luxury lies in subtlety, restraint, and sophistication—qualities that elevate one’s sense of style and self. In contrast, vulgarity represents the opposite of these values: it is excessive, gaudy, and lacking in discernment. For Chanel, it was never about displaying wealth or indulging in ostentatious displays; it was about improving one’s character and aesthetic through careful choices and understated elegance.
Chanel’s personal style and design philosophy reflected this understanding of luxury. She famously simplified women’s wardrobes, moving away from the extravagant and often uncomfortable garments of the time in favor of pieces that were elegant, functional, and timeless. She introduced minimalism and practicality into high fashion, demonstrating that true luxury didn’t require flashy adornment or visible symbols of wealth, but rather an effortless sense of style. Her vision of luxury also extended to the quality of the materials used, ensuring that items were well-made and designed to last, rather than to show off wealth in a crude or excessive way.
In today’s context, Chanel’s distinction between luxury and vulgarity still holds great relevance. In a world often driven by consumerism and status symbols, the quote serves as a reminder that true luxury is about elegance and taste, not about conspicuous consumption or the desire to flaunt wealth. It suggests that one can achieve a sense of luxury in how they live and carry themselves, regardless of their material wealth. Whether in fashion, architecture, or lifestyle, luxury today can be about the quality of one’s choices, the attention to detail, and the ability to refine and simplify without sacrificing sophistication. It is a call to cultivate inner richness and a refined aesthetic that transcends the superficial trappings of wealth.
