Sofia Richie-Grainge: Exclusive Elegance or Attainable Glamour?

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In a timeline of constant and rapidly shifting trends and evolving aesthetics , one name is appointed as the beacon of timeless sophistication - Sophia Richie-Grainge. The 24-year old fashion icon, and daughter of the “All night long” singer , publicised her viral 2023 wedding set in the southern french rivera at the “Hotel du Cap-Eden-Rock”. Richie’s sensation this year has had fashion enthusiasts across the globe eagerly trying to score this vintage replication and refurbished look, however questions continue to arise about its accessibility to the masses.

From the 16th century and beyond, we have continued to see a classist divide of wealth in fashion- and how it excludes a right to endure such luxury. Vintage women's couture portrayed by those powerhouse icons who embellished in their untouchable wealth and status, being the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Lady Diana Spencer, Audrey Hepburn. A hierarchy as such has been prevalent up to present day. it continues to be critiqued that the aesthetic perpetuates a certain level of exclusivity- in a sense that not everyone has equal access to quality produce , cultural experiences and sustainable fashion choices.

Richie has cultivated an image that effortlessly blends modern trends with the charm of bygone eras ,all with investing in timeless pieces that withstand the test of time. We have seen tailored silhouettes , muted colour palettes and accessories that whisper “wealth” rather than shout it. Quality over quantity takes the spotlight in Richie’s wardrobe , each look is paired down with a suitable yet elegant accessory. At first glance Richie’s wardrobe may seem like a collection reserved for only those who have robbed a bank - or have a trust fund. But the ally brand, Proenza Schouler, has consumed a large percentage of Sofia's look-book this summer , and their digital content coordinator , Juliana Bakumenko , describes that

“we’re having this old money aesthetic in spaces it’s never really been before, we’re really seeing it take on a new life”,

and what this means for the trends new branch into wider audiences, it becoming an attainable reinvention.

We have seen Proenza Schouler become a frequent feature of Richie’s wardrobe . It’s “vest dress” had become an overnight sensation as Richie was seen wearing it soon before her viral wedding. Bakumenko tells us ,

“When something performs really well we hone in on that, we have created so much content around that because of this boost I think Proenza Schouler had crafted their audience to be this woman who is very , elegant , and very kind of refined. Sofia hasn’t been as visable as people like the Kardashian-Jenners , when people think of pop culture , they always go to that- we are tired of them. It feels much more poignant and meaningful that she’s not out there doing a million different brand deals”

After asking Juliana her views the old money aesthetic from a business perspective ,she described the ,

“Ornate and just ostentatious displays of wealth- You can only really be old money if you have old money, some having the idea that just because , you know , dress up as something and say that you are something, it doesn’t mean you are that. I have a telfar bag that I love very much , and when I’m out walking and I see somebody wearing one , it’s like we give eachother this look and we smile , it’s like we’re part of this little collective. But if you are out on the street and you see everybody wearing a telfar bag then you know , maybe you feel a little less special, and then your wondering , is this just another example of the Nike air force ones.”

We also took to the streets of London to ask some consumers of the trend their opinions on Sofia's influence , Student India Hodgson Said,

"No one ever used to wear joggers or casual wear out of the house before the start of lockdown with COVID-19, I think Sofia's new influence is because of her family heritage of money, and it has lead people to invest in the trend because they think it's an attainable way to play make-believe."

Therefore we ask ourselves , is this a positive that a lifestyle which has been so glamorised for centuries is finally becoming accessible to the mainstream consumer? Or does it cause a depreciation in the admiration of it all to begin with , with the idea that it being too over popularised, will prevent it from being "the unattainable trend" once more, and yet too attainable when cheaper alternatives are produced.

However , another student Ceci Fmarquez argues that the trend is "making people who dress basic , not feel basic, but put together." and in the interview told us how she thinks "its great that those who aren't able to find an original, expensive piece can simply walk into somewhere like Zara and find something that resembles the aesthetic and creates the same feeling."

This leaves us thinking , The viral "old money" aesthetic of 2023 is definitely a win for those looking for dupes in Zara, H&M, or even the new rise of TikTok shop. But does it feel authentic, can this trend ever be truly attainable to those with a student loan to pay off, or an electricity bill to debit?

Let us know your thoughts below.