More is More: Why Maximalism is Dethroning Quiet Luxury in 2025

The Silent Retreat of Quiet Luxury

For the past few years, the design world has whispered in muted tones. “Quiet luxury,” with its understated elegance, minimalist silhouettes, and neutral palettes, has reigned supreme. It was a style defined by what it wasn’t: loud, ostentatious, or demanding of attention. But the whisper is fading, replaced by a confident, joyful roar. In 2025, maximalism is taking center stage, trading subtlety for bold self-expression and proving that sometimes, more is truly more.

This aesthetic shift isn’t just about changing tastes; it’s a cultural response. In a post-pandemic world, there’s a collective craving for vibrancy, personality, and unapologetic individuality. Consumers, led by a digitally-native Gen Z, are no longer content with blending in. They want their clothes and their homes to tell a story—and that story is loud, colorful, and uniquely their own.

The Data Doesn’t Lie: A Trend in Motion

Recent developments and hard data paint a clear picture of this changing tide. Fashion houses once celebrated for their minimalism are now embracing oversized silhouettes, intricate patterns, and dramatic accessories. In interior design, the concept of “intentional clutter” is gaining traction, encouraging a curated mix of vintage and modern pieces that radiate warmth and personality.

The numbers are compelling:

• Social Media Surge: Engagement with maximalist fashion hashtags has skyrocketed by 125%.
• Accessorizing Boldly: Sales for statement-making heavy jewelry designs jumped by 78% in early 2025.
• Home Decor Overhaul: Pinterest’s 2025 trend report shows searches for “eclectic maximalism” are up by 215%, and “vintage maximalism” has soared by 260%.

Conversely, interest in the old guard is waning. LVMH, a bastion of luxury goods, reported a 4% revenue decline in the first half of 2025, with its key fashion and leather goods division seeing an 8% drop, signaling a potential fatigue with the understated aesthetic.

Expert Insights: The Philosophy of More

Industry leaders are championing this expressive new era. Designer Jonathan Adler encourages a move away from sterile perfection towards a “luxe, layered look that is, above all, personal.” Similarly, Jacu Strauss, creative director at Lore Group, defines effective maximalism as a celebration of “richness, narrative and joy,” where every object has a purpose and a place in your story.

Fashion designers are observing the same shift. Mrunalini Rao notes that the industry’s trajectory is moving “towards a more ostentatious and overt form of opulence.” Designers Didier Lecoanet and Hemant Sagar add that younger consumers are drawn to fashion that allows them to be “bold, experimental and expressive,” directly challenging the reserved nature of quiet luxury.

How to Embrace the Maximalist Movement

Ready to step into the bold? Here’s how the maximalist trend is manifesting across fashion and interiors.

In Your Wardrobe

Maximalist fashion is about playful confidence. Look for the resurgence of animal prints, with leopard print alone projected to see a 92% growth in popularity. It’s time to mix contrasting patterns and textures without fear. The look is anchored by bold accessories—think chunky jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and statement bags. The vibrant colors and metallic finishes of the Y2K aesthetic also continue to be a major influence.

In Your Home

Say goodbye to beige and hello to personality. A key trend is “color drenching,” where walls, furniture, and even ceilings are enveloped in a single, rich hue. Jewel tones and warm metallics are replacing sterile, neutral palettes. The goal is to create a space that feels collected, not decorated. Display your eclectic treasures, mix patterns, and embrace retro influences from the 70s and 80s to create a home that is a true reflection of you.

Conclusion: A New Chapter of Expression

While the timeless appeal of quiet luxury will likely ensure it retains a niche following, the dominant aesthetic of 2025 is an unapologetic embrace of maximalism. This trend is more than just a fleeting style—it’s a declaration of individuality, a commitment to joy, and a colorful, confident step into a new chapter of personal and creative expression. It’s time to be bold.