Cover Decoding the subtle quiet luxury signs of the ultra-wealthy Malaysians (Photo: Getty)
Decoding the subtle quiet luxury signs of the ultra-wealthy Malaysians (Photo: Getty)
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If you know, you know: We’ve heard of car collections and fabulous parties, but what are some other subtle, quiet luxury signs of ultra-wealthy Malaysians?
It’s a tale as old as time–those with incredible wealth often find opportunities to flaunt it as part of the lifestyle they’ve come to enjoy. But the quiet luxury trend, by no means new, is really rather different. It’s not about overly excessive displays of riches but rather more subtle, ‘old money’-type hints that are recognisable to only a few.
Read more: The Asian celebrities nailing the quiet luxury trend
By now, we’re all familiar with tales of high jewellery purchases, luxury handbags worth over five figures, private jets and ultra-exclusive black-tie affairs enjoyed by billionaires and their families. But quiet luxury demands no attention. It is noticeable to some but easily overlooked unless you know what to look for.
From reservations at the most exclusive dining establishments in the country to annual winter holidays for the whole family, here are seven inconspicuous status symbols associated with ultra-wealthy families.
A haven for the arts
Collecting art? Sure. Crafting entire spaces designed for art in progress? That’s, well, an art in itself. Some ultra-rich wealthy families are known to convert their holiday homes or secondary property purchases into havens of art for art’s sake, whether that be artist’s residencies in pristine and remote surroundings, tasteful galleries dedicated to local artwork, or well-designed events spaces where creatives can flourish.
See also: Heritouch Gallery: An eclectic oasis for Asian artists and the collectors who favour them
Offer letters from Ivy League institutions
The concept of ‘play hard’ is certainly not foreign to the aristocracy. But behind the scenes, the lesser seen commitment and dedication put into one’s education add a new dimension to the ‘work hard’ part of the phrase.
Don’t miss: 9 Status Symbols Exclusive to Malaysia's Wealthiest
Being enrolled at the best British boarding school or international school is often only part of the bigger picture. What’s not as obvious are the time, money and weekends spent on co-curricular activities such as fencing, horse-riding, figure skating and others (more often than not overlapping), leaving very little time for leisure or relaxation. Add to that a wealth of education consultants, essay coaches and private tutors, and your odds of being accepted into an Ivy League school are much higher.
Real estate in the best neighbourhoods
Owning property—or multiple homes—in Kuala Lumpur’s Damansara Heights, Bukit Tunku and other expensive neighbourhoods is an easy giveaway, elevated with the privacy and exclusivity of gated communities and gorgeous homes tailored to one’s lifestyle by the city’s most sought after interior designers and architecture firms.
See also: 7 ways to curate a bedroom that exudes quiet luxury
Omakase dinners aplenty
Do you know someone who secures a coveted reservation at a fine dining restaurant whose waiting list is typically seven to ten months long? Society’s elite can often be found at the country’s most exclusive fine dining establishments, from Michelin-star Malaysian restaurants to exclusive eateries where royal families stop in to dine.
In case you missed it: Tatler Dining Malaysia’s Top 20 Restaurants of 2024
Winter holidays with the family
From all-inclusive ski holidays in St Moritz to hitting up the best Alpine resorts with your family (and extended family, of course), skiing is one of those quintessential past-times of the ultra-wealthy, some of whom may even have holiday homes to which they retreat each time ski season comes around. Reading like a scene out of an old Hollywood movie, arranging private ski or snowboarding lessons for the kids and relaxing in the comfort of the luxurious resort spa is a very real year-end indulgence to the nation’s wealthiest.
Limited-edition timepieces
There's a watch collection, and there's a watch collection strictly composed of bespoke timepieces. Only a true connoisseur with the clout and cash (think Paul Newman's personalised Rolex Daytona) can boast such a privilege.
Retreats in far-flung locations
Health is wealth, and wellness in its highest form is a privilege not accessible to just anyone. It’s not just your average person on the street who can muster up the enviable luxury of funds and spare time to spend frolicking amongst the verdant hills of Ubud on a week-long wellness retreat or in a remote writing camp set in the picturesque mountains to set the tone of your next great novel or play.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
