Latest news with #quietluxury
Khaleej Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Interiors Furniture showcases Bernhardt as the epitome of quiet luxury in the UAE
As the world embraces a more mindful and refined way of living, the design philosophy of quiet luxury is fast becoming a powerful statement and Interiors Furniture is proudly leading this movement in the UAE. Through its exclusive showcase of Bernhardt, the renowned American furniture brand, Interiors brings understated elegance and timeless craftsmanship into homes and design spaces across the region. Bernhardt epitomises quiet luxury with its timeless silhouettes, neutral color palettes, and an unwavering focus on quality over ornamentation. Drawing on classic forms and refined materials, each piece in the collection responds to the modern homeowner's desire for meaningful, calming, and emotionally resonant design, creating interiors that feel effortlessly luxurious and remain relevant for years to come. From creamy linens and warm greys to soft taupes and earthy woods, Bernhardt's palette exudes quiet confidence. Each design is elevated with hand-finished details, architectural lines, and natural materials such as oak, marble, wool, and leather — celebrating texture, restraint, and intentional living. Every curve is carefully tailored, every surface meticulously finished, reflecting the essence of true luxury. "At Interiors, we believe luxury is better felt than flaunted," said Raed Dibs, CEO of Interiors. 'Bernhardt's refined design philosophy aligns perfectly with what our customers are seeking today — beauty, longevity, and an emotional connection to their surroundings." Tailored for discerning homeowners, interior stylists, and architects, the Bernhardt collections at Interiors offer a sense of enduring value and effortless sophistication. For those ready to embrace a softer, more meaningful expression of luxury, Interiors provides the perfect destination to explore the quiet power of lasting design.
South China Morning Post
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Meet Snejyo, the Insta-famous sisters bringing back maximalism: Hermès and Chanel obsessed Indian siblings Snehal and Jyoti Babani first went viral last year for their OTT matching looks
Until recently, the consensus around fashion on social media seemed to be that less is more. Understated elegance at a hefty price tag has been the ethos of quiet luxury – a trend that gained traction in 2023 and was embraced by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and perfected by brands like The Row. But now it's 2025, and the reliably cyclical nature of fashion means that maximalism is once again on the rise – layering and loud patterns are back in style. On the runway, creative directors Alessandro Michele and Glenn Martens' much-anticipated debut haute couture collections for Valentino and Maison Margiela featured voluminous silhouettes and playful textures; and for the perennially online community, no one embodies this new trend like the Instagram- and TikTok-famous Babani sisters. Advertisement For a while, Snehal and Jyoti Babani managed to avoid mainstream media attention, despite being regular fixtures at the major runway shows. That was until the pair – collectively known as Snejyo – went viral for wearing head-to-toe Hermès in 2024. Despite their love of logomaxing (at the Hermès spring/summer 2025 show last September they literally accessorised their main Hermès Kelly bags with mini and micro Kellys), the sisters have kept a low profile. Even their shared Instagram account, which boasts over 61 thousand followers, is private. Snejyo holding Hermès Kelly bags that are in turn accessorised with mini and micro Kelly bags. Photo: @snejyo/Instagram They can also take months to share their looks online. In June, the sisters finally shared several photos of themselves dressed to the nines in coordinating Chanel outfits for the haute couture spring/summer show in Paris that took place back in January. Snehal and Jyoti Babani at Chanel's fall/winter haute couture show in Paris earlier this month. Photo: despi_naka/Instagram Most recently, the sisters were spotted dressed to the nines in coordinating Chanel outfits for the fall/winter haute couture show in Paris earlier this month. With the rise of maximalism and fashion bringing fun back, who better to look to for fashion inspo than the best in the game? Here's everything you need to know about Snehal and Jyoti Babani. They are Indian
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Finally hit it rich? Here are the top 5 reasons to never share that with anyone (even your closest friends)
Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. If you've managed to accumulate some wealth, showing it off can often be tempting. After all, what's the point of success if you can't indulge in it? Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how However, a growing cohort of ultra-wealthy Americans are trying to conceal their wealth rather than flaunt it openly. Here are five reasons why stealth wealth or quiet luxury lifestyles are gaining traction and why you should consider concealing the true extent of your fortune. Privacy and security Being publicly wealthy could make you a prime target for thieves, fraudsters and criminal gangs. A study by Silicon Valley Bank found that identity theft is 43% more common among the wealthy. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, as well as top NBA and NHL professional athletes have been targeted by criminal gangs. Even Warren Buffett once narrowly avoided a kidnapping in the 1980s. With this in mind, downplaying your fortune could be the best way to safeguard your privacy and protect your family. Another effective way to safeguard your wealth is by diversifying your investments across a range of asset classes. Gold, in particular, is considered a classic safe haven. During times of economic uncertainty, investors tend to flock to the asset — since it isn't tied to any currency or economy. One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold. Priority Gold is an industry leader in precious metals, offering physical delivery of gold and silver. Plus, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. If you want to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, Priority Gold offers a 100% free rollover, as well as free shipping and free storage for up to five years. Qualifying purchases can also receive up to $10,000 in free silver. Broken relationships Money undeniably affects personal relationships, particularly when loved ones are not on the same page about finances. While it's generally unwise to conceal your financial situation from a legal spouse, being more discreet with new friends or certain family members might be beneficial. According to a 2023 finance survey, around 57% of Americans admit to feeling envious of someone else's financial status. In some cases, keeping details about your income and wealth private could actually help preserve harmony in your relationships. That said, it's even more important to have a will and a revocable living trust in place. This creates clarity and removes the guesswork around how your assets will be distributed after you're gone. However, getting started can feel overwhelming. That's probably why over 72% of Americans lack a valid will, according to Planned Giving. With Ethos Will & Trust, you can create both a will and living trust online from the comfort of your own home in as little as 20 minutes. All documents created on the platform are vetted by experienced estate-planning attorneys — giving you complete peace of mind. You can also make unlimited updates forever as your life changes, helping you protect your family without the price of an attorney. You can create a will starting at just $149 and a living trust starting at just $349. And if you're not happy with the results, you're covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — Avoid lifestyle creep One of the downsides of flaunting wealth is that it can be hard to stop. After purchasing a luxury home or fancy car, scaling back might feel humiliating, creating pressure to maintain that lifestyle. In effect, you've locked yourself into golden handcuffs — trapped by the need to keep up appearances. A smart way to avoid this kind of lifestyle creep is to live below your means and work with a financial advisor. A trusted, pre-screened financial advisor can help you develop a solid retirement strategy. According to research by Vanguard, people who work with financial advisors see a 3% increase in net returns. This difference can be substantial over time. For instance, if you start with a $50,000 portfolio, you could potentially retire with an extra $1.3 million after 30 years of professional guidance. Finding the right advisor for your needs is simple with Their platform connects you with experienced, qualified financial professionals in your area who offer personalized guidance and support in managing market fluctuations and optimizing your portfolio mix. Social isolation Wealth can be isolating, according to therapists surveyed by CNBC. 'They live in such a rarified place of the top 1% where there are very few people who share the realities of their world,' said Paul Hokemeyer, the founding principal of Drayson Mews clinic. Living a modest lifestyle allows you to stay grounded, nurture meaningful relationships, and maintain a sense of humility and relatability. As a high-net-worth individual, this doesn't mean denying yourself luxury; it simply shifts the focus. Instead of indulging in overt displays of wealth, you might choose quiet luxuries, such as investing in fine art, over more conspicuous spending. Art investment has emerged as a substantial asset class. The global art market size was valued at $552.03 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $585.98 billion in 2025, according to Straits Research. In the past, investing in fine art often required shelling out millions for a prized painting, making it challenging even for the ultra-wealthy. Now platforms like Masterworks have opened the door to art investing, with over one million members now using the service. Here's how it works: Instead of spending millions on a single painting, you buy fractional shares of blue-chip paintings by iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso, Basquiat and Banksy. All that's left is to choose the number of shares you want to buy, and Masterworks handles everything else for you. See important Regulation A disclosures at Better negotiating power Whether you're hiring a contractor, shopping for luxury goods or making a major real estate purchase, appearing wealthy can actually work against you. Sellers often assume you can afford to pay more, reducing your chances of scoring a deal or meaningful discount. This approach — adjusting prices based on how much the seller believes a buyer can afford — is called price discrimination, a well-known concept in economics. For that reason, keeping your financial status under wraps may offer a strategic advantage, helping you negotiate more effectively and secure fairer, more competitive pricing. As a high-net-worth individual, maintaining discretion about your financial status not only enhances your ability to negotiate effectively and secure fairer prices but also opens doors to exclusive, institutional-grade investment opportunities. As a high-net-worth individual, keeping your financial status discreet not only helps you negotiate more effectively and achieve fairer prices but also grants you access to exclusive, institutional-grade investments in real estate. Real estate can be a solid way to build generational wealth. For the 12th year in a row, Americans have ranked real estate as the best long-term investment in 2024, according to a new Gallup survey. New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market. For instance, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors. With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property. With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets. Another avenue is commercial real estate. With the help of First National Realty Partners (FNRP), you can invest in necessity-based commercial properties and potentially create lasting wealth for yourself and your family. FNRP specializes in grocery-anchored retail centers leased by major national brands like Walmart, Kroger and Whole Foods, providing investors with potential steady cash flow through rental income and long-term appreciation. As an accredited investor with a minimum of $50,000, you can access high-quality real estate investments without the hassles of property management. What to read next How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement 5 simple ways to grow rich with US real estate — without the headaches of being a landlord. Start now with as little as $10 This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Times
18-07-2025
- Times
Capella Singapore hotel review: polished serenity on Sentosa Island
Quiet luxury remains all the rage, and this place has it in spades. On top of a grassy hill on the Singaporean island of Sentosa, elegant terracotta-roofed buildings — built in the 1880s and with restored creamy colonnades and lengthy verandas — stand by a lawn where twisty-trunked angsana trees and a spiral steel sculpture are displayed with equal reverence. While nods to its past as a British Royal Artillery barracks remain — sepia photos of days-gone-by gala suppers and help-yourself afternoon sandwiches — it is rich in modern appeal. A looping infinity-shaped wing by the hotshot British architectural firm Foster + Partners gives way to 113 rooms and villas dressed by the interiors maestro André Fu in enveloped-in-the-forest sage shades and mid-century modern curves; buggies whisk guests to a wildly tasty yet unpretentious Italian restaurant by the renowned chef Mauro Colagreco, while three swimming pools inspired by Balinese paddy fields tumble down a hillside. Frankly, what's not to love? Everything is just-so without ever feeling showy and, while kids are warmly welcomed, there's an air of grown-up tranquillity, broken only when oriental pied hornbills crash into the canopy. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 9/10Views-wise it's impossible to feel hard done by. Bedrooms housed in the sienna balustrade-wrapped contemporary wing, have balconies looking out to gardens filled with rustling grasses and lipstick palms or electric blue pools, some backdropped with a hint of the ocean. Fu's light, contemporary mid-century aesthetic is homely but alluring — plush sand-coloured sofas upholstered in soft flax stand next to an ash wood rocking chair and hand-carved teak bowl. Walk-in wardrobes are hidden behind king-size beds made with Frette linens, while smart oak and rattan-weave drinks cabinets include complimentary Fever Tree fizz and fruit juices. The rooms are among the largest in Singapore (from 77 sq m), with the curtains closed by a no-fuss button touch. The stone-floored bathrooms have double basins, baths and rainforest showers stocked with geranium-leaf-scented Aesop amenities in glass bottles. The set-up of the suites is similar, save for an additional lounge that is revealed by pulling back a theatrical wooden partition. Several villas with one to three bedrooms that are scattered down the hillside sport similar decor and also have petite outdoor plunge pools, indoor and outdoor rainforest showers and alfresco tubs for under-the-stars bathing (the one-bed villas are prime honeymooner territory). There are two grand heritage manors that tend to be taken over by visiting celebs, who the amiable staff are too discreet to name, of course. Score 10/10Colagreco's Fiamma brings a taste of la dolce vita to Sentosa, in a timber-beamed space decorated with a bronze-cast chandelier, Portuguese marble and a wood-fired pizza oven. For breakfast the 'semi-buffet' spread means that you can order from a menu featuring dishes such as buttermilk vanilla pancakes, onsen eggs with kaya (coconut jam) toast, Singapore laksa and avocado toast, plus help yourself to fruit, salad, cheese and freshly-baked pandan swirl brioches and even bloody marys — it offers plenty of what you fancy without feeling excessive. Roaming staff pass by tables with matcha-turmeric-lemon wellness shots for extra pep, while myna birds and peacocks strut past tables on the 30m terrace. Lunches and dinners are rooted in just-like-nonna-made recipes with modern twists — think burrata with apricot and pistachio, pesto trofie, grilled fish and, the star dessert, tiramisu. The heritage wing's Fu-designed Cassia is a more formal, white-tablecloth affair where glammed-up guests feast among lacquered screens and latticework lanterns on Cantonese crystal dumplings, double-boiled chicken soup and poached peach in osmanthus. Sundowner spots are plentiful — try the Siloso Sours on the terrace of Bob's Bar or opt for rum, cherry and pineapple Scarlet Rouges with card games in the convivial Pineapple Room. Still peckish? Complimentary sandwiches and nibbles arrive in the living room mid-afternoon. • Discover our full guide to Singapore• More of the best hotels in Singapore Score 10/10The scene-stealing, three-tiered, lava-stone swimming pools cleverly separate different guest categories — the top level infinity-edge adults' pool is a hit with blissed-out honeymooners, the middle level is a family affair and below is a slender adults-only lap pool. A bucket sunhat and staff appearing with icy mango slushies make pool time really feel as though you've hit the holiday jackpot. The Auriga spa is equally appealing; follow a curving path — in which sculptural shoals of koi carp appear to swim from the walls — to a zen space where tailored 90-minute massages, vibrational therapy and treatments inspired by the lunar cycle take place. Leave time to make the most of a bubbling vitality pool, sauna and steam rooms, as well as mindful colouring books and mini zen gardens to rake while nibbling sesame-tahini cookies and sipping rose-infused tea. There is also a gym, fussball and pool tables, on a veranda in the heritage wing, and a schedule of workshops from sunrise yoga to scavenger hunts to keep the whole family entertained. Score 9/10The Capella is conveniently close to the entry bridge for Sentosa, making it a strong choice for those keen to have a calm base to explore the city, about ten minutes' drive away, and the buttery sands of Palawan beach, which can be accessed in ten minutes via a footpath leading down from the hotel. As for exploring, free island-wide shuttles and trains mean that most attractions can be reached in under 25 minutes — be that theme-park hotspot Resorts World, Sensoryscape's light walk or the Merlion cable-car stop for rides to the zip lines and bars at Siloso beach. The hotel's clued-in 'Capella culturists' can arrange pretty much anything, from mahjong sessions (an absolute hoot) to street art tours combining dosas in Little India with mural-adorned laneway explorations or rounds at one of the two championship golf courses on Sentosa. Price room-only doubles from £832Restaurant mains from £26Family-friendly YAccessible Y Ianthe Butt was a guest of Capella Singapore ( • Best things to do in Singapore• Best serviced apartments in Singapore
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These 'Old Money' Names Embody the Affluent, Quiet Luxury Aesthetic
There's an old saying: money talks, but wealth whispers. Essentially, it insinuates that folks with 'new money' (i.e., the nouveau riche) are flashy and ostentatious with their wealth, sporting extravagant jewelry, flashy cars, and prominent designer labels so that everybody is well aware of their lofty financial status. But 'old money' — the families who have been unimaginably rich for generations — don't feel the need to flaunt it because, well, everybody already knows. And lately, social media (especially TikTok) has been blowing up with the 'old money' aesthetic, sometimes known as 'quiet luxury.' The idea is simple: understated elegance that exudes class and sophistication without screaming for attention. That same aesthetic translates beautifully to baby names. While baby names like Dior or Mercedes are giving in-your-face extravagance, old money baby names are more subtle; they sound more prestigious than pretentious. These timeless, classic baby names are less 'look at my Louis Vuitton' and more 'my parents pay $75K a year for my private elementary school tuition.' Old money names convey high class and high status — not so much trendy as steeped in tradition. Think of the Vanderbilts, the Astors, the Rockefellers, the Carnegies: old money baby names give a distinctive 'this museum/university/library is named after my great-grandfather' vibe. There are no cutesy or 'kreatyve' spellings with old money names, either; these are solid classics that will fit as well on a monogrammed school uniform as they will on the nameplate of an oil tycoon. However, many of these old money picks do lend themselves well to less formal-sounding nicknames in case your offspring desires a more casual vibe. Want even more formality? Combine two for the first and middle — like Brighton Conrad or Victoria Greer! Babies given these quiet luxury baby names were born with a silver spoon in their mouths, but they don't need to tell you that; if you know, you know. It's obvious, anyway — from the way they carry themselves, to their impeccable social graces, to the company they keep. Because kids from old money know that it's not the label that matters: it's the legacy. Read on for some of our favorite old money baby names with that distinctively luxurious 'rich kid' vibe. More from SheKnows A Top Baby Name Site's 'Playground Analysis' Just Revealed the 'Real' Most Popular Names of 2024 - & They Aren't What You Think Best of SheKnows At 19, I Broke Up With Social Media – & Chose Myself AP Scores Just Came Out — Here's What to Do If Your Teen's Upset About Theirs Celebrate Freedom With These Perfectly-Patriotic Americana Baby Names Imogen is a Shakespearean gem, created by the Bard himself for Cymbeline. It's believed to be a variant of the Celtic name Innogen, meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter.' This name carries an effortlessly-elegant, literary aura — the type of name you'd imagine belonging to a heroine in a classic English novel. Marshall started as an English occupational surname meaning 'horse servant' or 'keeper of horses,' derived from Old French mareschal. Over time, it evolved into a title of high office (think: military marshal) and a dignified given name with strong Southern old money ties. Schuyler is a gender-neutral pick of Dutch origin meaning 'scholar.' It arrived in America with Dutch settlers and became an influential surname, as in the prominent Schuyler family of early New York. Its understated intellectual vibe and historical roots lend it quiet prestige. You could spell it the more phonetic way for English-speakers — Skyler — but it doesn't quite have the same aristocratic ring to it that way. Conrad is a powerful German name meaning 'brave counsel,' used by Holy Roman Emperors and German nobility throughout the centuries. It carries a serious, weighty feel. Greer just sounds sophisticated, like someone you'd meet at a posh boarding school favored by the who's-who. Surprisingly, it has the same meaning as Gregory — alert or watchful — because it stems from the same root name Γρηγόριος (Gregorios). That transferred into the Scottish surname Gregor, which then morphed into Greer. The more you know! Since it's a surname, it can be used for any gender, but tends to lean feminine in the present day. Felix comes from Latin meaning 'happy' or 'fortunate,' and it has been used as a given name since Roman times. Its crisp, international sound and classic meaning make it a name that transcends trends while still feeling distinguished. An aristocratic and refined choice, Katherine — most often associated with the Greek καθαρός (katharos), meaning 'pure' — has the advantage of multiple nicknames to fit whatever personality your Katherine turns out to have. Kat, Katy, Kathy, Kath, Kate … or you could soften its presence a bit by spelling it with a C, as in Catherine. Parker began as an English surname meaning 'keeper of the park.' It was originally an occupational name for gamekeepers on noble estates. Today, it feels fresh and rooted all at the same time, and works seamlessly as a unisex choice with an upper-crust prep-school vibe. If you're looking for a feminine name with a strong and regal feel, you absolutely cannot go wrong with Victoria. Its meaning (victory, of course!) is clear, and its royal, upper-crust association is unmistakable thanks to the long reign of Queen Victoria. Whether it's spelled with one L or two, Phillip is derived from the Greek Φίλιππος (Philippos), and it has a very unique meaning: 'friend of (or fond of) horses.' It has been used widely throughout history by Macedonian, French, and Spanish kings, and most recently showed up in British royalty by way of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Its deep roots give it a strong, formal feel. Penelope is a timeless Greek name meaning 'weaver.' In mythology, Penelope was the clever and faithful wife of Odysseus, weaving by day and undoing her work by night to keep suitors at bay. Its combination of mythological strength and vintage charm give it a refined and elegant feel. Wells is a sleek, polished English surname with a quite simple meaning: 'spring' or 'stream.' It evokes images of grand countryside estates and is often seen as an understated, stylish choice among modern old-money families. Sloane is an Irish surname meaning 'raider,' though its current reputation is anything but rough. In Britain, the term 'Sloane Ranger' describes the classic old-money set around Sloane Square in London, cementing its posh reputation. It's sleek, modern, and quietly powerful. Hudson is an English surname meaning 'son of Hudde,' with Hudde being a medieval nickname for Hugh or Richard. It carries an outdoorsy, rugged sophistication thanks to namesakes like the Hudson River, yet maintains an urbane, tailored edge. You could also go with Judson, though we think that leans a little more neo-cowboy. Warren is an English surname that gets it roots from the Norman French word warrene, meaning a park or enclosure for animals. It's also the name of famous financier Warren Buffett, which lends a prestigious association. Warrick or Warwick are two possible alternatives that share a similar vibe. While Whitney skews mostly female these days, it can be — and has been — used as a male or a female name. It comes from the Old English phrase for 'white island,' and carries an association with the famous Whitney Museum of American Art, founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. In America, we favor Pierce; in British, it's more typically seen as Piers. Regardless, this strong name comes from the Medieval form of Peter, meaning 'rock.' Sabine is a French and German name derived from the ancient Italian Sabines, meaning 'a Sabine woman.' Its continental flair and rarity in the U.S. give it an effortlessly-chic, European old-money feel. It reminds us of Sabrina, but fancier. Tierney is an Irish surname meaning 'lord.' Though it's rare as a first name, its strong yet approachable sound — and association with powerful Irish clans — makes it an unexpected yet refined choice. The lovely Margot (remember, don't pronounce the T!) is the French short form of another classy name: Margaret. It's an old name that was popular in the 1930s, nearly dropped off the charts for about 50 years, and is now experiencing a huge surge in popularity; from 2013 to now, it has gone from #943 on the list of most popular baby names to #193. Gregory comes from the Greek name Gregorios, meaning 'vigilant' or 'watchful.' It has a long ecclesiastical history with multiple saints and popes, giving it a dignified, scholarly bearing that feels quietly influential rather than flashy. Adelaide is a regal name of German origin meaning 'noble kind.' It was borne by Queen Adelaide, wife of Britain's King William IV, and the city in Australia was named in her honor. Elegant, vintage, and noble, it's the epitome of refined femininity — and practically screams 'old money.' Brighton is an English place name meaning 'bright town.' Known as a stylish seaside resort favored by British aristocracy for centuries, Brighton carries a breezy sophistication with an undercurrent of old-world glamour. Cecelia (or Cecilia) comes from the Roman family name Caecilius, meaning 'blind.' Despite its not-so-spectacular meaning, the name evokes grace and sophistication thanks to Saint Cecilia, patron of music. Its melodic sound gives it a timeless, vintage charm. Chauncey is an English surname and given name of uncertain meaning, possibly from a Norman place name. In the U.S., it was favored among patrician families in the 18th and 19th centuries, giving it an old-school prep feel that exudes quiet status. Morgan is Welsh, meaning 'sea-born' or 'sea circle.' Originally masculine, it has become widely used for all genders. Its Celtic roots, sleek sound, and banking dynasty associations lend it an undeniably powerful old-money vibe. Winston is an English name meaning 'wine's town,' but its association with the great Sir Winston Churchill lends it an upper-crust air. It feels impeccably polished and intellectual, yet grounded. Charlotte is the French feminine diminutive of Charles, meaning 'free man.' It has long been used by royalty, most notably Queen Charlotte of England (and now, Princess Charlotte too!). Today it remains a classic, with its soft, elegant sound and royal pedigree. Plus, it has lots of cute nicknames like Charlie, Carly, and Lottie. Camden is a Scottish surname meaning 'winding valley,' but it also evokes the artsy-yet-posh neighborhood of Camden in London. It's polished, stylish, and works well for either gender, though it leans masculine in the U.S. Corinne is the French form of the Greek name Korinna, meaning 'maiden.' It was popularized in the English-speaking world by Madame de Staël's 1807 novel Corinne. Its gentle, lyrical sound and French origin give it a sophisticated allure. Forbes is a Scottish surname meaning 'field' or 'district.' As a given name, it exudes old-money vibes thanks to its use among powerful banking and publishing families. It's rare and a little formal-sounding as a first name, lending an exclusive feel. Meredith is a Welsh name meaning 'great ruler' or 'protector of the sea.' Originally used for boys, it has shifted to almost entirely feminine in modern usage — in the U.S., at least. Preston is an English surname meaning 'priest's town.' It carries a stately, collegiate feel — think sprawling green campuses, ivy-covered stone buildings, and crisp tailored blazers. Grant is a Scottish surname meaning 'great' or 'large.' Its straightforward strength and historical use as both surname and given name give it a solid, commanding presence. (If you've ever seen the classic movie Overboard, you might remember that it featured a wealthy character named Grant Stayton III!) Claire is the French form of Clara, meaning 'clear' or 'bright.' Its crisp, simple elegance has made it a timeless classic across generations and social classes, but it always retains an air of graceful sophistication.
