Quiet Maximalism Gift Guide | The best pieces to invest in
This article was written by Demi Karanikolaou for Harper’s Bazaar Greece. You can find it here.
Somewhere between big brand logos and the beige world of The Row lives a different aesthetic - quiet (or refined) maximalism. Think: small scale, big impact - special objects that, when styled properly, give just the right amount of intensity to any ensemble. Being timeless choices, they can act as long-term investments and serve as the perfect all-year-round gifts, giving your loved ones some extra sparkle.
Minimal Sparkle: The Diamond Lab - LAB 100 bracelet, 18ct yellow gold with 0.49ct radiant-cut diamond
Who doesn't love diamonds? If you want to introduce a friend to the magic - and sustainability - of lab-grown diamonds, this is the perfect choice and a soft sparkle that never goes out of style. I sleep and swim in mine, completely forgetting I'm wearing it, until the light catches and someone asks - and people always do. A radiant diamond on a thin, transparent bracelet exudes chic with zero effort. Layer it if you must, but it stands beautifully on its own.
Statement Gold: YSSO - Flower Bud Earrings
’80s inspiration is back on the runways, and a bold pair of earrings is your go-to partner in style. At the price of a designer costume jewelry piece, this gold-plated demi-fine pair from Greek brand YSSO will add a "sculptural" touch to looks for years to come. Recently worn by Adele and Emily Blunt, YSSO's pieces are winning the hearts of the international fashion scene for their blend of modern design and Greek heritage. The Flower Bud style hugs the lobe, photographs beautifully and can make your signature turtleneck-and-jeans combo look like a curated masterpiece.
Accessories that win the hearts of fashion editors
Alaïa - Bustier Corset Belt
Always logo-free, Alaïa belts are iconic for how they define the waist and add just the right amount of boldness, giving a high-fashion touch to any look. This particular one can sculpt a dress, sharpen a denim-and-tee look, and turn a big blazer into something remarkable. Its laser-cut details offer extra design, but the classic style screams timelessness - I recently bought a red version after wearing the black one non-stop. My Instagram feed is my witness.
Marina Raphael - Baby Riviera Embellished
Quiet maximalism loves a statement bag. Worn by Olivia Palermo and Jennifer Lopez, the Baby version of the iconic Riviera looks like a piece of jewelry created on a real-life scale. Small, structured, festive - it holds a phone, keys and lipstick, and can take you from the office to dinner. Its sparkle will be just as special under the Christmas lights as it is under the August moon.
Emily Carter - Shell & Starfish Silk Scarf, 90×90
For a softer, more romantic touch, Emily Carter London's scarves are hand-drawn by the artist in the English countryside, then printed and hand-finished in England on silk twill. Tie it around your neck or in your hair, thread it through belt loops, or wrap it around a bag handle - the print may be poetic, but the finish reads proper and confident.
Beauty that does the work
Chloé - Atelier des Fleurs Nuit d’Oranger Eau de Parfum
From the maison's niche Atelier des Fleurs fragrance line, Nuit d’Oranger is an ode to white flowers and orange blossom - elegant, feminine and quietly powerful. A beautiful one to wear from brunch to midnight, it leaves a trail of quiet luxury that doesn't go unnoticed.
Gucci - Rouge à Lèvres Mat, 217 Valeria Rose (Limited Edition)
My personal lipstick find of the year - long-lasting, opaque, smells incredible and looks chic in your bag. One swipe is enough to look polished at Pilates, even without eye make-up.
Objects with meaning
Museum of Cycladic Art - Lucky Charm 2026 Pendant with Cycladic Figurine
For lovers of Greek beauty - or anyone who appreciates symbolism - this minimal pendant carries millennia of Cycladic heritage. Crafted from sterling silver or gold-plated silver, it sits perfectly on the collarbone or over a knit. Unique, quiet and deeply personal - a small companion for all seasons and a great choice for its affordable price point.
Schiaparelli - Small Dove Brooch
Brooches are making a comeback, and no one crafts more theatrical bijoux than Maison Schiaparelli. This little dove is a wearable version of the larger, surrealistically poetic piece that Lady Gaga wore to the 2021 US inauguration. Despite the smaller scale, it adds just as much symbolism without being overpowering - wear it on the lapel of a geometric coat, over a black turtleneck or a dress. You simply can't go wrong.
