At some point along the way, fashion became serious. The Hermès Birkin remains one of the world's most sought-after (and investable) bags, but its ongoing collectability talks to a desire for more subtle codes of taste. Other current cult favorites, such as The Row, Toteme, and Loro Piano, nod to a similar penchant for quieter style signifiers. Amid this swathe of discreet staples, some brands pee...