Studio 54 Fashion Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Have Become the Festive Season's Must-Have
Although the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 closed almost four decades ago, its unique style impact continues strong.
Currently, the focus isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the furry, shaggy coats and wraps favored by celebrities and party enthusiasts alike.
With the holiday party season approaching, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is experiencing a significant resurgence.
Retail Statistics Shows the Trend
One of the most popular items from a latest collaboration between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a cropped, cream, long-haired jacket with giant lapels.
At another department store, online queries for taupe fake fur coats have surged almost 200% year on year.
The demand for pre-owned fuzzy finds is also soaring, with queries for faux fur increasing by over 250% in the past six months on a popular resale website.
"This is a one and done coat," says a senior style expert, explaining that it acts as the main element of an ensemble.
The editor likes to style her personal oversized shaggy version with low-rise jeans or tights and short shorts.
Television Style Mirrors the Trend
The aesthetic is replicated in a new Netflix romantic comedy series, where a character sports a caramel fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.
When questioned about her daring outfit, the character replies, "You told us to look fancy. It's fashion!"
The Rise of the "Glamorous" Aesthetic
This look fits into what a U.S. trend forecaster is terming "boom boom."
Rooted in the extravagance and opulence of the 1980s New York, this aesthetic evokes wealth, champagne, smoking, short skirts, loose morals and, naturally, fuzzy textures.
Similar to that time, the trend is set against a uncertain financial climate.
This style is very much about dressing for the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.
Contemporary Fabrics and Playful Opulence
Whereas real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, today's versions are primarily made from lambskin—a secondary product of the food industry—or man-made materials like polyester.
The trend represents a tongue-in-cheek luxury—like a famous Muppet has taken charge with overblown silhouettes and unexpected hues.
Celebrity Endorsement and Exclusive Drops
An English designer was an early instigator of this trend. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like proportions have been sported by famous singers.
Because of strong interest, these coats are now only sold in limited collections. An upcoming launch includes a rose and grey version similar to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and zebra-print versions with dramatic fluffy trim.
"When you can only buy a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a plain jumper or a pair of ordinary trousers, you want a standout piece," says a magazine editor-in-chief.
This feeling is echoed by a fashion director at a major store, who calls it "a surprising, fun touch" that doesn't require a complete ensemble.
Final Spirit Lifter
Ultimately, the fuzzy coat can act as a great mood lifter.
"It doesn't have to cost a lot," notes the editor, "and it will make you feel glamorous when everything else is rather dreary."
