70s Nightclub Style Returns for a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Are the Party Essential Must-Have
While the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54 closed nearly four decades ago, its unique fashion influence continues strong.
Currently, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and wraps favored by celebrities and party enthusiasts alike.
With the festive party season approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a significant resurgence.
Shopping Data Shows the Trend
One of the most popular items from a recent collaboration between a high-street brand and a London label is a short, cream, shaggy jacket with oversized lapels.
At another retailer, online queries for taupe fake fur coats have surged 190% year on year.
Interest for secondhand plush items is also soaring, with searches for faux fur increasing by 257% in the last six months on a popular resale website.
"This is a one and done coat," notes a lead fashion editor, adding that it acts as the central piece of an ensemble.
She likes to wear her personal colossal shaggy version with hipster jeans or leggings and short shorts.
Television Fashion Echoes the Trend
The aesthetic is showcased in a new streaming romcom series, where a sister wears a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a casual dinner.
When questioned about her bold look, the sister replies, "It's what you said to dress up. It's fashion!"
Emergence of the "Glamorous" Aesthetic
The trend aligns with what an American trend forecaster is terming "glam excess."
Inspired by the extravagance and excess of the 1980s New York, this vibe evokes wads of cash, bubbly, cigarettes, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, of course, fur.
Like that time, the trend is set against a uncertain economy.
Boom boom is all about dressing for the lifestyle you aspire to rather than the one you are stuck with.
Contemporary Materials and Playful Opulence
While real fur was everywhere during Studio 54's heyday, current versions are primarily made from shearling—a secondary product of the meat industry—or synthetic fabrics like acrylic.
The trend embodies a knowing opulence—like a beloved character has taken over with exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected colors.
Celebrity Adoption and Limited Releases
An English designer was an early instigator of this trend. Her fluffy coats with curly textures have been worn by famous pop stars.
Because of strong interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An forthcoming release includes a pink and grey version akin to a large pom-pom, alongside leopard- and tiger-print options with exaggerated fluffy frou-frou.
"When you can only buy a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a basic sweater or a pair of ordinary pants, you want a standout piece," says a publication editor-in-chief.
This sentiment is echoed by a style head at a leading store, who describes it "a surprising, playful touch" that doesn't require a whole new ensemble.
Final Mood Lifter
Ultimately, the fuzzy coat can serve as a fantastic pick-me-up.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," notes the expert, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when everything else is pretty dreary."
