70s Nightclub Fashion Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Have Become the Festive Season's Key Piece
Although the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54 closed nearly four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence continues powerful.
This season, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the furry, shaggy coats and wraps favored by celebrities and party enthusiasts alike.
With the festive party season approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is enjoying a major resurgence.
Retail Data Shows the Trend
Among the hottest items from a recent collaboration between a major retailer and a London label is a short, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At another retailer, online queries for taupe fake fur coats have jumped 190% compared to last year.
The demand for pre-owned plush items is also rising, with queries for faux fur growing by 257% in the past six months on a major secondhand platform.
"This is a statement coat," says a lead fashion editor, adding that it acts as the central element of an ensemble.
She prefers to style her own colossal furry coat with hipster jeans or leggings and short shorts.
Television Fashion Echoes the Trend
The style is showcased in a latest Netflix romantic comedy series, where a sister wears a caramel fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.
When questioned about her daring outfit, the character replies, "It's what you said to look fancy. That's style!"
The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic
The trend fits into what an American style analyst is calling "boom boom."
Rooted in the glamour and excess of late-80s New York, this aesthetic brings to mind wealth, champagne, cigarettes, high hemlines, loose morals and, naturally, fuzzy textures.
Similar to that era, the trend is set against a volatile economy.
This style is all about dressing for the life you aspire to rather than the one you are stuck with.
Contemporary Materials and Playful Opulence
While real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's peak, current iterations are mostly made from shearling—a byproduct of the food industry—or synthetic fabrics like acrylic.
The trend embodies a knowing opulence—as if a beloved character has taken over with overblown proportions and unexpected hues.
Celebrity Adoption and Limited Drops
An English creator was an pioneer of this movement. Her fluffy coats with poodle-like proportions have been sported by top pop stars.
Because of high interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive collections. An forthcoming launch includes a pink and charcoal version akin to a giant pom-pom, as well as animal and zebra-print options with exaggerated fuzzy trim.
"If you can only purchase one thing, you wouldn't choose it to be a plain jumper or a pair of boring pants, you want a standout piece," says a magazine editor-in-chief.
This sentiment is echoed by a style head at a major store, who describes it "an unexpected, fun touch" that avoids the need for a complete ensemble.
Final Mood Booster
Ultimately, the fuzzy coat can serve as a fantastic pick-me-up.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," says the expert, "and it will make you feel glam when the world around you is pretty dreary."
