Studio 54 Fashion Returns for a Revival: Shaggy Coats Are the Festive Season's Must-Have
While the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 closed nearly four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence remains strong.
Currently, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles favored by celebrities and party enthusiasts as well.
With the holiday social calendar approaching, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is enjoying a significant resurgence.
Shopping Data Shows the Popularity
Among the most popular items from a recent collaboration between a major retailer and a London label is a cropped, off-white, long-haired jacket with oversized lapels.
At a leading department store, searches for taupe faux fur coats have jumped 190% compared to last year.
Interest for pre-owned plush items is also rising, with searches for faux fur increasing by 257% in the past six months on a major resale website.
"This is a one and done coat," says a senior style expert, explaining that it serves as the central piece of an outfit.
The editor likes to style her personal oversized furry version with hipster jeans or tights and short shorts.
Screen Fashion Mirrors the Look
This aesthetic is replicated in a new Netflix romcom series, where a sister sports a toffee-colored furry jacket to a informal dinner.
When challenged about her daring outfit, the character responds, "It's what you said to look fancy. It's fashion!"
Emergence of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic
This look aligns with what a U.S. trend forecaster is terming "glam excess."
Inspired by the glamour and excess of the 1980s New York, this aesthetic evokes wealth, bubbly, cigarettes, high hemlines, loose morals and, naturally, fur.
Similar to that time, the trend is emerging during a volatile financial climate.
Boom boom is very much about embodying the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you have to endure.
Contemporary Materials and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury
While real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, current iterations are primarily made from lambskin—a byproduct of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like acrylic.
The trend embodies a tongue-in-cheek luxury—like a beloved character has taken charge with overblown proportions and surprising hues.
Celebrity Adoption and Exclusive Drops
A London creator was an pioneer of this trend. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like textures have been sported by famous pop stars.
Due to high interest, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An upcoming launch includes a rose and charcoal style akin to a giant pom-pom, as well as animal and zebra-print versions with exaggerated fluffy frou-frou.
"When you can only purchase one thing, you wouldn't choose it to be a plain sweater or a pair of ordinary trousers, you want something dramatic," says a publication head.
This sentiment is echoed by a fashion director at a leading retailer, who describes it "a surprising, playful touch" that doesn't require a whole new ensemble.
Final Spirit Booster
In the end, the shaggy coat can serve as a fantastic mood lifter.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," says the expert, "and it will make you feel glamorous when the world around you is rather gloomy."