Studio 54 Fashion Makes a Revival: Fuzzy Jackets Have Become the Festive Season's Must-Have
While the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors almost four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence continues powerful.
Currently, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles worn by style icons and club-goers as well.
With the holiday social calendar coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major comeback.
Retail Statistics Reflects the Trend
One of the most popular items from a latest collaboration between a major retailer and a designer brand is a short, cream, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At another department store, searches for taupe faux fur coats have jumped almost 200% year on year.
The demand for secondhand plush items is also soaring, with queries for synthetic fur growing by 257% in the past six months on a popular resale platform.
"This is a statement coat," notes a senior fashion editor, adding that it serves as the main element of an outfit.
The editor prefers to style her own colossal shaggy coat with low-rise jeans or leggings and short shorts.
Screen Style Echoes the Look
This style is showcased in a new Netflix romantic comedy series, where a character sports a toffee-colored furry jacket to a casual dinner.
When challenged about her daring outfit, the character responds, "You told us to look fancy. It's fashion!"
Emergence of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic
The trend fits into what a U.S. style analyst is terming "boom boom."
Inspired by the glamour and excess of the 1980s New York, this vibe evokes wads of cash, bubbly, cigarettes, high hemlines, loose morals and, of course, fur.
Like that era, the trend is emerging during a volatile economy.
Boom boom is very much about dressing for the lifestyle you aspire to rather than the one you have to endure.
Modern Fabrics and Playful Opulence
Whereas animal fur was everywhere during Studio 54's peak, today's versions are mostly made from lambskin—a secondary product of the food industry—or man-made materials like polyester.
The trend represents a knowing opulence—like a famous Muppet has taken over with overblown proportions and surprising hues.
Star Endorsement and Exclusive Releases
A London designer was an early instigator of this trend. Her shaggy coats with curly proportions have been worn by famous singers.
Because of high demand, these coats are now only sold in exclusive collections. An upcoming launch includes a rose and charcoal version akin to a giant pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print versions with dramatic fuzzy frou-frou.
"If you can only buy one thing, you don't want it to be a basic jumper or a pair of boring trousers, you want a standout piece," explains a publication editor-in-chief.
The sentiment is shared by a fashion director at a leading retailer, who describes it "an unexpected, fun element" that doesn't require a complete outfit.
Final Mood Lifter
In the end, the shaggy coat can act as a fantastic pick-me-up.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," notes the expert, "and it will make you feel glamorous when the world around you is pretty gloomy."