70s Nightclub Fashion Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Have Become the Party Season's Key Piece
Although the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors nearly four decades ago, its unique style impact continues strong.
Currently, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the furry, fuzzy coats and wraps worn by celebrities and club-goers alike.
With the holiday party season coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major resurgence.
Shopping Data Reflects the Trend
One of the hottest items from a recent partnership between a high-street brand and a London label is a cropped, cream, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At another retailer, searches for taupe fake fur coats have surged 190% year on year.
The demand for secondhand plush items is also rising, with searches for synthetic fur increasing by over 250% in the last six months on a popular resale website.
"It's a statement coat," says a lead fashion editor, explaining that it acts as the central element of an ensemble.
The editor prefers to style her own oversized shaggy version with hipster jeans or tights and micro shorts.
Screen Style Mirrors the Trend
This aesthetic is showcased in a new streaming romantic comedy series, where a character sports a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.
When questioned about her bold look, the character responds, "It's what you said to dress up. That's style!"
The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Vibe
The trend fits into what a U.S. trend forecaster is calling "glam excess."
Inspired by the extravagance and opulence of the 1980s New York, this aesthetic brings to mind wealth, champagne, cigarettes, high hemlines, loose morals and, of course, fur.
Like 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 Tongue-in-Cheek Opulence
Whereas animal fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's peak, today's iterations are mostly made from shearling—a byproduct of the meat industry—or man-made fabrics like polyester.
The trend represents a knowing opulence—like a famous Muppet has taken over with overblown proportions and surprising hues.
Celebrity Adoption and Limited Releases
An English designer was an early instigator of this movement. Her shaggy coats with curly textures have been worn by top pop stars.
Due to high demand, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An upcoming release includes a pink and charcoal style similar to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and zebra-print options with dramatic fluffy frou-frou.
"When you can only purchase a single item, you don't want it to be a basic sweater 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 leading store, who calls it "an unexpected, fun touch" that doesn't require a whole new ensemble.
The Ultimate Mood Booster
In the end, the shaggy coat can serve as a great mood lifter.
"It won't cost a lot," notes the expert, "and it will make you feel glam when the world around you is pretty dreary."
