70s Nightclub Fashion Returns for a Revival: Shaggy Coats Are the Festive Season's Must-Have
Although the legendary New York venue Studio 54 closed almost four decades ago, its unique fashion influence remains powerful.
Currently, the focus isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the furry, fuzzy coats and wraps worn by style icons and party enthusiasts as well.
With the festive social calendar approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is enjoying a significant resurgence.
Shopping Statistics Reflects the Popularity
Among the most popular items from a recent collaboration between a high-street brand and a London label is a short, cream, long-haired jacket with oversized lapels.
At another retailer, searches for brown fake fur coats have surged almost 200% year on year.
The demand for pre-owned plush items is also soaring, with queries for synthetic fur increasing by over 250% in the past six months on a major secondhand platform.
"It's a statement coat," notes a senior style expert, explaining that it serves as the main piece of an outfit.
She likes to style her own oversized furry version with low-rise jeans or tights and micro shorts.
Screen Fashion Mirrors the Trend
The style is showcased in a latest streaming romcom series, where a character sports a caramel fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.
When challenged about her daring outfit, the sister replies, "You told us to dress up. It's fashion!"
Emergence of the "Boom Boom" Vibe
The trend aligns with what a U.S. style analyst is calling "glam excess."
Inspired by the glamour and opulence of the 1980s New York, this aesthetic evokes wads of cash, champagne, cigarettes, short skirts, loose morals and, naturally, fur.
Similar to that era, the trend is set against a uncertain economy.
Boom boom is very much about dressing for the life you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.
Contemporary Fabrics and Playful Luxury
Whereas animal fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's peak, current versions are mostly made from lambskin—a byproduct of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like acrylic.
The trend embodies a knowing luxury—like a beloved character has taken over with overblown proportions and surprising colors.
Star Adoption and Limited Releases
A London designer was an pioneer of this trend. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like textures have been worn by famous pop stars.
Due to strong demand, these coats are now only sold in limited collections. An upcoming release includes a pink and charcoal version akin to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print versions with dramatic fluffy trim.
"If you can only buy 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 editor-in-chief.
This sentiment is shared by a style head at a leading store, who describes it "an unexpected, playful element" that doesn't require a complete ensemble.
The Ultimate Mood Lifter
Ultimately, the fuzzy coat can act as a great pick-me-up.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," says the expert, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when the world around you is pretty dreary."