Studio 54 Fashion Returns for a Revival: Shaggy Coats Are the Party Season's Key Piece
While the legendary New York venue Studio 54 closed almost four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence remains powerful.
This season, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles worn by style icons and party enthusiasts as well.
With the holiday party season coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is enjoying a significant resurgence.
Retail Data Reflects the Trend
One of the hottest items from a recent partnership between a high-street brand and a London label is a short, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At another department store, searches for brown faux fur coats have jumped 190% compared to last year.
The demand for pre-owned fuzzy finds is also soaring, with queries for synthetic fur increasing by over 250% in the past six months on a popular resale website.
"This is a statement coat," notes a lead style expert, explaining that it serves as the main piece of an ensemble.
The editor prefers to style her personal oversized furry coat with hipster jeans or tights and short shorts.
Television Fashion Mirrors the Look
This aesthetic is replicated in a latest Netflix romcom series, where a sister sports a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a casual dinner.
When challenged about her bold outfit, the character responds, "You told us to dress up. It's fashion!"
The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic
This look fits into what an American trend forecaster is terming "boom boom."
Rooted in the glamour and opulence of the 1980s New York, this vibe evokes wads of cash, champagne, cigarettes, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, naturally, fur.
Similar to that era, the trend is emerging during a volatile financial climate.
Boom boom is all about dressing for the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.
Modern Materials and Tongue-in-Cheek Opulence
Whereas animal fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's heyday, today's iterations are primarily made from lambskin—a byproduct of the meat industry—or man-made fabrics like acrylic.
The trend represents a tongue-in-cheek opulence—like a beloved character has taken over with overblown silhouettes and unexpected colors.
Celebrity Endorsement and Exclusive Drops
A London creator was an pioneer of this trend. Her fluffy coats with poodle-like proportions have been worn by famous singers.
Because of high interest, these coats are now only sold in limited collections. An forthcoming release includes a pink and charcoal style similar to a giant pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print versions with exaggerated fluffy trim.
"If you can only buy a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a basic sweater or a pair of ordinary trousers, you want something dramatic," explains a publication head.
This feeling is echoed by a fashion director at a major retailer, who describes it "an unexpected, playful touch" that doesn't require a whole new ensemble.
The Ultimate Spirit Lifter
In the end, the shaggy coat can serve as a fantastic mood lifter.
"It won't cost a fortune," notes the expert, "and it will make you feel glam when everything else is rather dreary."