Studio 54 Style Makes a Revival: Shaggy Coats Are the Festive Season's Key Piece
While the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54 closed almost four decades ago, its unique fashion influence continues strong.
This season, the focus isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and stoles favored by celebrities and club-goers alike.
With the holiday social calendar coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major resurgence.
Shopping Statistics Reflects the Popularity
Among the hottest items from a latest collaboration between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a cropped, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At a leading retailer, online queries for brown fake fur coats have jumped almost 200% compared to last year.
Interest for secondhand fuzzy finds is also soaring, with searches for faux fur growing by over 250% in the last six months on a major secondhand website.
"This is a one and done coat," notes a lead fashion editor, adding that it acts as the main element of an ensemble.
The editor likes to wear her personal oversized shaggy coat with low-rise jeans or leggings and micro shorts.
Television Fashion Echoes the Look
The style is replicated in a new streaming romantic comedy series, where a character sports a caramel furry jacket to a casual dinner.
When challenged about her daring outfit, the character replies, "You told us to look fancy. That's style!"
The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic
This look 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 evokes wads of cash, bubbly, smoking, high hemlines, loose morals and, of course, fur.
Similar to that time, the trend is set against a uncertain financial climate.
Boom boom is all about embodying the life you aspire to rather than the one you have to endure.
Contemporary Materials and Playful Luxury
Whereas real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's peak, current iterations are primarily made from lambskin—a byproduct of the meat industry—or man-made fabrics like acrylic.
The trend embodies a tongue-in-cheek opulence—as if a famous Muppet has taken over with exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected colors.
Celebrity Adoption and Exclusive Drops
An English designer was an pioneer of this movement. Her fluffy coats with curly textures have been worn by famous singers.
Because of strong interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive collections. An forthcoming release includes a rose and grey version akin to a giant pom-pom, as well as leopard- and tiger-print versions with dramatic fuzzy trim.
"When you can only buy one thing, you don't want it to be a plain sweater or a pair of boring trousers, you want a standout piece," says a magazine head.
The sentiment is shared by a style head at a major store, who describes it "a surprising, playful element" that avoids the need for a complete outfit.
Final Spirit Lifter
Ultimately, the shaggy coat can serve as a great pick-me-up.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," says the expert, "and it will make you feel glamorous when everything else is rather gloomy."