70s Nightclub Fashion Makes a Comeback: Fuzzy Coats Are the Festive Season's Key Piece
While the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors almost four decades ago, its distinct style impact remains strong.
Currently, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the furry, shaggy coats and wraps worn by celebrities and club-goers as well.
With the holiday social calendar coming up, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a significant comeback.
Shopping Statistics Reflects the Trend
Among the hottest items from a latest collaboration between a major retailer and a London label is a short, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At a leading retailer, online queries for taupe faux fur coats have surged 190% compared to last year.
The demand for pre-owned fuzzy finds is also rising, with searches for faux fur growing by over 250% in the last six months on a major resale platform.
"It's a one and done coat," says a lead fashion editor, explaining that it acts as the central piece of an ensemble.
She prefers to wear her personal oversized furry coat with hipster jeans or tights and short shorts.
Screen Style Echoes the Look
The style is replicated in a new streaming romcom series, where a character wears a caramel furry jacket to a casual dinner.
When questioned about her daring outfit, the character replies, "You told us to look fancy. It's fashion!"
The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Vibe
The trend fits into what a U.S. style analyst is terming "boom boom."
Inspired by the glamour and excess of late-80s New York, this vibe evokes wads of cash, bubbly, smoking, short skirts, loose morals and, of course, fuzzy textures.
Like that time, the trend is set against a volatile economy.
This style is all about dressing for the life you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.
Contemporary Materials and Tongue-in-Cheek Opulence
Whereas animal fur was everywhere during Studio 54's peak, current iterations are primarily made from shearling—a byproduct of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like acrylic.
The trend represents a knowing luxury—as if a famous Muppet has taken over with overblown proportions and unexpected colors.
Celebrity Adoption and Exclusive Drops
An English designer was an early instigator of this movement. Her fluffy coats with poodle-like proportions have been worn by famous pop stars.
Due to high interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An upcoming launch includes a rose and charcoal style akin to a large pom-pom, alongside leopard- and zebra-print versions with dramatic fuzzy frou-frou.
"If 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 something dramatic," explains a publication editor-in-chief.
This feeling is shared by a style head at a leading store, who describes it "a surprising, playful touch" that avoids the need for a complete ensemble.
The Ultimate Mood Lifter
Ultimately, the shaggy coat can act as a great pick-me-up.
"It won't cost a fortune," says the editor, "and it will make you feel glam when everything else is pretty gloomy."
