70s Nightclub Fashion Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Jackets Have Become the Festive Season's Must-Have
While the legendary New York venue Studio 54 shut its doors nearly four decades ago, its unique style impact remains powerful.
Currently, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the furry, fuzzy coats and wraps worn by style icons and party enthusiasts as well.
With the festive party season coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is enjoying a significant resurgence.
Shopping Statistics Reflects the Popularity
One of the hottest items from a recent collaboration between a high-street brand and a London label is a cropped, off-white, long-haired jacket with giant lapels.
At another retailer, searches for taupe fake fur coats have jumped almost 200% compared to last year.
Interest for pre-owned plush items is also soaring, with queries for synthetic fur growing by 257% in the past six months on a popular resale website.
"It's a one and done coat," says a senior fashion editor, adding that it serves as the central piece of an ensemble.
She likes to wear her personal colossal furry coat with hipster jeans or leggings and short shorts.
Television Fashion Echoes the Look
This aesthetic is showcased in a latest streaming romantic comedy series, where a sister wears a toffee-colored fuzzy jacket to a casual dinner.
When questioned about her bold outfit, the sister responds, "You told us to dress up. That's style!"
Emergence of the "Glamorous" Vibe
The trend fits into what an American trend forecaster is terming "glam excess."
Inspired by the extravagance and excess of late-80s New York, this aesthetic brings to mind wealth, champagne, cigarettes, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, naturally, fuzzy textures.
Similar to that time, the trend is set against a volatile financial climate.
This style is all about dressing for the life you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.
Contemporary Fabrics and Playful Luxury
While real fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's peak, current iterations are primarily made from lambskin—a byproduct of the meat industry—or synthetic materials like acrylic.
The trend represents a tongue-in-cheek luxury—like a beloved character has taken over with exaggerated proportions and unexpected hues.
Star Adoption and Exclusive Releases
A London creator was an early instigator of this trend. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like textures have been worn by top pop stars.
Due to high demand, these coats are now only sold in limited collections. An forthcoming launch includes a rose and grey version similar to a large pom-pom, alongside animal and zebra-print versions with exaggerated fuzzy frou-frou.
"If you can only buy one thing, you don't want it to be a basic sweater or a pair of boring pants, you want something dramatic," explains a magazine editor-in-chief.
This sentiment is shared by a fashion director at a leading store, who describes it "a surprising, fun touch" that doesn't require a complete ensemble.
The Ultimate Spirit Booster
In the end, the fuzzy coat can serve as a great mood lifter.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," notes the expert, "and it's going to make you feel glam when everything else is rather gloomy."