Studio 54 Style Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Jackets Are the Party Season's Must-Have
Although the legendary New York venue Studio 54 shut its doors almost four decades ago, its unique style impact continues strong.
This season, the spotlight isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, shaggy coats and wraps favored by celebrities and club-goers alike.
With the festive party season coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is enjoying a significant resurgence.
Retail Data Reflects the Popularity
One of the hottest items from a recent partnership between a high-street brand and a London label is a cropped, cream, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At another retailer, searches for taupe fake fur coats have surged 190% compared to last year.
The demand for pre-owned fuzzy items is also rising, with queries for synthetic fur growing by over 250% in the past six months on a major resale website.
"It's a one and done coat," notes a senior fashion editor, explaining that it serves as the central piece of an ensemble.
The editor likes to wear her own oversized shaggy version with low-rise jeans or tights and micro shorts.
Screen Style Mirrors the Look
The style is replicated in a latest Netflix romantic comedy series, where a sister wears a caramel fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.
When questioned about her bold outfit, the sister replies, "It's what you said to look fancy. It's fashion!"
Emergence of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic
The trend aligns with what a U.S. trend forecaster is terming "glam excess."
Inspired by the extravagance and excess of late-80s New York, this vibe evokes wealth, bubbly, cigarettes, high hemlines, loose morals and, naturally, fuzzy textures.
Like that time, the trend is emerging during a volatile financial climate.
This style is very much about dressing for the lifestyle you aspire to rather than the one you have to endure.
Modern Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Opulence
Whereas animal fur was omnipresent during Studio 54's peak, current iterations are mostly made from shearling—a byproduct of the food industry—or synthetic fabrics like polyester.
The trend embodies a tongue-in-cheek opulence—as if a famous Muppet has taken over with exaggerated silhouettes and surprising colors.
Celebrity Adoption and Exclusive Drops
A London creator was an pioneer of this movement. Her shaggy coats with curly proportions have been worn by top singers.
Because of high interest, these coats are now only sold in limited collections. An upcoming release includes a pink and grey style similar to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and zebra-print versions with exaggerated fluffy frou-frou.
"When you can only purchase a single item, you don't want it to be a plain sweater or a pair of ordinary trousers, you want something dramatic," explains a magazine head.
The 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 outfit.
Final Mood Booster
Ultimately, the fuzzy coat can act as a great mood lifter.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," says the editor, "and it will make you feel glamorous when the world around you is rather gloomy."