70s Nightclub Fashion Makes a Revival: Shaggy Coats Are the Festive Season's Must-Have
Although the iconic New York venue Studio 54 shut its doors almost four decades ago, its unique style impact continues strong.
Currently, the focus isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and wraps worn by celebrities and club-goers as well.
With the festive social calendar coming up, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a major resurgence.
Shopping Statistics Shows the Popularity
Among the most popular items from a recent partnership between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a short, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At a leading department store, searches for brown faux fur coats have surged almost 200% compared to last year.
Interest for secondhand plush finds is also soaring, with queries for faux fur increasing by 257% in the past six months on a popular resale website.
"This is a one and done coat," notes a senior fashion editor, explaining that it serves as the main element of an outfit.
The editor likes to style her own colossal furry version with hipster jeans or leggings and short shorts.
Television Style Mirrors the Trend
The style 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 character responds, "It's what you said to dress up. It's fashion!"
The Rise of the "Glamorous" Vibe
This look fits into what a U.S. style analyst is terming "glam excess."
Inspired by the glamour and opulence of late-80s New York, this vibe brings to mind wealth, bubbly, smoking, high hemlines, carefree attitudes and, of course, fur.
Like that era, the trend is set against a uncertain financial climate.
This style is all about dressing for the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you are stuck with.
Contemporary Materials and Playful Opulence
While animal fur was everywhere during Studio 54's heyday, today's iterations are primarily made from shearling—a secondary product of the meat industry—or man-made materials like acrylic.
The trend represents a tongue-in-cheek opulence—as if a famous Muppet has taken charge with overblown proportions and unexpected hues.
Star Adoption and Limited Drops
An English creator was an early instigator of this trend. Her shaggy coats with poodle-like proportions have been worn by famous pop stars.
Due to strong interest, these coats are now only sold in limited drops. An forthcoming release includes a rose and charcoal version akin to a large pom-pom, alongside animal and tiger-print versions with exaggerated fuzzy frou-frou.
"When you can only purchase one thing, you don't want it to be a plain sweater or a pair of boring pants, you want something dramatic," says a magazine editor-in-chief.
The sentiment is echoed by a style head at a major retailer, who calls it "a surprising, fun touch" that avoids the need for a complete outfit.
Final Mood Lifter
In the end, the fuzzy coat can act as a fantastic pick-me-up.
"It doesn't have to cost a fortune," notes the editor, "and it will make you feel glamorous when the world around you is pretty gloomy."