70s Nightclub Style Makes a Revival: Fuzzy Jackets Have Become the Party Season's Key Piece
Although the iconic New York venue Studio 54 closed almost four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence continues powerful.
This season, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the plush, shaggy coats and stoles worn by celebrities and club-goers alike.
With the festive party season approaching, the signature Studio 54 coat is experiencing a significant comeback.
Shopping Statistics Shows the Popularity
Among the hottest items from a latest partnership between a high-street brand and a London label is a cropped, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.
At a leading retailer, searches for taupe faux fur coats have jumped almost 200% year on year.
The demand for secondhand plush items is also rising, with queries for faux fur increasing by 257% in the past six months on a popular resale platform.
"This is a one and done coat," notes a senior fashion editor, explaining that it acts as the main element of an ensemble.
The editor likes to wear her own oversized shaggy coat with hipster jeans or leggings and short shorts.
Screen Fashion Echoes the Look
The aesthetic is replicated in a latest streaming romcom series, where a sister wears a caramel fuzzy jacket to a informal dinner.
When challenged about her bold look, the sister responds, "It's what you said to look fancy. That's style!"
The Rise of the "Glamorous" Aesthetic
The trend fits into what an American style analyst is terming "glam excess."
Inspired by the glamour and opulence of late-80s New York, this aesthetic brings to mind wealth, champagne, smoking, short skirts, loose morals and, naturally, fuzzy textures.
Like that time, the trend is set against a volatile economy.
Boom boom is all about embodying the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you have to endure.
Modern Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury
While real fur was everywhere during Studio 54's peak, current versions are mostly made from shearling—a byproduct of the food industry—or synthetic fabrics like acrylic.
The trend embodies a knowing luxury—like a beloved character has taken over with overblown proportions and surprising hues.
Celebrity Endorsement and Exclusive Releases
An English designer was an early instigator of this trend. Her fluffy coats with poodle-like proportions have been worn by top pop stars.
Due to strong interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An upcoming release includes a pink and charcoal version similar to a giant pom-pom, as well as leopard- and tiger-print versions with exaggerated fuzzy frou-frou.
"If you can only buy one thing, you don't want it to be a basic jumper or a pair of boring pants, you want something dramatic," explains a publication editor-in-chief.
This feeling is shared by a fashion director at a leading retailer, who calls it "a surprising, fun element" that avoids the need for a complete ensemble.
Final Spirit Booster
Ultimately, the shaggy coat can serve as a fantastic mood lifter.
"It won't cost a fortune," says the expert, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when the world around you is rather gloomy."
