Studio 54 Fashion Makes a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Are the Festive Season's Key Piece
Although the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors nearly four decades ago, its distinct fashion influence remains strong.
This season, the focus isn't on sheer bodysuits but on the furry, shaggy 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 experiencing a major resurgence.
Retail Data Reflects the Trend
Among the hottest items from a latest collaboration between a high-street brand and a designer brand is a short, cream, long-haired jacket with giant lapels.
At a leading department store, online queries for brown fake fur coats have jumped almost 200% year on year.
The demand for secondhand plush finds is also rising, with queries for faux fur growing by over 250% in the last six months on a major secondhand website.
"This is a statement coat," says a senior style expert, adding that it acts as the main element of an outfit.
She prefers to style her personal colossal shaggy version with hipster jeans or leggings and micro shorts.
Screen Style Echoes the Trend
The style is showcased in a new Netflix romantic comedy series, where a sister wears a caramel furry jacket to a casual dinner.
When questioned about her daring look, the sister replies, "It's what you said to dress up. That's style!"
Emergence of the "Glamorous" Vibe
The trend fits into what a U.S. trend forecaster is calling "glam excess."
Inspired by the extravagance and excess of late-80s New York, this vibe brings to mind wads of cash, champagne, cigarettes, short skirts, carefree attitudes and, naturally, fur.
Similar to that time, the trend is set against a uncertain economy.
This style is very much about dressing for the lifestyle you aspire to rather than the one you are stuck with.
Modern Materials and Playful Opulence
While animal fur was everywhere during Studio 54's heyday, today's versions are primarily made from shearling—a byproduct of the food industry—or synthetic materials like acrylic.
The trend embodies a knowing luxury—like a beloved character has taken over with exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected hues.
Celebrity Endorsement and Limited Releases
A London designer was an pioneer of this movement. Her fluffy coats with poodle-like textures have been sported by top singers.
Because of high interest, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An upcoming launch includes a pink and grey style similar to a large pom-pom, alongside animal and zebra-print options with dramatic fuzzy frou-frou.
"When you can only purchase a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a plain sweater or a pair of boring trousers, you want something dramatic," explains a magazine head.
This sentiment is echoed by a fashion director at a leading retailer, who calls it "an unexpected, fun touch" that avoids the need for a whole new ensemble.
Final Spirit Lifter
Ultimately, the shaggy coat can act as a fantastic pick-me-up.
"It won't cost a lot," says the editor, "and it's going to make you feel glamorous when everything else is pretty dreary."
