Studio 54 Fashion Returns for a Comeback: Shaggy Coats Are the Party Season's Key Piece

Although the iconic New York nightclub Studio 54 shut its doors almost four decades ago, its unique fashion influence continues strong.

This season, the spotlight isn't on see-through bodysuits but on the plush, fuzzy coats and wraps favored by style icons and club-goers alike.

With the holiday party season coming up, the distinctive Studio 54 coat is enjoying a major resurgence.

Retail Statistics Shows the Trend

Among the most popular items from a latest partnership between a major retailer and a designer brand is a short, off-white, shaggy jacket with giant lapels.

At another department store, searches for brown faux fur coats have jumped almost 200% year on year.

Interest for secondhand plush items is also soaring, with queries for synthetic fur increasing by over 250% in the last six months on a popular resale platform.

"It's a statement coat," says a senior style expert, adding that it serves as the central element of an outfit.

She likes to style her own oversized shaggy version with hipster jeans or leggings and micro shorts.

Television Fashion Mirrors the Look

The aesthetic is showcased in a latest Netflix romantic comedy series, where a sister sports a caramel furry jacket to a casual dinner.

When challenged about her daring look, the sister responds, "You told us to look fancy. It's fashion!"

The Rise of the "Boom Boom" Aesthetic

This look fits into what an American style analyst is calling "boom boom."

Rooted in the glamour and excess of late-80s New York, this vibe brings to mind wads of cash, bubbly, cigarettes, high hemlines, loose morals and, naturally, fur.

Similar to that era, the trend is emerging during a uncertain economy.

Boom boom is all about dressing for the lifestyle you dream of rather than the one you have to endure.

Contemporary Fabrics and Tongue-in-Cheek Luxury

Whereas animal fur was everywhere during Studio 54's peak, current iterations are mostly made from shearling—a secondary product of the food industry—or man-made fabrics like polyester.

The trend embodies a knowing opulence—like a famous Muppet has taken over with exaggerated silhouettes and surprising hues.

Star Adoption and Limited Releases

A London designer was an early instigator of this movement. Her fluffy coats with curly proportions have been sported by top singers.

Due to high demand, these coats are now only sold in exclusive drops. An forthcoming launch includes a pink and grey style similar to a large pom-pom, as well as animal and tiger-print versions with exaggerated fluffy trim.

"If you can only purchase a single item, you wouldn't choose it to be a plain sweater or a pair of ordinary pants, you want a standout piece," says a publication editor-in-chief.

This feeling is echoed by a style head at a leading store, who describes it "an unexpected, playful touch" that doesn't require a whole new outfit.