Norma Kamali "sleeping bag" car coat, c. 1977

This jacket design was created in 1975 by fashion designer Norma Kamali (b. 1945). She was inspired to create a car coat based on the snug comfort of a sleeping bag’s when on a camping trip. Already a trendsetter with hot pants and parachute clothing, her brightly-colored “sleeping bag” coats caused another sensation. Studio 54 owner Steve Rubell (1943 - 1989) and doorman Marc Benecke were often seen wearing red Kamali coats outside the club when selecting from among the hopefuls lined up for the evening. Because image meant everything in that environment, those on both sides of the line made sure to wear something fashionable. As Studio 54 busboy David Noh observed in an interview with MoPOP, “If you’ve got to wait outside [Studio 54]…for however [long]…that [coat] was what you should be wearing, absolutely.” This style of coat went on to inspire many generations of puffy down coats.  

Nightclub, Studio 54 opened in 1977 to much hype and anticipation. On opening night, the dance floor was filled with such celebrities as Cher (b. 1946), Brooke Shields (b. 1965) and Margaux Hemingway (1954 – 1996). Studio 54 was in such great demand that a thousand people crowded outside the club to gain entrance. The club debuted when Disco music and dancing were gaining popularity and would go on to host famous and often infamous events. The club became nationally known, even launching its own line of jeans. But it all went under when a police raid uncovered bags of hidden cash in Studio’s walls, and club owners were convicted of tax evasion. Stories of open drug use, private rooms and other scandals became commonplace. The club survived until 1986, and is now synonymous with Disco music and night club culture of the time.