Five Times Catholicism Influenced Fashion

by Jamie Hoholuk May 3, 2018

Fashion fans won’t have to wait much longer to see their favourite celebrities and designers dressed up at the 70th Met Gala, which is set to take place this Monday. The theme for this year is “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” with celebrity co-chairs Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace.

However, this is not the first time that fashion has taken a page out of Catholicism’s, ahem, prayer book. High-end designers have shown holy influences in their collections long before this theme was conceptualized. Here are five times that designers were influenced by a higher power.

1. Dolce & Gabbana – Fall/Winter 2018/19

Dolce & Gabbana’s latest collection line looks like it could have been brought to us by the Vatican itself. From the use of the crucifix and veils in the accessories, the truth is really in the details. Designs also included fabrics with Renaissance-inspired angels and an adorned skirt fit for a Priest. In terms of runways, it doesn’t get more spiritual than this.

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2. Guo Pei – Spring/Summer 2017

Best known for creating Rihanna’s meme-worthy Met Gala dress, Chinese couturier Guo Pei is anything but understated. Models wore crowns and crucifixes on their head with ornate gowns that look like they belong in a church. The most show-stopping piece is the white gown with a headpiece meant to mimic the dome of a European Cathedral.

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3. Alexander McQueen – Fall 2013

This Sarah Burton-designed collection was inspired by the holy communion, nuns, cardinal, popes and angels. The show juxtaposed angelic white dress with rigid, straight-lined pieced in black. Burton is the only designer in this group to draw inspiration from the people within the Catholic church.

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4. Givenchy – Spring 2013

While previous designers paid homage to the historical elements of the Catholic church, Givenchy modernized the inspiration by adding the Virgin Mary graphics to their 2013 Spring menswear line. The elaborate painting contrasts well with the simple lines and fabrics of the shirts, bringing the Catholic influence into a up-to-date light.

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5. Jean Paul Gaultier – Spring 2007

Models were equipped with halos to show off the designer’s take on religion and fashion. There are many nods to the interior of cathedrals with stained glass window details incorporated into the headpieces and the fabric. There is also a dress with renaissance art on the skirt, a lace veil as well as an illustration of the Virgin Mary on her halo.

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