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Fashioning Catholicism : Is It Blasphemous — Or Just Outright Distasteful ?
For centuries , the Catholic Church has been a symbol of grandeur , with its Gothic cathedrals and Baroque embellishments draped in history and sacred beauty . From gilded altars to embroidered vestments , faith has long been intertwined with opulence , turning religious devotion into an art form . But when these sacred aesthetics extend beyond the church into popular culture , where is the line between fashion and distaste ? Is the borrowing of Catholic iconography a celebration of its beauty , or does it veer into blasphemy — or worse , a tasteless spectacle ? As high fashion and pop culture continue to appropriate religious imagery , the debate continues . The intersection of religion and contemporary culture has long fascinated the public imagination , sparking debate and controversy . Instagram : @ beadsocietygb
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In the world of film , this dynamic has given rise to bold and provocative works such as Argento ’ s La Chiesa ( 1989 ), a masterpiece of Italian cinema that is as extravagant as it is unsettling . It remains a striking example of how faith and art can collide in unconventional ways . But what happens when this interplay extends beyond the screen and into fashion ? Perhaps it is the fashion industry ’ s relentless pursuit of exclusivity that makes Catholic imagery so appealing . Luxury brands thrive on setting themselves apart from the masses , and few visuals evoke grandeur and prestige quite like the lavish aesthetics of Catholicism .
On the runways and red carpet , designers have repeatedly drawn inspiration from religious imagery , reinterpreting its symbolism through lavish fabrics , intricate embroidery , and sacred iconography . Vogue ’ s iconic November 1988 cover featured model Michaela Bercu in a satin Christian Lacroix gabardine jacket and an embellished , oversized crucifix . Gianni Versace ’ s 1991 / 92 collection also embraced religious iconography , featuring a black leather embroidered biker jacket paired with a corset .
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Alongside other Italian fashion houses , Dolce & Gabbana infused its Fall 2013 collections with striking religious motifs , blending the artistic features of frescoes and mosaics seen in many Italian cathedrals . In more recent years , religious symbolism has had a striking impact on high fashion . Versace ’ s Spring / Summer 2018 collection was again adorned with crucifixes , while Gucci took a darker turn for its Cruise 2019 show , featuring dramatic elements such as embroidered skeletons and oversized enameled cross chokers . However , no event blurred the line between faith and fashion like the 2018 Met Gala . Just months after the Pope emphasised that the cross was “ not an ornamental accessory ,” the prestigious New York event — held with the church ’ s approval — unveiled its theme : ‘ Heavenly Bodies : Fashion and the Catholic Imagination ’. The evening delivered an extravagant display of ecclesiastical glamour . Rihanna was reimagined as a high-fashion pope , Lana Del Rey embodied ethereal mysticism with a halo and pierced daggered heart , and Jared Leto was in ornate priestly attire . There is no denying that the event created some of the most talked-about fashion moments in recent history .
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While outrage over the industry ’ s use of religious imagery is nothing new , it is clear the relationship between the two remains complex . The Vatican itself has sent mixed signals over the years , neither fully condemning nor embracing fashion ’ s fascination with Catholic iconography . In an interview with Il Giorno , Father Jean- Bernard expressed concern over fashion ’ s use of religious imagery , viewing it as a reflection of modern society ’ s diminishing respect for the sacred . He followed by arguing that this commercialisation of faithinspired aesthetics not only signals a weakening devotion among believers but also underscores the church ’ s struggle to modernise without losing its spiritual authority . At the same time , the fashion world seems to take a certain creative license when drawing from Catholic symbolism . As the fashion industry continues to push boundaries , the appropriation of Catholic imagery remains subject to both admiration and controversy . Is there an easy way to distinguish an artistic homage from an offensive attempt to spark controversy and debate ? The answer , much like faith itself , depends on interpretation . Whether styling Catholicism is seen as a bold reimagining or a reckless commodification of the sacred , one thing is certain : the fusion of Catholicism and couture does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon . As long as luxury thrives on spectacle and symbolism , the question of whether fashioning Catholicism is blasphemous — or just outright distasteful — will remain an open debate .
By Essie Evadné Thompson ( She / Her ) // Final Year ; German
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