The MET Gala was almost a religious experience this year. Actually, it was totally a religious experience. Examining Catholicisms role in fashion, The Heavenly Bodies exhibit featured fashion from a higher power. Not every designer can pull off these kinds of styles, though, and many people still find the use of religious symbols in fashion conflicting. Let’s take a look at which designers utilize this ecclesiastical trend the best.
Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear show took us right to church. Their slinky sequined number featured something similar to the Irish Claddagh, and the term “amor gignit amorem,” which translates to “love begets love.” Their pink tracksuit played with pins, stating “DG Devotion” and featuring a cherub wearing a traditional Catholic crown. Dolce & Gabbana really had a way with words this season, pairing a brocade skirt with a simple blouse that read “fashion sinner.” The Virgin Mary even made an appearance, on a sheath dress and paired with a bridal-like veil. Finally, a pope-inspired dress made its way down the runway, made of gold sequins, innumerable jewels, and some papal accessories.
Dolce & Gabbana | Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Dolce & Gabbana | Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Dolce & Gabbana | Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Dolce & Gabbana | Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Dolce & Gabbana | Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Do it up D&G with these fabrics:
Purple and Metallic Gold Vestment Jacquard
Metallic Gold and Green Ecclesiastical Chalice Jacquard
Gucci
Gucci’s Resort 2019 show was infused with Catholic overtones, although not nearly as devout as Dolce & Gabbana. With a brilliant headdress and bejeweled cross chocker, Gucci shows a beautiful dress that’s as opulent as the church itself. Going for a more understated look, they also paired a lovely leather jacket with rich shoulders and a chocker that is adorned with three small crosses. Their billowing white dress, paired with a bigger cross chocker, is similar to the traditional wedding dress and is even paired with a big bouquet. The final look, one that I absolutely love, is a puffer pink coat and matching skirt that features a cross brooch attached at the neck.
Gucci | Resort 2019
Gucci | Resort 2019
Gucci | Resort 2019
Gucci | Resort 2019
Go Gucci with these fabrics:
White Ecclesiastical Jacquard
Orange and Metallic Gold Medallion Jacquard
Versace
Donatella Versace was one of the women in charge of the Heavenly Bodies Gala and donated some pieces to the exhibit. Of course, Versace’s Spring 2018 had been laced with Catholic overtones, like this beautiful mini dress affixed with several crosses. Versace excels at loud prints, and these high-waisted patron saints pants are divine proof! For a more professional and understated style, two little black dresses featured very small crosses but were paired with knee-high boots that featured big, bold crosses. A pleated skirt was paired with a rebellious looking leather jacket and a lovely cross necklace, while another leather jacket paired beautifully with a mini skirt and a cropped cross top.
Versace | Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Versace | Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Versace | Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Versace | Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Versace | Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear
Feel vibrant like Versace with these fabrics:
Metallic Silver and White Vestment Jacquard
Pink and Metallic Gold Medallion Jacquard
So, will you be adopting this style any time soon? Let me know in the comments!
