Michael Brooks
Fashion and religion have long been intertwined, with designers such as Chanel, Alexander Wang, and Dolce & Gabbana incorporating Catholic imagery into their collections. In 2018, the Met Gala's 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' exhibition sparked controversy for its exploration of the intersection between fashion and Catholic aesthetics. The event showcased over 150 ensembles, drawing on Catholic iconography and sparking debates about the role of dress in the Roman Catholic Church. Beyond the Met Gala, artists like Madonna and Lady Gaga have also incorporated Catholic themes into their performances and personal brands, attracting both criticism and admiration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the exhibition | Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination |
| Curator | Andrew Bolton |
| Location | The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art |
| Year | 2018 |
| Number of galleries | 25 or 26 |
| Size | 60,000 square feet |
| Sponsors | Christine and Stephen Schwarzman, Versace |
| Participating designers | Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, Elsa Schiaparelli, Chanel, Balenciaga, John Galliano, Alexander Wang, Thom Browne, Christian Lacroix, Coco Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, Norman Norell |
| Criticism | Lack of diversity, focus on the influence of religion on fashion, blasphemy, exploitation of Catholicism |
| Supporters | Laura Jacobs (Wall Street Journal), Rhonda Garelick (The Cut), Raquel Laneri (New York Post), David Tracy (Roman Catholic priest and American theologist) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Sartoria show in Rome
Catholicism and fashion have long been intertwined, with the religion providing inspiration for many fashion designers and their collections. Dolce & Gabbana, for instance, has made Catholic imagery one of their defining signatures. This was evident in their Alta Sartoria show in Rome in 2025, where they presented their collection at the Ponte di Castel Sant'Angelo. The choice of this location, a bridge built in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrian to connect Rome's city center to his future mausoleum, added a layer of historical significance to the event.
The Alta Sartoria show in Rome was part of a series of exclusive events dedicated to Dolce & Gabbana's 2025 Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and Alta Gioielleria collections. The opening night, set to the iconic tracks of Cher, celebrated the timeless charm of Rome, Italian style, classic cinema, and the brand's distinctive lifestyle and rich sources of inspiration.
The use of Catholic imagery in fashion is not a new concept. Major exhibitions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" have explored the intersection of fashion and Catholic imagination, featuring designs from Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Chanel, Balenciaga, and more. The exhibition showcased how Catholic imagery and symbolism have inspired fashion, with designers incorporating everything from crucifixes to nun's habits into their collections.
While Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Sartoria show in Rome specifically highlighted their men's collection, the brand has also showcased their women's designs in a Fellini-esque presentation at the Roman Forum. This combination of fashion, religion, and Italian culture has become a signature of Dolce & Gabbana, attracting attention and intrigue in the fashion industry and beyond.
Catholic Marriage Prep: What Are These Classes Called?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$11.99 $14.99
The Met Gala's 'Heavenly Bodies' exhibition
The 2018 Met Gala, "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination", explored the intersection of fashion, Catholicism, and art. The exhibition was housed in the Anna Wintour Costume Center, a wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that holds the Costume Institute's collection. The Costume Institute's annual exhibit examines the connection between fashion and the Catholic church, creating a dialogue between fashion and religious art. The exhibition showcased the influence of religious art on fashion, with over 55 designers and 150 ensembles of 20th-century secular clothing on display.
The exhibition was presented across three locations: the Anna Wintour Costume Center, the medieval galleries at the Met's Fifth Avenue location, and the Met Cloisters. The display at the Cloisters included two twelfth-century sculptures from the museum's collection that were reunited for the exhibition. The exhibition also featured exquisite dresses, accessories, and rarely seen artifacts from the Vatican's sacristies.
The Met Gala, held on May 7, 2018, served as the inauguration of the "Heavenly Bodies" exhibition. The dress code for the gala was allegedly described as "Sunday Best," with modesty recommended due to the exhibition's links with the Church. However, the event sparked controversy, with some Catholics expressing indignation over the mixing of sacred symbols and Catholic imagery with haute couture fashion.
The "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" exhibition ran from May 10 to October 8, 2018, and was the largest exhibition ever produced by the Met's Costume Institute, spanning over 58,600 square feet.
Passover: Catholic Celebration or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99
Lady Gaga's 'Alejandro' music video
The music video for "Alejandro", a song from Lady Gaga's third extended play (EP) The Fame Monster, was released on June 8, 2010. It was directed by fashion photographer Steven Klein and choreographed by Laurieann Gibson. The video combines Catholic and military imagery with sexual themes like S&M and androgyny.
In the video, Gaga dances with male soldiers in a cabaret, interspersed with scenes of near-naked men holding machine guns. She also plays a nun who swallows a rosary, with the director explaining that this scene represents "the desire to take in the holy". The video's religious symbolism has been interpreted as representing the character's battle between the dark forces of the world and spiritual salvation. It has also been suggested that the video explores Gaga's internal struggle between her Catholic faith and her support for the LGBTQ community.
The video features a variety of fashion choices, including Gaga wearing a latex version of a nun's robe, a bespoke Alexander McQueen opera coat, and a Spring/Summer 2006 Calvin Klein bra and briefs set. Her makeup was done by Val Garland, and she wore glittery nail lacquer from the ORLY Fall/Winter 2008 collection.
The "Alejandro" music video received mostly positive reviews, with praise for its dark themes and imagery. However, it also sparked controversy due to its use of religious symbolism, with the Catholic League criticising Gaga's incorporation of religious symbols.
The Nun's Calling: Catholic Faith Requirement
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Madonna's use of Catholic accessories
In the 1980s, Madonna, the undisputed queen of pop, caused a stir with her bold and often controversial use of Catholic imagery and symbolism in her fashion choices. From rosary beads to crucifixes, Madonna incorporated Catholic accessories into her wardrobe in a way that was both stylish and provocative. This trend became known as "Catholic fashion," and it sparked a wider conversation about the intersection of religion and pop culture. So, what's with Madonna's fascination with Catholic accessories?
One of Madonna's most iconic looks from this period is the "Like a Virgin" era. In the music video for the song, she wears a wedding dress and veil, carrying a bouquet of white flowers, and notably, a rosary bead necklace. The rosary, a sacred tool for prayer in the Catholic faith, was transformed into a fashion accessory, sparking outrage among religious groups who saw it as disrespectful and sacrilegious. However, Madonna's intention may have been to challenge the traditional notions of femininity and sexuality associated with the Madonna-whore complex, a psychological concept rooted in Catholic ideology.
Madonna also frequently wore crucifixes, both as necklaces and earrings. The crucifix, a symbol of Christ's sacrifice and a central icon in Catholicism, became a statement piece in her wardrobe. By donning the crucifix, Madonna invited scrutiny and criticism, with some accusing her of blasphemy. However, she approached her fashion choices with a sense of subversion and rebellion, challenging societal norms and expressing her own brand of religious freedom.
In addition to these accessories, Madonna also incorporated Catholic imagery into her stage costumes and performances. She often performed against backdrops resembling church interiors, with stained glass windows and altar-like sets. Her backup dancers sometimes wore nun habits, further pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream media at the time. Madonna's use of Catholic accessories and symbolism can be interpreted as a form of cultural appropriation by some, while others view it as a means of expressing her own spiritual journey and connection to her Italian-Catholic roots.
Through her fashion choices, Madonna has always pushed the boundaries of what is acceptable, and her incorporation of Catholic accessories is no exception. Whether seen as a provocative statement or a form of self-expression, Madonna's unique style has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and continues to influence and inspire generations of artists and designers.
The Exorcist: Catholic Movie or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The influence of Catholic school uniforms
Catholic school uniforms have evolved over the years, but they continue to be a source of unity for students. The uniforms are often seen as a burden, but they also provide an opportunity for students to grow in humility and virtue. By wearing the same outfit as their peers, students are reminded that they are not better than anyone else and should remain humble. Catholic school uniforms also serve as a symbol of Catholic identity and are easily distinguishable by their unique style.
The history of Catholic school uniforms can be traced back to the 19th century, with convent schools for young ladies and Catholic missionary schools adopting uniforms to provide standards of Euro-American dress for their students. Boys typically wore military-style clothing, while girls wore simple dresses in a style named after former naval tailor Peter Thompson, resembling sailor suits. The predominant colour of these early uniforms was navy blue, with dark skirts and jackets for girls reflecting the stylish look of the time.
In the early 20th century, Catholic asylum schools and industrial schools required functional and sturdy clothing for children. It was during this time that selective Catholic girls' schools emerged, enforcing strict dress codes without a standardised uniform. Students were required to bring a specific number of dark dresses, aprons, white suits, and gloves. The introduction of ready-to-wear clothing made it easier for parents to adhere to these dress codes.
As Catholic schools expanded in the post-World War II era, uniforms became more elaborate and varied across dioceses. Girls commonly wore pleated wool skirts, blazers, blouses, beanies, knee socks, and saddle shoes in their school colours. The boxy style of a middy blouse and jumper from the 1920s evolved into the plaid skirts and blazers that gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, influenced by their depiction in film and television.
Today, Catholic school uniforms continue to evolve, offering more options and lighter clothing alternatives for warmer months. Boys typically wear collared shirts, ties, and slacks, while girls may wear uniform shorts, skirts, or slacks, depending on the weather. The uniforms have also transitioned from heavy wools and linens to more comfortable and easy-care fabrics like cotton knits.
While the specific uniform styles vary across regions and schools, Catholic school uniforms hold a significant influence on the overall experience of students. They foster a sense of unity, humility, and virtue while serving as a recognisable symbol of Catholic education and its unique fashion heritage.
Evangelizing as a Catholic: Sharing Your Faith with Others
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is an exhibition curated by the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that showcases how Catholic imagery has inspired fashion. The exhibition explores how the Catholic imagination has influenced the creativity of designers and how it is conveyed through their fashion choices.
Some examples of Catholic fashion moments include Madonna's affinity for crucifixes as accessories, Lady Gaga's modified nun habit during her Monster Ball tour, and Beyoncé's performance at the 2017 Grammys, which drew inspiration from the Catholic art icon, the Black Madonna.
The exhibition has received mixed reviews. Some people, like Laura Jacobs from the Wall Street Journal, praised it as "a gift from the Sartorial Gods." However, others, like Connie Wang from Refinery29, critiqued the exhibition's lack of diversity and focus on the influence of religion on fashion. Additionally, some members of the Catholic Church viewed the exhibition as blasphemous and exploitative of Catholicism, with nearly 500 Catholics gathering to protest the exhibition in 2018.
