Catholicism has a rich history of, well, richness, and the upcoming fashion exhibition at MoMA, 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' explores the literal trappings that accompanied the religion's wealth through the middle ages and beyond. Heavenly Bodies looks to draw connections between the styles and themes of religious art and those of contemporary fashion, showing both influence and methods whereby the two diverge.
Though religion isn't necessarily thought of as fashionable in the societal imagining, there's no doubt that fashion has played a large part in religion over the years. Catholicism in particular is known for its elaborate clothing; in fact, the wealth and showiness of the Catholic church was one of the key factors in driving Martin Luther to pin his complaints on the Wittenberg church door and ultimately create the schism between Protestantism and Catholicism.
Catholic Fashion Exhibitions
Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Will Be at MoMA
Trend Themes
1. Religious-fashion Fusion - The 'Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination' exhibition highlights the connection between religious art and contemporary fashion, creating opportunities for designers to blend religious and fashion elements.
2. Elaborate Religious Style - The exhibition showcases the rich and elaborate clothing of Catholicism, opening doors for fashion brands to explore opulent and showy designs inspired by religious aesthetics.
3. Cultural-bridging Designs - Drawing connections between religious art and contemporary fashion, this exhibition inspires fashion professionals to create designs that bridge cultural and historical influences.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The 'Heavenly Bodies' exhibition presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the fashion industry to incorporate religious aesthetics and elaborate designs into their collections.
2. Art - Art industry can learn from the 'Heavenly Bodies' exhibition how to depict the influence of religious art on fashion and use it to inspire their creativity.
3. Religion - The exhibition offers the religious industry insights on how fashion can be used as a powerful means of expression and communication of religious beliefs.