It seems that religious motifs are becoming increasingly acceptable as an element in fashion. In this spread for the aw2009 issue of WONDERLAND magazine, the traditional “hijab” worn by women in Islamic culture, was re-interpreted to fit the mood of the editorial—connoting a hidden identity. The hijab, in conjunction with the other amazing pieces (Rick, Junya, for instance) is the icing on the striking editorial cake. As the concept of religion in fashion continues to manifest itself in the pages of magazines, it is no stranger to the runway. Rick Owens spooled some holy thread in his men’s fw2009 and women’s ss2009 collections with his inclusion of the priest/priestess hat.
Rick Owens men’s aw09/women’s ss09
It’s interesting to see religious garments, or garments that evoke religion, be taken out of their context and stripped of their symbolic significance for editorial/aesthetic purposes. Is it in a way some mild, tiny, eency-weency form of scrilege? Those who are super, freakishly religious may think so. But, honestly speaking religious/cultural garbs are some of the most beautiful pieces of clothing and easily lend themselves to the fashion world.
The long silhouette in a Priest’s robe, the beautiful drapes and asymmetry in the garb of a Buddhist monk—these are elements that designers have been inspired by and emulated for quite some time. Using religion and culture as points of references takes away some of the superficiality of fashion and gives a bit of meaning behind a garment; it provides depth to an over all look.
young Burmese monk photographed by Ralph Ledergerber/ Julius ss2009 (look 36)
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