"For centuries, fashion was cast as the troublesome, if not villainous, enemy of a pure and spiritual Christianity - a symbol of putting material desires before holy ones. For example, 18th-century cleric and founder of Methodism John Wesley urged his followers to show their faith by dressing "neatly" and "plainly.""
"Yet Christian imagery has come to shape the industry in profound ways. As a scholar who researches the relationship between Christianity and fashion, I have traced how Christian imagery circulates in surprising forms. The devil, for instance, occasionally appeared in fashion advertising to suggest sin, sensuality and transgression."
"In the mid-20th century, Christianity often occupied a supporting role in the fashion industry. It showed up in articles by Christian religious leaders and color photographs of Christian art and architecture published in fashion magazines. For example, articles on how Christianity addresses contemporary problems by Catholic Bishop Fulton Sheen and Columbia University Chaplain James A. Pike appeared in Vogue alongside ads for makeup and fashion photo shoots."
"Christian imagery also appeared in fashion advertisements featuring " Sunday best" clothing and Easter dresses. Ads showed angels gifting consumers "heavenly" products that promised be"
At a premiere, Meryl Streep wore devilish styling associated with The Devil Wears Prada 2, including signature sunglasses, black gloves, and a red leather cape. The look connects to older moral rhetoric that links fashion with temptation and spiritual danger. For centuries, fashion was framed as an enemy of pure Christianity, emphasizing material desire over holiness. Clergy such as John Wesley urged followers to dress neatly and plainly. Christian imagery also influenced fashion in major ways, appearing in mid-20th-century fashion magazines through religious leaders’ articles and photographs of Christian art and architecture. Advertisements used angels, “Sunday best” clothing, and Easter dresses to market “heavenly” products and consumer promises.
#fashion-and-religion #christian-imagery #moral-rhetoric #advertising-symbolism #devil-and-temptation
Read at The Conversation
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