Spotted on the A/W catwalk: Sacred style
Each season there are a handful of stealth trends that surreptitiously skulk into mainstream consciousness and hang in the air like the smell of incense. They don’t necessarily make headlines as the trend story of the season, but their covert beauty is a part of their charm.
This Autumn/Winter season it’s the turn of Catholic inspired fashion that has taken a place in the trend merry-go-round. It’s a somewhat unusual trend, considering that the Catholic Church and fashion don’t make for obvious companions. The fashion industry has its fair share of the gay community who don’t always have an especially harmonious relationship with the Church. Also the qualities of pride and vanity that are usually associated with fashion are somewhat frowned upon by the church. However, surprisingly enough, this season’s trend has produced some of the most dazzlingly beautiful clothes.
At Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Meadham Kirchhoff sacred inspiration was the order of the day. The interpretations were varied and contrasting; at Valentino it was all about pious restraint while at Dolce and Gabbana unabashed excess took centre stage. Dolce and Gabbana’s inspiration came from Monreale’s famous Byzantine and Venetian mosaics, the results were shimmering, sumptuous and delightfully decedent.
Alexander McQueen and Meadham Kirchhoff took a rather more subversive view of the trend. At Meadham Kirchhoff choirboy collars were juxtaposed with PVC, veils were paired with childlike crowns and priestly gowns were slashed to show a dangerous amount of leg. The overall effect was disarmingly charming.
At McQueen, models walked the runways with part of their faces veiled by ornamental face shields, much like the barriers of confession booths. The collection was simultaneously angelic and scandalous; winsome lace concoctions were contrasted with punkish studded black leather.
Get the look, from left to right: Spotted on Celeb Riviera Dress in white, £210, Eleven Paris Valoir W top, £33, Alexander McQueen Stained glass print de manta clutch, £315, The National Gallery Cross and Pearl Necklace, £65, Lavish Alice Blue and White Contrast Long Sleeve Pleated a Line Dress, £45, The National Gallery Cherub Necklace, £75, Eleven Paris Tice Top, £76, Project 104, All Swimsuits, £84
Get the look, from left to right: SimplyB Project D London Olympia Lace Maxi Dress, £150, Oscar de la Renta Gold-plated Crystal Clip Earrings, £305, Lavish Alice Black Fitted Short Sleeve White Trim Bodycon Dress, £42, Nerida Fraiman Veiled Pearl Hat, £129, Lavish Alice Fitted Skater Dress, £55, Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick, £24, Dior Pure Poison, £93, Chanel Extreme Shine Black Nails Laquer, £18
