By Iris Petrova...
At the shimmering crossroads of art and spirituality, fashion has long been seduced by the allure of religious symbolism. For centuries, religious art has served as a silent storyteller. Grand cathedrals, frescoes, and murals, though rooted in utilitarian motives, have also embodied beauty, tradition, and a sense of belonging. Fashion, as a form of art, tends to do the same.
Wandering through the cathedrals of Florence and Siena, I can understand why Dolce & Gabbana took inspiration from the Monreale Cathedral in Sicily for their Fall/Winter 2013 show. One of the most direct examples of religious imagery in fashion, the runway featured a range of garments and accessories infused with ecclesiastical iconography and elements from Byzantine and Venetian art. By fusing these 12th-century details with contemporary silhouettes and styling choices, the collection celebrated tradition while exuding elegance and identity.
Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2013
Religious spaces have a historical commitment to beauty in their representation of the divine. Churches, cathedrals, and other places of worship have been intricately designed with stained-glass windows, soaring painted ceilings, and ornate gold adornments—such as those found in the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
In many ways, these architectural feats are akin to the haute couture of architecture: initially created for function but ultimately transcending utility to become artistic masterpieces.
Similarly, fashion moves beyond mere functionality, evolving into an industry and practice that fosters self-exploration and creates a sense of belonging. Just as some find solace and purpose through religious practice, others experience a similar sense of identity by participating in subcultures with distinct aesthetics and stylistic markers.
Consider the punk movement: although it rejected mainstream fashion, it still adhered to a distinct uniform, with followers idolizing figures like the Sex Pistols and Vivienne Westwood. A similar dynamic exists in the aesthetics of artists like Lana Del Rey and Ethel Cain. From Americana to Midwestern Gothic, their visual identities are shaped by music, art, and fashion, while their devoted fan bases engage with them in near-religious ways...
Many designers have incorporated religious imagery into their collections. For example, Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2007 collection explored Catholic symbolism through stained-glass prints, gold ornamentation, lace, sheer fabrics, and headwear reimagining the halo. This collection was a delicate tribute to divinity.
In contrast, Alexander McQueen’s Dante collection from Fall 1996 presented a darker, more tumultuous commentary on religion. Set in London’s baroque Christ Church, models walked a crucifix-shaped catwalk in draped black lace, cross appliqués, animalistic elements, and a muted color palette, all accompanied by an organ soundtrack.
While Gaultier’s collection celebrated religious iconography, McQueen’s subverted it, toying with the idea of the divine and the profane. Yet in both, the designers drew from multiple sources of inspiration, using sacred symbols not just as references but as a means of connecting to history and reinterpreting this art form.
Alexander McQueen Fall 1996 'Dante'
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2007
Fashion also finds itself intertwined with religion in various forms of media. Lady Gaga and Madonna have famously used religious imagery and terminology in their work as a means of storytelling. Madonna’s Like a Prayer video sparked controversy for its provocative use of Catholic imagery, while Lady Gaga has incorporated religious themes in her work—most notably in her Judas and Alejandro music videos, where she weaves Catholic iconography into a rebellious narrative. For Gaga, fashion and theatricality have always been central artistic mediums, and religious symbolism is no exception.
At the same time, the relationship between religion and fashion is not just about reverence or rebellion. It also reflects the power of ritual. Both religion and fashion use beauty and exclusivity to foster a sense of community and identity. They are both deeply social practices, shaped by perception, tradition, and collective influence—celebrating both the individual and the collective.
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