The exhibition Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC through 10/8/18. It is well worth a visit.

Heavenly Bodies features the work of designers who were raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. They are not necessarily practicing now, but most acknowledge its influence on their imaginations. On the surface, this is expressed through Catholic imagery and religious orders.

Cassocks, soutane, Cappa Magna (the great cape) worn as choir dress by  Cardinals and Bishops for special and solemn liturgical occasions influenced these dresses (left Alexander McQueen, right Valentino)

 

Habits: these are ensembles and accessories from female religious dress. They influenced the styles below.

Left by Rosella Jardine (House of Moschino- Spring summer 2014). This one is very theatrically expressed in the veil that recalls the iconic white winged headdress of the Daughters of Charity popularized by Sally  Fields in the Flying Nun.  Center by Dolce and Gabbana (Spring/Summer 2016).  Right by Thom Brown (Autumn/winter 2011-12) inspired by The Sound of Music.

There were many gowns showing the religious influence on the designer’s creativity.

Left to right-Yves Saint Laurent, Riccardo Tisci, John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix.

These are easily translated to evening wear

By far my favorites were “Madonna” wedding ensemble from John Galliano (House of Dior) autumn/winter 2005-06 (below)

And “Madonna” evening ensemble by Thierry Mugler  autumn/winter 1984-85 (below)

This Mugler creation was shown at his show on a model as she was lowered from the ceiling on a cloud of dry ice as if she was descending from heaven.

There were so many glorious gowns to see. So much eye candy! If you can, go to see the exhibition. It runs until 10/8/18 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.