26/07/18 - The MET in New York is currently presenting ”Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and The Catholic Imagination”, an exhibition about the way in which fashion designers are frequently influenced by religious images and icons, taken from church altars to medieval sculptures and even representations of the crucifix.

The golden mosaics of the Bizantine churches, like those in the cathedrals at Ravena or Monreale were transferred to dresses and jackets by Dolce & Gabbana and Versace. Many wedding dresses found inspiration in the representations of Virgin Mary, specially Medieval sculptures, with the drapes of the tunics, or procession figures, rich in details. As an example, let’s mention Dior F/W 2005/2006 Haute Couture wedding dress, designed by John Galliano. The main source for this dress was Piero di Giovanni Tedesco’s sculpture, “Adoring Angel“, an angel which lost its wings, although Galliano includes them in the dress. The design, entitled “Madonna”, is also based in the triangular compositions of the Virgin Mary as done by the School of Cuzco from the 16th to the 18th Century.

"MADONNA", Fall/Winter 2005-2006 Haute Couture by John Galliano for Dior

White silk tulle, embroidered white silk and metal thread

“Heavenly Bodies” is an interesting superposition of different expressions of Art.