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The poetic and often provocative medley of fashion and religious iconography has at times resulted in covetable socio-cultural commentary resulting in some of the most quizzically alluring looks. Designers have time and again paid tribute to religious figurines, extrapolated Catholic imagery and also questioned religion’s role and purpose. Think of Dolce & Gabbana and the Byzantine and Venetian crosses come to mind instantly. Not long ago, Riccardo Tisci went back to his Catholic roots and depicted Jesus in thorn-crowned passion across T-shirts, sweatshirts, and men’s skirts for Givenchy menswear SS 16. In his latest offering, Christopher Kane echoed overtones of Catholic guilt as his models sported devotional charms.

Pop icons like Lady Gaga and Madonna have often inculcated religious symbols in their personal styles. However, religious lexicons and their reinterpretation has always been labelled as insensitive appropriation. Designer Karl Lagerfeld’s use of a Quran verse on a Chanel dress being a case in point.

With the soon-to-be-held Met Gala’s theme being ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’ which aims to create a dialogue between fashion and the masterworks of religious art in the museum’s holdings, we ask designers what’s the right way to reference and reinterpret religious iconography — which has often been in the line of fire.

"Delve into details" - Wendell Rodricks

"Fashion is a reflection of the times in every way. Religion is one of them. When presented without a controversial slant, religion has often been glorified in fashion. Personally, I have presented collections based on religious themes: Shiva Vishnu Temples, Tibetan Monastries, Saint Empress Theodora. As subtexts based on philosophies attached to religions, we have also done collections such as Yoga Calm as recently as a few years ago. In a country like India, designers are naturally more sensitive to the use of religion in fashion. The West unfortunately sees a design aesthetic without delving into details. We have had cases in the West of Gods on shoes, the word Allah on sports shoes, etc. These negatives should be avoided as there are many hurt sentiments that may turn violent. In these cases, fashion needs to be prudent and avoid looking at design in a single graphic appeal mode."

"Images should be in sync with religion" - Troy Costa

"The non-believers or atheists are the ones who actually provoke or have a propaganda that creates chaos. Sadly, for them any publicity is good publicity. Their collections get sold out and they have benefited in a monetary way. I’m a believer and I come from the thought that you can show images in a way you perceive it but it should be in sync with the religion. Fashion is a creative space and shouldn’t be politicised. From a fashion perspective, it’s a good time for designers to show draped garments on heavenly bodies which look beautiful and sensual at the same time. Why not bring some more glamour to Met with this great theme."

There’s no right or wrong" - James Ferreira

"Some individuals don’t go deep into the theme and no research is done. I feel there’s no right or wrong way as everything lies in the eye of beholder. What’s beautiful for me could be sacrilege for someone else as every story has two sides. Everyone should be respectable of other people’ religion. I think the Met theme is great, but it depends on who’s wearing these creations. If we had to do a similar themed gala in India, it’ll be a no show."Read more at:unique prom dresses uk | cocktail dresses uk