Religion in Vogue: Christianity and Fashion in America (December 2019)
Interested in fashion and religion? Religion in Vogue examines how the Christian God moved from theological treatises to couture designs. Using a diverse range of fashion sources, including designs, jewelry, articles in fashion magazines, and advertisements, the book shows how the fashion industry has offered Americans a means of blending traditional elements of religion with modern culture. Available December 17, 2019.
Reviews
Starred Library Journal
"[Neal] considers the inspirations of various designers and explores how advertising and marketing framed religious symbols, devotions, and icons into a commodity for trend-setting audiences, all of which culminates in a provocative conclusion that lends itself to further discussion... [E]xtensively researched, fascinating account."
Commonweal
"If you’re not flipping through fashion glossies for insights into the American religious landscape, maybe you should be. “Fashion history is religious history,” argues Lynn S. Neal. In her latest book, Religion in Vogue, she makes a compelling case for the claim."
Highlights from the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Paris, France, December 2019
Crocheted Wedding Gown
Mondrian-inspired dress
Black and Gold Evening Gowns
Black Evening Gown with Fur-Trimmed Jacket and Cross Pendant
Mult-color Evening Gown with Cross Embellishment
Gold Evening Gown
Collage Photo Credits:
Photographs in the Collage taken by Lynn S. Neal at the "Heavenly Bodies" exhibit, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. From left to right, designs by Dolce&Gabbana, Thierry Mugler, Gianni Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Sorelle Fontana.