The incorporation of religious ideology into everyday outerwear is one of the most recent crazes to sweep campus. Items such as necklaces, bracelets, T-shirts and even key covers with a display of the faces of various Catholic saints or other religious figureheads can be found at trendy national chain stores like Urban Outfitters and at small boutiques like Ted and Daisy’s.This fad can easily be compared to the reign of the “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelets in the ‘90s and the red yarn Kabbalah bracelets sported by celebrities like Britney Spears and Madonna.
But while religious icons such as the Virgin Mary and Buddha adorn people’s wardrobes, they aren’t necessarily a display of faith-based beliefs.One of the most popular items in this trend is the colorful and embellished pendant made of Italian metals. Catholics have been wearing much plainer colorless versions of these necklaces with saint pictorials for centuries. Each saint has a different story and meaning.For some Catholics it’s hard to see their religion taken so lightly, but Ryan Aldridge, doctorate student of historic costume, said many people complying with this trend don’t know the identity, story or meaning of the saint they are displaying around their necks. Despite some uneasiness toward the avant-garde jewelry, the Catholic Church has not decried the fad.”Some people are just trying to be publicly irreverent,” Michael Pasquier, assistant professor of religious studies, said in reference to Madonna, a former Catholic and now Kabbalist, wearing a rosary around her neck. ”It’s a form of freedom of speech.”Catholic pendants aren’t the only cultural trends worn when the design, meaning and heritage are unknown. Other trends such as nose piercing, tattoos and head bands are examples.
Jessica Pattison, doctorate student of apparel design, explained that it’s common in American culture to be unaware of the meanings behind clothing and accessories. American freedom has allowed for people to wear what they want despite its symbolism. “It is socially acceptable to experiment and to wear things just because they are pretty,” Pattison said. “It’s an affect of globalization.”
There are many reasons the fad may have become popular in society. Aldridge explained that social acceptance is important to everyone and affects people’s clothing choices.
Considering 80 percent of the United States’ population identify themselves as Christian, people might find the jewelry as a way to connect with their peers.Aldridge used the trickle-down theory of fashion to explain this fad. The trickle-down theory states that the wealthy, powerful and famous start the trends and then the styles “trickle down” to the masses. The Catholic Church is a very wealthy and powerful establishment, and people may subconsciously feel that wearing Catholic symbols will make them appear powerful, Aldridge said.
Despite the superficial reasons behind religious fashion, some people have found this trend as a more colorful and vibrant way of displaying their beliefs. The painted saints are brighter than the usually morbid crucifixes and medals. New techniques are being used to reinvent the classic piece.”The masses can just get tired of the old traditional looks,” Pattison said.
Another reason this fad has taken off on campus is that southern Louisiana is a dominantly Catholic area. This area’s tendency toward religion is the boutique Ted and Daisy’s reason for incorporating the jewelry into their store.
“Everyone uses fashion to express their beliefs and we live in a religious society,” said Sarah Schaffer, owner of Ted and Daisy’s boutique on Burbank Drive. “Religious pieces have always been popular here.”Despite the popularity, some students find the trend inappropriate. “I don’t like the idea,” said Jessica Holmes, psychology junior. “I think if you wear something religious it should be used only to display beliefs, not as an accessory.”
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Contact Lindsay Nunez at [email protected]