Object Analysis

For the Summer Term we have to write a 2000 word essay on a subject that interest us by choosing a object or a collection. Below is a short paragraph from the introduction of my essay and what i am going to be talking about.

Are religious symbols used as a fashion statement or a belief?

Religion dictates the majority of our lives weather It be current affairs, opinions on day to day occurrences and how we reset ourselves: this is what I am going to explore through out my essay.

Many people wear a cross on their necklace, but do they actually follow the Christian religion? Today many celebrities are depicted in the press wearing rosary beads, for instance Russsel Brand and Lindsay Lohan, but its questionable as to whether they are actually Catholic or are they trying to follow the latest trend.
The impact religion still has on fashion demonstrates that although religious belief might be declining, its inspirational ability hasn’t and John Galliano’s and Doirs new collections both support this theory. Religion is still highly prominent within fashion but this continued presence arouses questioning because the trend contrasts with the declining general faith in religion. The historical relevance of religion in fashion would suggest that religious symbolism in jewellery and on clothes was purely there to reinforce an individual’s support for that religion. However in our contemporary world this is arguably not the case. Individuals now might wear religious symbols regardless of their personal religious belief for example Russel Brand was seen wearing Rosary Beads even though he does not support the Catholic Faith. This essay shall focus on the religious orientated collections of John Galliano and Dior and analyse the thoughts these collections provoke, like are religious symbols purely for artistic benefit or are they there to reinforce personal belief.

Below are images I am using for my essay and going to study throughout. This is Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring Summer 2007 couture collection.