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Catholic Imagination, or Catholic Criticism?

                                                                          By Miray Bakaroglu

Heavenly Bodies and The Catholic Imagination, was this year’s theme for the Met Gala. The highly anticipated event, intended on encapsulating a series of fashion moments inspired by the Catholicism era.

However, not everyone from the public agreed on this new take of fashion statement, with some having mixed reviews about religion and fashion integrating. 

“My opinion on the Met Gala was that the use of Catholic icons was quite offensive. Modesty is a very big virtue that the Catholic Church emphasizes and the pieces of clothing that were worn did not respect this”, said Mirielle Tamer, 19, a Maronite Catholic from Sydney.

“It’s something that I would expect, that would come out of Hollywood, due to the reputation Hollywood has to present very over-sexualized, very body emphasizing fashion”.

Pictured: Mireille Tamer, 19, Maronite Catholic from Sydney

“I know the pieces were really nice, and they put a lot of work into it, but there was a bit of sexualisation of some of the dresses”, said Tamara Kort, an 18-year-old Christian from Sydney.

“I think it should be religion and fashion separated. It shouldn’t mix because a lot of people have mixed opinions about that and it causes a lot of controversies. So overall, I didn’t like the theme”.

Pictured: Tamara Kort, 18.

“As if Gucci’s taste of fashion wasn’t bad enough, the Met Gala catholic imagination theme made previous Hollywood wardrobe malfunctions look ultra-orthodox”, said Michael Rantoun, 33, from Sydney.

Others, however, had a different perspective on the event, with some viewing it as artistic and unique.

“My favourite dress was from Blake Lively. I think she was the best and she dresses really beautiful. I don’t believe in any religion myself, so I just see it as enjoyment. I didn’t have any political or religious things”, said Alison Xing, 22, from Sydney.

Pictured: Alison Xing, 22, completing her Masters at UNSW

 “Well, I don’t personally have an issue with it, but I can see understand why some people might, and I think fashion should be a place where people are allowed to experiment”, said Remi SJ, 19, from Sydney.

Pictured: Remi SJ, 19, Creative Writing student from UNSW

 “Look I watch the Met Gala every year, and this theme was the first time it was religious. I do consider myself a religious person, and so if they went out and deliberately said they were dressed as Mary or Jesus and it looked indecent, I would be offended”, stated Ashley Kalwoin, 27, from Sydney.