Met Gala 2018 Theme: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination"

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It is not so much fashion, as bad costume, as were most of the things the celebrities that wore in the photos posted.
 
How do you see this?
I don’t see as much as Jesus but more of a general crown, I mean Jared Leto has had long hair for a while. If he didn’t would you feel differently?

He is one a the few men who actually tried to dress according to the theme. I find that in itself is quite a statement.

I went to the Islamic fashion and faith exhibition in the Melbourne Immigration Museum and to the talk. I think it’s important that the Catholic faith participates in this area of art.

We all wear clothes don’t we?
 
It’s good not to be naive though.
Jared Leto is not a dumb or naive man-the Jesus look is intentional.
Regardless of whether he had the hair/beard for a long time previously or not-obviously he knows it can add to a Jesus look and this is what he went for.

If he didn’t have the beard etc it would make no difference to me.Its primarily the “crown”.The beard and hair are just “extras” that complete the look.

His “participation” is a great thing,like you mentioned,if it was done for the right reasons (even if misguided) but if done for the wrong reasons (simply having a chance to play dressups) then not so much.

I agree with you to a degree,but at the same time feel maybe your viewpoint is a bit naive.
Ie:I’m getting the impression that you feel it’s a positive thing for “Catholic fashion” to be on the world view/world stage at any cost but
for example,Rhianna dressing as a Pope though,the purpose for her is to get Rhianna more attention,she knows the outfit is controversial,she knows (and intends) she’s being “sexy female pope” etc…its all about her…it doesn’t bring honour to Jesus or increases people’s desire to pay respect to “real” Pope Francis.
 
Not naïve at all! 😃 Thanks though.

There are two different aspects here: the Red Carpet and the actual exhibition.

The exhibition is something that I think is very important, as it showcases the beauty that comes from or is founded in the Catholic faith.

The Red Carpet shows us how others may interpret the theme and exhibition. Some of garments worn on the Red Carpet are beautifully made, and align themselves well with the theme. Others are more eyebrow raising but then we should ask ourselves why.

It’s good that the Church is engaging with fashion.

🌷
 
Sorry,what do you mean please by ask ourselves why?
Why are we raising our eyebrows? What emotions is the image invoking? Why are we feeling this way? Is that the only image we feel so strongly about or are there others? Is this a general societal feeling or just during this Red Carpet? How does this Red Carpet differ to others? How does my dress impact the way I practice my faith? Is it important to dress according to ones faith? Is dress a faith expression? Etc.

Many people will have different reactions to the same image. None of them are wrong or false. I’m highlighting that we should all reflect on today’s Red Carpet and what we liked or didn’t like and why.

What I am trying to steer away from is the general condemnation of the Red Carpet even happening.

🌷
 
Oh ok😊.
For me personally,I don’t see any issue with the red carpet event happening all together,I see it as a very positive thing.
And I definitely see the actual exhibition in a very positive light.

The only “issue” I have is with the “usual attention seeking crowd” (eg:Katy Perry,Rhianna,Nikki Minaj etc) making it all about them and hijacking what should be a beautiful Catholic focused theme and putting a sacrilegious spin on it/making it about themselves.

How does this Red Carpet differ to others?
I guess it differs in the sense that on other red carpet nights the only thing the only factors (to viewers) are personal taste and modesty or immodesty (if they are Christian or Muslim viewers).
A Catholic themed red carpet brings into it another element-respect to God/potential sacrilegiousness.

Another thing maybe worth question is where does this lead too?
Ie:after one night of the “celebs” playing dress ups does it lead to any interest in Catholicism or spirituality of any form or is it just back to “bum shaking” like Nikki Minaj in Anaconda?

It’s also unfortunate that of all the respectful and beautiful costumes the ones that are talked about the most are the “outlandish ones”.Ie:I keep reading media articles stating whether Rhianna “upstaged” Katy Perry or whether Perry upstaged Rhianna.
The focus should be on Catholic art and not on tacky “upstaging”😦

The event is positive because it brings Catholic back into the “limelight” in a positive way when lately all that’s said is negative in the media.
At the same time,it can seem like just “lip service” by some of the celebs or perhaps even worse.

I have mixed feelings 😬
 
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I don’t think some of those outfits would go down well at mass.
 
I don’t think some of those outfits would go down well at mass.
Who is wearing them to Mass, though?
The event is positive because it brings Catholic back into the “limelight” in a positive way when lately all that’s said is negative in the media.
I understand exactly what you mean. I don’t think all of the Red Carpet’s gowns and dresses were amazing, or of good taste but at least it is a positive and well “fun” thing to be associated with.

Sometimes it would be great to be remembered as a faith, which is very creative and glorifying to God. I find that this aspect sometimes goes missing. So much beauty in Catholicism—even in a simple nun’s habit, or linen used on the altar.
 
I saw a short video clip of the event. Some Catholic boys choir gave a performance. I’m kind of glad they did that, to be honest. There are a lot of gowns that were pretty, minus the plunging necklines.
 
Hopefully no one, obviously that wasn’t the point of the event. I guess at least it gets people talking about Catholicism in a way.
 
“You may be asking what is the church doing, why is the church part of all of this?’’ Dolan acknowledged
Yes sir, we are asking that. Because I don’t get why the Church would participate in something that mocks the Faith. I can guarantee no one converted because of this event. But many no doubt take Catholicism less seriously as a result. Why wouldn’t they if the Church herself participates.

I’d note that of course these people would never dare mock Islam or Judaism like this. They wouldn’t dress as an imam or a rabbi.
 
I understand that you feel like this is not beneficially to the faith.

Like I said above there are two seperate events—the Red Carpet, which I can understand if you find offensive because people have different tastes, and the actual exhibition, which was created by working with the Vatican.

Cardinal Dolan goes on to say in the article you posted:
“But think about it just for a moment. It’s because the church and the Catholic imagination — the theme of this exhibit — are all about three things: truth, goodness and beauty. That’s why we’re into things such as art, culture, music, literature and, yes, even fashion.’’
And I agree with him. 🌷
 
Like I said above there are two seperate events—the Red Carpet, which I can understand if you find offensive because people have different tastes, and the actual exhibition, which was created by working with the Vatican.
Modesty isn’t a matter of taste. Dressing in mockery of a religion isn’t a fashion issue. Like I said you’ll never see these people dress in ‘sexy’ imitation of an imam or a rabbi. That is because they aren’t bold, or daring, or stylish. It is because they want to mock the true Faith and we’ll applaud them as they do.

If the Church was going to participate it had an obligation to make sure the event was respectful. It wasn’t and therefore the Church failed in its duty.
 
Sigh.

The art exhibit is one thing.

The met gala is another. The cardinal is addressing the exhibit.

When I was 12, I visited this museum to see art on loan from the Vatican.
 
Oh, the ‘art’ exhibit with a bondage mask with rosaries on it? Great. I mean it isn’t ‘Piss Christ’ but what fine ‘Catholic’ art it is.
 
I would love to see the exhibit, but the next time I’m back in NY I won’t have the time. 😦
 
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