I’ve been trying to write this for quite some time now because I found it a bit challenging to phrase it correctly or use the right words to properly emphasize what I’m thinking and feeling. I think I’ve finally got it.
I’ve lived in four different countries, and visited many too, each exposing me to some of the world’s most popular religions. The devotional elegance expressed through different beliefs, shaped by their histories and sacred scriptures, is truly beautiful and I can never get enough of it whenever it comes to apparel.
What astonishes me most ,is how for each religion there is so much depth and meaning behind a garment, it’s simply beautiful. “Beautiful” is the word that best fits what I’m imagining and thinking. When someone devotes their life to a certain level because of their genuine belief in their particular religion, it makes me appreciate humans so much more and see them as beings capable of creating beauty out of everything.
Some of the religions I’ve been exposed to are Islam, Christianity (including Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, and Mormonism), Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. I know I’m inexperienced compared to some, and I’m well aware that each religion can, at times, be dissected into many branches or be something far more. That said, due to being around so many different cultures I’ve had the opportunity to observe and pay close attention to what each often wears when following their beliefs regularly.
I’ve noticed in Islam, women often wear a hijab and covering clothes, typically made of chiffon, and men wear long robes and tunics.
In Christianity, although each denomination has different ways of dressing, each style is unique and incredibly interesting. In Eastern Orthodox tradition, women cover their hair with a thin scarf when entering a church, their shoulders must be covered, and it’s preferable for them to wear a skirt.
In Hinduism, Sari is popular ,which is most of the time a shimmery fabric wrapped around ones body.
These three stood out to me ,personally, the most while growing up. I’m sure that as I grow older as a woman, I’ll continue to observe other ways in which more various religions influence how people dress.
The harmony between religion and fashion has always influenced the way people dress, going back to the earliest centuries. As we all know, religion has been a driving force behind numerous aspects of society, including architecture, traditions, and holidays. When we look at how one’s thoughts and beliefs can be physically expressed through apparel, it becomes clear that this connection runs much deeper than we might think. It’s incredibly insightful to consider how even the smallest details, such as the fabric, length, material, or designs, can hold so much meaning. The depth and intricacy of these elements are truly mesmerizing.
Overall, by using the phrase “harmony between religion and fashion,” I mean the natural, flowing, and almost necessary relationship between the two. In choosing the word “harmony,” I wanted to emphasize not just a sense of friendship but a bond so perfect and intertwined that it’s impossible not to notice, especially within the fashion industry.
Runway shows that represent different cultures and religions have always been one of my favorite to watch because they bring me a sense of peace. It’s incredibly satisfying to see how beliefs have carried on through time, continue to thrive today, and how people genuinely admire and honor their own religions through garments.
Cited sources:
Styled Essence 
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