“Christian Chic” - The Theme of Christianity in the Work of Fashion Designers Jean Paul Gaultier, and Dolce & Gabbana

In the last ten years the theme of religion has become increasingly popular in the fashion industry, specifically Christianity. This thesis aims to explore the theme of Christianity in contemporary fashion design, looking specifically at the work of Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce and Gabbana. This theme appears mainly in the work of designers who originate from predominantly Catholic countries, such as France and Italy. Both these countries have a rich history of Christianity and both are centres for the fashion industry. The theory of Habitus by Pierre Bourdieu is of particular importance to this thesis, and provides the framework upon which the study is conducted. Bourdieu argues that the taste or cultural choice of the individual is determined by their position within society. This thesis explores how these designers have appropriated the popular motifs of Christian iconography in their designs as an unconscious expression of their inherent social Habitus. The influence of social and cultural background, religious upbringing and celebrity culture are analysed in reference to the Christian theme in the work of both designers.