Summary of the coquettification of catholicism

Summary of "the coquettification of catholicism"

This video, presented by Mina Le, explores the complex relationship between Catholicism and fashion, focusing on how Catholic symbols and aesthetics have been appropriated, reinterpreted, and popularized in contemporary culture, especially among young people and the high fashion industry. It also examines the tension between sincerity and performativity in adopting Catholic imagery and faith today.

Main Ideas and Concepts

  1. Introduction to the Topic
    • Mina Le introduces herself and the video’s theme: the appropriation of Catholic symbols in fashion.
    • The 2018 Met Costume Institute exhibit Heavenly Bodies is a key example of Catholic imagery in high fashion.
    • The video also discusses a recent trend where young people flaunt Catholic aesthetics or even convert to Catholicism, sometimes superficially.
  2. Examples of Catholic Symbolism in Popular Culture and Fashion
    • Zendaya’s Versace outfit at Heavenly Bodies is iconic.
    • A viral example of commodification: a Depop user selling confession readings online, raising questions about authenticity and commercialization.
    • The brand Praying is noted for sexualizing Catholic imagery, run by men but targeting women’s innocence and sexuality.
  3. Fashion and the Popes
    • Pope Benedict XVI was noted for his distinctive, sometimes ostentatious fashion, including red papal loafers and sunglasses.
    • His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, favored simpler styles.
    • Pope Francis embraces a humble, minimalist style, dubbed “papal athleisure.”
    • The Vatican’s fashion choices reflect broader cultural and theological messages, including tradition, humility, and power.
  4. Historical and Architectural Context of Catholic Aesthetics
    • Catholic architecture evolved from early Christian basilicas to Gothic and Baroque styles, emphasizing grandeur and emotional impact.
    • Religious art was initially controversial due to fears of idolatry but later embraced for teaching and devotion.
    • The Protestant Reformation challenged Catholic opulence and religious imagery, leading to the Catholic Counter-Reformation, which doubled down on artistic richness to affirm faith.
    • Catholicism’s clear visual culture contrasts with Protestant simplicity, making Catholic aesthetics more prominent and appealing in fashion.
  5. Catholicism and High Fashion
    • Catholic imagery conveys luxury, exclusivity, and historical gravitas, fitting high fashion’s elitist codes.
    • The Met’s Heavenly Bodies exhibit featured actual papal garments, highlighting the link between ecclesiastical and imperial costumes.
    • Designers from Catholic-majority countries (France, Italy, Spain) often incorporate Catholic motifs (e.g., Chanel, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana).
    • Other notable designers using Catholic symbols include Balenciaga, McQueen, Galliano, Thom Browne, and Gucci.
  6. The Eroticization and Taboo of Catholic Imagery
    • Catholic dress and symbols have been fetishized for their juxtaposition of sacred and profane, spiritual and carnal.
    • Films like Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist helped popularize Catholic iconography in horror and supernatural genres.
    • Musicians like Madonna and Lana Del Rey have used Catholic imagery to express rebellion, sexuality, and submission, influencing fashion trends.
  7. The Rise of the Catholic Aesthetic Among Youth
    • Since around 2021, a “Catholic aesthetic” or “Catholic coquette” subculture has emerged, mixing pastel colors, lace, rosaries, and schoolgirl uniforms.
    • This trend is partly nostalgic, partly a search for meaning and ritual in a chaotic modern world.
    • Some embrace Catholicism sincerely, while others adopt it ironically or performatively, especially on social media.
    • The brand Praying and meme culture contribute to the memification and commercialization of Catholic imagery.
  8. Cultural Appropriation and Insincerity
    • The video discusses concerns about cultural appropriation within the Catholic aesthetic, especially in variations like “Catholic Mexican girl core,” which risks fetishizing Latin American culture and colonial history.
    • The Dimes Square scene in NYC is highlighted as a reactionary, often ironic adoption of Catholicism by some young urbanites, with figures like Honor Levy and Dasha Nekrasova embodying this trend.
    • The tension between genuine faith and performative “vibes” Catholicism is examined, with some critics arguing that online Catholicism is elitist and superficial.
  9. Catholic Responses and Controversies
    • Practicing Catholics often criticize the trivialization or blasphemous use of Catholic symbols in pop culture (e.g., Madonna, Lady Gaga, Lil Nas X, Heavenly Bodies).
    • Protests against the Met exhibit highlight tensions between artistic expression and religious reverence.
    • Fashion brands with authentic Catholic heritage (like Versace and Gucci) tend to be more accepted than brands seen as provocative or disrespectful (e.g.

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Educational

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