Brief Reviews

Robert Covolo – Fashion Theology [Review]

Fashion TheologyAn Unexpected Friendship

A review of

Fashion Theology
Robert Covolo

Hardback: Baylor University Press, 2020
Buy Now: [ IndieBound ] [ Amazon ] [ Kindle ]

Reviewed by Noemi Ortiz

It has long been asked, “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” I say forget about Athens, let’s talk about Paris, darling!

Fashion Theology is the first of its kind. This highly-appealing book presents a serious and engaging study of the relationship between fashion and theology. Acknowledging the long-held assumption that fashion and theology do not typically mix, the author explains that these two magisterial forces have indeed crossed paths many times before and still hold somewhat of a complicated and potentially rich dynamic.

Theology has indeed had much to say about fashion, and theologians throughout the centuries have held their own unique perspectives. Given their respective place and time, each theologian held a critical assessment of fashion. Theologians often considered the best ways to approach fashion based on the cultural climate of their day. This may be surprising on one hand, since one typically expects theologians to address weighty, eternal matters, not those which are ephemeral. On the other hand, it is not completely surprising since clothing is such an intimate part of humanity. By simply wearing clothing and accessories, one enters into matters of fashion and how they relate to one’s life—whether one regards fashion highly or not.

Covolo offers prime examples of how theologians have wrestled with the topic of dress. Prominent theologians who have engaged with the topic of fashion include Tertullian of Carthage, Clement of Alexandria, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, Abraham Kuyper, and Karl Barth. The views these men held were not cut and dry; they often held conflicting views about fashion. As leaders, they sometimes had to resort to placing aside their personal views and acting on what they believed would positively affect the broader church body. Having not been familiar with the significant figure of Abraham Kuyper, it was a delight to discover how he seriously considered fashion and sought to reframe it within a Christian narrative.

There are five critical intersections between fashion and theology which are highlighted by Covolo: tradition, reform, public discourse, art, and everyday life. As it is important to trace the rich historical intersection between fashion and theology, it is equally important to address the present and future issues regarding the two. Consequently, Covolo examines how fashion, theology, and public discourse could function together. One challenge would be that fashion and public discourse both stem from a secular background, which is in opposition with the sacred world that theology holds. Furthermore, a fascinating discussion of fashion and art emerges, where the two hold more in common today, due to their strong shift towards modernity. The last chapter presents a fascinating discussion that suggests that fashion is not only for the runway; in fact, the “runway” could be a very mundane part of everyday life. Fashion mostly involves daily dressing for the everyday, as clothing plays a pivotal role in the narration of our lives.

Covolo explores dynamic issues in order to help readers gain a clearer picture of the relationship between fashion and theology: where fashion and theology have met, how they have been at odds with one another, and where they could be headed. Given the influence that fashion has had on the modern world, it would behoove theologians to take fashion more seriously. On the same token, fashion should acknowledge just how much theology has been involved in its own domain, even affecting its trajectory. After all, the first fashion theorist may have been one of the most popular ancient theologians. Though constantly changing and sometimes pushing the boundaries, fashion seeks to construct meaning. The same is certainly true of theology, and perhaps a foundational commonplace between fashion and theology is the fundamental belief that humans were made in the image of God (imago dei) and naturally seek meaning, even in the temporality of this life.

As a Christian fashionista who deeply appreciates fashion and theology, it was refreshing to read a work that compellingly explores the rich, yet complex, relationship between the two areas in book format. The author gives just the right amount of overview in a relatively small amount of space, yet still satisfactorily manages to cover much ground. Understanding the immense scope and complexity of the two domains, the author acknowledges that his work does not cover all aspects of fashion and theology, nor does it seek to offer any hasty resolutions. However, he has given us enough information to satiate our curiosity, to present reflective issues, and to open the discussion for further exploration. The book is written in such a compelling way that both academics and the broader public audience would enjoy. If you’re interested in this subject or if your curiosity has peaked even a little, this is a book I highly recommend.

 

Noemi Ortiz

Noemi Ortiz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and a Master of Arts in Apologetics degree from Houston Baptist University. Her primary area of interest is aesthetics. Find her online at: styledinsplendor.com


 
RFTCG
FREE EBOOK!
Reading for the Common Good
From ERB Editor Christopher Smith


"This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church."
-Karen Swallow Prior


Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook!
We respect your email privacy


In the News...
Christian Nationalism Understanding Christian Nationalism [A Reading Guide]
Most AnticipatedMost Anticipated Books of the Fall for Christian Readers!
Funny Bible ReviewsHilarious One-Star Customer Reviews of Bibles


Comments are closed.