Theology and Fashion Major Finds Room For Faith in Dress Designs
It’s not every day that Pope Francis is the inspiration behind women’s formalwear.
But for Dominican University senior Rosalinda Ramos, faith and fashion mix on her sketch pad just as seamlessly as they do in life.
Majoring in both theology and fashion, Ramos designed a dress and cape ensemble influenced by the white religious vestments worn by the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The ensemble, complete with intricate gold appliqués, was featured in Dominican’s student fashion show in early April. It was modeled by Mayra Anaya.
“The inspiration comes from my faith,” Ramos explained. “I’ve also always had a passion for fashion and I wanted to combine the things that make up my personality and put them together into a piece of art. It’s kind of my way of evangelizing, but without words — with my art.”
A second dress featured in the fashion show and modeled by Maria Paola Mendoza included less obvious religious symbolism, but symbols all the same. The roses attached to the waistline of the pink gown with transparent sleeves symbolize the Virgin Mary, Ramos said.
Both dresses are examples of a future fashion line envisioned by Ramos called “Divine Modesty.”
“My goal is to start a collection, making designs for young women who want to dress more modestly, but fashionable,” Ramos explained. “I think it’s possible to rock fashion, but still live a holy life.”
In addition to day and evening wear, Ramos would like to create a line of faith-inspired clothing specifically for events like baptisms, first Holy Communion and even quinceañeras. And as part of her studies at Dominican, Ramos has also designed and sewn a chasuble, the flowing outer liturgical vestment worn by Catholic priests, for University Ministry.
While Ramos sees fashion design in her future, her focus also remains on religion, which she plans to study in graduate school.
“My ultimate goal is to become a professor of theology,” she said.
(Photo courtesy of Rosalinda Ramos, pictured in center)