Knitch Magazine

One unexpected and innovative development this fashion season is missionary and monastic inspired day and evening wear. It’s a dramatic fusion of the ascetic and the ostentatious, an austere luxury that combines the clean lines and reserved colors of the church with divine details, draping fabrics and fabulous jewels.

You’ll see jet black, rich red and deep purple reminiscent of Bishop’s and Cardinal’s robes  displayed in sacral styles that include slim tunics over pants (think Crusaders), gorgeous flowing hoods and cowls, slim cassock coats and shimmering evening wear. The result is a mysterious, mystical look that is modern and sexy while unconventionally traditional.

Outerwear is inspired by the long, clean lines and elegant details of cassocks you’d expect to see in St. Peter’s Square – streamlined styling, a cascade of buttons down the front, and wide kick pleats at the back to create a fabulously flowing skirt. If you want the real thing, an authentic Roman cassock can be purchased from a variety of religious supply stores, or if you’re up to the challenge, you can make one of your own using a Butterick pattern . (This was also popular amongst Matrix fans who made a few simple adjustments to achieve the “Neo” coat.)

Knit accessories are seen in extra large gauges: chunky scarves, voluminous hoods, and close-fitting hats that accent the clean lines of the season’s coats. We loved the cowl style so much when we first saw it at the Pitti Filati show in Florence that we commissioned a pattern of our own. Pictured to the right in white (to show the detailing), this quick knitted cowl would look fabulous in black or rich jewel tones.  

The ultimate accessory for the season of sacral styles are brilliant red Cardinal’s socks. Purists can find the coveted hosiery in Rome at Gammarelli Ecclesiastical Tailoring just off Via dei Cestari, near the Pantheon.  

And that’s exactly where you’ll want to go in your modern monastic fashions! Savvy tourists have discovered the quiet comfort of abbeys throughout Europe and North America. Some of these ancient religious quarters have added spa comforts to further entice tourism, a much-needed and appreciated new source of income.

Accommodations range from the ascetic to the opulently luxurious -- and the prices are typically far more reasonable than local hotels. MonasteryStays.com specializes in authentic accommodations in Italy. But, if you’re looking for a modern hotel with a monastic past you might want to visit Hotel Cloitre St. Louis in Avignon, France.