Dedicated follower of Fashion?

“Dedicated follower of fashion”?

So sang the Kinks back in 1966, arguably the decade that launched a fashion revolution worldwide. One of its adherents and greatest influencers died last week at the age of 91. Giorgio Armani begun his working life as a window dresser in a department store in Milan and progressed to be a name synonymous with the fashion industry. Reading some of the tributes there’s no doubt the world of fashion will not be the same without him.

Now, there aren’t many who would ascribe me the label fashionable. Stylish if I’m lucky, but not fashionable. In fact, my attempt to embrace fashion in the 1970’s was an unmitigated disaster. Crepe or platform shoes, flared jeans, large, winged shirts and velvet jackets not only added to my discomfort, but also looked ridiculous. 

Nevertheless, I take comfort from knowing that whilst I can respect the fashionable and those whose creativity and flair inspire not just what we wear but also our lifestyle choices, I’m quite happy to find my own way when it comes to fashion. 

It made me think: is faith fashionable? 



Do we think our belief in Jesus and following in God’s ways makes us seem out of step with the ways of the world? Perhaps. But we have the assurance of knowing that the counter-cultural approach that Jesus showed was a powerful way of demonstrating that all that brings us to faith, hope and love is timeless, and in that sense fashionable for every age and era. 

With confidence, let’s be dedicated followers of faith.

God, who adorns all creation with splendour,

and makes humankind in his own image; 

grant us to recognise the beauty of his handiwork, 

so that we might show his timeless love in all we are and all we do. Amen.