I had never seen this site before, and thank Juniper for alerting me to its presence.
I have to urge caution here. Some of these robes look like something Bea Arthur would have worn on “The Golden Girls” and others look like an ensemble Joan Collins might have sported on “Dynasty.” Some of the brocade details and cuffs are incredibly cheezy — like costumes, and you don’t want that.
Others styles are lovely. That is, if you want to tell people that you got your vestments from a BRIDE OF CHRIST catalog, and I don’t think I could stomach that. The JESUS IS MY BOYFRIEND catalog, maybe. But that’s as far as I could go.
I don’t know–the first one I clicked was declared to be the ultimate in femininity. That sort of killed it for me.
Some of them are ok but what’s with all the rhinestones? I don’t think the Pope wears that much bling on a daily basis!
And unfortunately the name reminds me of that fashion label Imitation of Christ. I don’t think that’s the image they were going for.
I thought some got a little close to the quilted housecoats my dear departed grandmother wore — another unwelcome association.
Shouldn’t the website be “brides of christ?” Unless they intend to only have one customer …. Thanks to the movie industry, nfortunately (or maybe not) “Bride of Anything” evokes some funny imagery.
!Ay dios mio! Don’t you think you’ve been a bit generous? Also, what about the fabrics?
I know fashion designers in NYC. I’ve begged them to give us some relief. “Please,” I say, “There is a niche. We are starving for some good design here.”
Okay. So, I exaggerate. I know one fashion designer, and he worked on the costimes for Stomp, so maybe he’s not the best person. But still…
In my tradition these would draw too much attention, but they do look well made.
I wish I could sew, because I have in mind a very simple, well made line of clergy fashion and liturgical robes. Can an old dog (well, I’m almost 38, so its’s all relative) learn new tricks?
Ok, you’re right that I think the reason I like this site is because so many of these robes DO remind me of the fantasy my mom and I used to have of being the next Naomi and Wynona Judd just because we liked the sparkly outfits. But you CAN get them without the bling and brocade, and then dont you think the cut is kind of elegant? (Guess not, Scott, if they remind you of Grandma’s jammies…Sigh, see how futile it is for me to try and dress myself?)
RE the name: Isn’t it the Church Herself who’s supposed to be the Bride of Christ? So doesnt the name refer to garmenting (if that’s a word) the church universal?
Juniper,
I really appreciate the referral. It’s a nice one. And I’ll probably order from them. I wasn’t talking about this site per say…just the state of liturgical wear for women who are five feet tall in general.
And, who wouldn’t want to be a Judd?
Now I’m not clergy, but, looking over these robes, it seems to me that you could get something really nifty for a better price if you order a quality abaya or jilbab from one of the Muslim sites. And you’d look about the same. Or, God willing, even better.
The Modest Clothing Directory is a great place to start looking: http://www.modestclothes.com/islamic.html
🙂
Best wishes, Peacebang! I like this blog!
Actually, some of them would be quite nice in white as bridal gowns, for a bride who wanted a modest style that didn’t show much (or any) skin.
My pastor and I ordered our robes from this wonderful shop for my ordination in October. I am blessed to be neighbors of the state where the shop is located. I have to tell you that these are some of the most BEAUTIFUL robes I have ever seen. The photos on the internet do them no justice. And the shop is absolutely gorgeous. I felt as if I had walked into heaven. The designer Tina Scott was very professional and respectful of our callings.
There was nothing cheesy at all about the robes. And, I recommend the clergy blouses. No more tabs ladies.
I can not say enough positive. No more wearing mens robes and shirts for me!
Celeste
I must say that these are some of the best robes that I have ever seen. When you enter the establisment, the GLORY of the LORD is ever present. The staff members are awesome and there is such a welcoming presence. I thank God for the vision that he gave Tina and I pray that she continues to stay humble in her gift. YOU HAVE TO GO THERE TO BELIEVE IT!!!!!
Be Blessed in the Lord Jesus Christ….
I ordered a robe from Bride of Christ, and I was ecstatic with the outcome! Ms. Tina is professional, and caters to each individual. I’ll admit, not all of the robes are to my liking…but she has something for EVERYONE. And she’ll customize a robe to satisfy exactly what you want. I have experience with other robe designers, and Ms. Tina is definitely one of the best. I agree that the photos on the website don’t do the actual garments justice…and I am not a fan of the flashy, gaudy, sparkly either. But again, she caters to many female ministers, to each his (or her) own. The showroom is absolutely beautiful…and I promise th if you actually give Bride of Christ robes a chance, you won’t be disappointed!
WHO EVER GOT SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT BRIDE OF CHRIST ROBES; ARE NOTHING BUT HATERS. BE FOR REAL. YALL ARE COMPLETELY PITYFULL FOR TALKING ABOUT WHAT SHE DO AND FOR THE WORK OF THE LORD. YALL ARE SO UNBELIEVEABLE.
you all dont know style when you see it if you don,t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all
I love her robes and I am praying to get one
of these robe so much. What has she done you did she fired you and now you are trying to ruin her character. Touch not my anionted do my prophet no harm BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN YOU PUT YOUR MOUTH ON THE MEN AND WOMEN OF GOD
I have been a customer of the Bride of Christ Robes from1998 until the present time. One of the reasons why I love these robes(besides the quality,style and comfort) is this: Tina is not just creating robes, she is fulfilling one of the ministries that God had called her to. Each of her robes is named after a woman in the Bible this not only reflects creativity but theological reflection as well! It’s one thing to have a different sense of style; we don’t always like the same things. It is quite another thing to be mean spirited and unkind with remarks that clearly do not reflect the heart of Jesus Christ! [I know, it’s mean. But those robes are atrociously tacky. – PB]
W
I had been watching the Bride of Christ website for some time and when she came to town to do a fashion show I jumped at the chance to see them up close. I also met Ms. Tina! She is a wonderful person with a heart for ministry. You should really hear her testimony! At any rate, I was so impressed I drove to her shop (I live in another state). She custom made my robe from beautiful fabrics and they are made as beautifully as any designer wedding dress and according to my taste. The variety in her styles and designs is her way of appealing to all personalities, denominations and ocassions. Feminine? Yes! Absolutely! You can be elegant AND appropriate in the pulpit. I thank God for her listening to him and not the critics! [Hi Vanessa, I would love to see a photo of your robe! I think this is really about the variety of cultural and regional styles among traditions and I really would love to see a sister preacher all beautiful in one of these robes. Ms. Tina sounds like a bright spirit and we wish her all blessings of joy and abundance. – PB]
Fascinating! They are mostly jumped-up cassocks. I like the angel sleeves. The name does give me pause though.
Truly these robes are appropriate pulpit attire. My mother attended a conference 8 years ago and shared Ms. Tina’s business card with me. I searched the website and knew one day I would purchase a robe. After attending a female clergy fashion show I was certain that BRIDE OF CHRIST ROBES is good ground to sew into. I traveled to Camden NJ to view the entire collection. Once I arrived, I had the option of purchasing what was available on display, but decided to have my robes customized. Yes I did say robes , I purchased 2 robes. Ms Tina is so gracious, warm, and hospitable. Our spirits aligned we prayed together and the robes are prayed for as they are being made. A virtuous woman designs these robes and her assignment is to create these ministry garments as the Spirit of God leads her. I am well pleased and will continue to support BRIDE OF CHRIST ROBES. Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
The name refers to Isaiah 61:10 which is a metaphor that depicts Christ coming back for his bride which is the church. Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. KJV
No, Dr. Coffey, Isaiah is not about and does not refer to Jesus. That the church has read it that way is secondary and wonderful reinterpretation that does not negate the relevance of the text to its original audience and context. The origin of the expression “bride of Christ” is post-biblical. It is not found in the scriptures at all although Paul may be alluding to the concept in 2 Cor 11:2; Rom 7:1–6; Eph 5:21–33. Marriage is certainly used repeatedly as a metaphor for the relationship between God and Israel. And Paul and the Church Fathers would go on to make arguments equating Israel and the Church. Those theological and exegetical arguments took hundreds of years (really more than a thousand) to refine and promulgate. Isaiah 61 is about the end of the Babylonian exile and the promise of God to be Immanuel to those people in their life and time as they returned to the land of Israel. They were dead and gone when God became Immanuel in the flesh yet the promise of God to them was true because the scriptures spoke to them in their time as they do to us in ours. [Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed Professor Wil Gafney, providing us with a free class right here on BTFM. Thank you kindly, Rev. Dr. Profesora. – PB]
I am really glad I set my tea down before reading “I don’t think the Pope wears that much bling on a daily basis!” Nancy, you crack me up.
I would advise all sisters to avoid the baby pink. Really, some colors are just too strongly associated with bathrobes to be liturgical. And I do wonder whether the Micah robe is for cross-dressing male clergy, and I hope the Tamar referred to is the one who seduced her father-in-law in a good cause, not the one who was raped by her brother. But some of these are very nice, and I applaud anyone who’s creating beautiful, appropriate vestments for women.
I cannot believe the negative comments I’ve just read and I’m so glad that I ordered my robes and already wore it to my Elevation Service to an Apostle 2 months ago. I ordered Deborah with the Stole. Ther was nothing cheesy about the fabric. the robes was custom made and it fit well. I received so many compliments. I thank god that He did not allow me to think about reading any reviews or comments before I ordered the robes. I bought my robes from Bride of Christ by faith. I had to options to order from three other places. Two of them I ordered from before. I requested what I wanted based on the color and the trim and it was perfect. I understand that no one can please everyone all the time but being mean spirited is unneccesary. If a sister loves her blink and feels she wants it on her robes then why not let her have it. She’s the one paying for it and has to wear it. Isn’t amazing tho that most of if not all of the negative comments are from the ones that did not purchase any of the robes from Bride of Christ. I thank God for directing me to you Min. Tina Scott and I will certainly be ordering from Bride of christ again. God Bless you Tina and in all of your endeavors.
Bride of Christ Robes are the best! They are tailored made to perfection, great fabric, made to your taste level by anointed hands! Do I need to say more. #mstinaisthebest #youwontbedisappointed
For the Lord is Good and His Mercy endures forever!!