Fashionizing the Collar

Is a big, huge “NO.”

Alert reader C.M. sent me this photo of Anglican priest, the Rev. Joanna Jepson, by e-mail:

Yes. That is a clergy collar. Here it is again.

Now before you go screaming, “WHAT THE HELL,” let me inform you of this interesting fact: Joanna Jepson is the Chaplain of the London College of Fashion, which I think is really fascinating and edgy and I’d love to talk with her about her work when I’m in London this summer.

So there she is, doing a community ministry in a really unique setting in regards to clergy image, right? Given that, you can see that she’s made a really creative attempt to do something fashion-y with the old dog collar, right? I think that was a really understandable instinct, and she certainly did a good job of it. It’s a collar, but it’s not on a shirt. It’s more like a … necklace?

But the clergy collar should not be “fashionized” and updated like any other accessory. The instinct to interpret the collar from an individualized perspective is simply not appropriate. The collar is not a symbol of individuality but a symbol of the ordained ministry. To change it up the way that Rev. Jepson has done may make her students think, “Wow, yeah, cool,” but that is the collar does not exist to elicit admiring reactions from future fashion designers. We must understand our ministry context, but we need not assimilate ourselves to it to the extent that we lose decorum in matters of dress or manners.

My argument is: either wear the collar or do not. But if you choose to wear it, do not assume that you are entitled to change it essential shape — especially not in order to show more skin and render it more flattering and, I dare say, sexy.

This is much better. It’s a collar. It is not a sexy choker re-invented as a clergy collar: a confusing and misguided appropriation of an ancient and immediately recognizable symbol.

I mean, preaching robes aren’t sexy, either, but while we may make them shaplier by adding darts or cutting them to suit the female shape, we do not cut them to mini-length to show our gams.

With a round of applause for creativity, having put obvious thought into her public image, and for design skill, we give the Rev. Joanna Jepson a Halo of Praise.
For the end result, however, we feel obligated to send this vamped up clerical collar to the Naughty Corner.

10 Replies to “Fashionizing the Collar”

  1. Yeah. Big huge “NO.” However, I *might* wear that just to get her job. Who would have though?

  2. There are (a few) other ordained women in England who make modifications to their collars, though AFAIK they have no role in fashion, and have been doing so since before JJ took up her post at LCF. I agree with you, I’m generally agin it – too Chippendales.

  3. They look like a cover for a tracheotomy, or a stoma. Very confusing, a little S&M, and not at all fashionable.

  4. Oh, goodness, yes: Chippendales, Playboy bunnies, an S&M collar…. it ends up looking ridiculous. And I don’t even think it does what she’d like; she wants attention drawn to it (check), and she wants to be fashionable (uh, no). It just looks…. Odd. Like she’s trying to show off her collarbone. Absolutely inappropriate.

    I’m a twenty-something pre-seminarian (applications in, FAFSA completed, just crossing my fingers!), and I would never do this. If you’re going to wear a collar, you’re WEARING A COLLAR. There is no middle ground, and you shouldn’t be trying to change it; it changes you. It’s a very powerful statement on its own, and modifications just dilute that message. That last photo is how you wear the collar: with good hair, a touch of makeup, and a big, beautiful, genuine smile.

    Meanwhile, The very first outfit (that 3/4 sleeve shirtdress) is a great outfit, separate from the ridiculous “collar”. I’d add a bright colored silk scarf or a great necklace, and voila. Very fashionable, age-appropriate, presentable, and not too flashy.

  5. I totally agree with the fashion/professionalism point, but in fact the clerical collar isn’t “ancient”. It dates from the mid-to-late nineteenth century and evolved from the wingtip collar, which in turn evolved from the stock. Of the various vestments/articles of clothing with which we announce our role (preaching robes/bands, choir vestments, Eucharistic vestments) it’s actually the newest.

  6. But WHY exactly would you argue that modern ministers, especially women, must wear something designed by men for men with no modifications or interpretation? Why shouldn’t it evolve?
    [I think that’s a good point and it is certainly one that I have considered. My answer for now is that if there are modifications to be made (and I can’t really see any that wouldn’t project something avoidant, derivative or rebellious), they should be made by a group of contemporary clerics who discuss the matter, consider alternate designs and wear them as a community of this small reformation. Christian reform is not something one engages in from an individualist, “free to be you and me” mentality. In fact, that ego-centered emphasis on self runs entirely counter to the Church’s teachings and purposes on earth. So while I am all for interpretation and modification, I believe it must be approached with the utmost care and for the right reasons on behalf of a community of faith, not merely for oneself. I hope that makes sense. – PB]

  7. Although that particular outfit isn’t…quite right, I’ve gotta say that I’ve been yearning to put a collar on this dress
    http://www.travelsmith.com/jump.jsp?itemID=10541&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C253%2C260&iProductID=10541&sortBy=0
    (if only it existed in anything but a Medium…).
    This dress seems to be a perfect way to be professional and feminine. Not bearing cleavage, yet not totally buttoned up.
    Do you think they’ll re-stock for next season?

  8. I would steer us away from the stripper/playboy bunny comments above. I hate it when men tell women what to wear. It is even worse when women judge other women in the same way. [This isn’t judgment, though, Marci. It’s perfectly appropriate to make visual associations with the way the clerical collar has been reinterpreted by this chaplain. That’s what we do here. The result is reminiscent of Chippendale, Playboy and S+M accessories. That’s not a judgment, it’s a fact. You can like it or not like it, but part of what we’re doing in this online community is asking the question, “What statement does my attire make?” – PB]

    I love her collar. This is the only way I would wear one. I’ve joked for years I was waiting for a collar to come out in a V neck. And she’s done it. Kudos to her. She looks lovely and ministerial. And authentic to herself.

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