MILAN, Mar 30, 2005/ FW/ --- It is extremely amazing how a subject matter that has been around for two millennia can be so chic and “in” right now that it is actually reaping headlines all over.

Maybe, it’s a by-product of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” or a corollary of Dan Brown’s best selling novel, “The Da Vinci Code.”

For a couple of seasons now there has been an increased awareness of a higher power throughout many designer’s campaigns and show themes.

Perhaps it has something to do with the horrific earthquake in the East or it is because of the deteriorating medical condition of the Pope. Whatever the reasons are, fashionistas are showing their spirituality.

One of the first collections this season to show spirituality was DSquared’s Dean and Dan Caten.

Their men’s autumn/winter collection runway set was identifiably a picture perfect replica of a Southern Baptist church, which is commonly found in the Bible Belt of America.

The set was full with pews and a cross, which are staples in every church of this type. The show began with a rendition of the gospel hit “Jesus Loves Me.”

Then the music turned into a mixed techno beat, and suddenly went into Grammy award winning Kayne West’s hit song “Jesus Walks.”

At this moment not only was the crowd taken back but also now bopping their heads to a hip-hop Grammy nominated gospel jam. At the end of the show the models sat in the pews like good church boys on Easter Sunday.

As the design duo came out to take their bow, the audience stood up and gave them a standing ovation. Whether the audience was giving praise to their designs or giving praise to God for sending a much-needed message through them, no one will ever know.

But one fact remains; DSquared sold t-shirts at the end of the show supporting the victims of the Tsunami, a very kind gesture indeed.

The Canadian twins continued the same theme in their women’s show last February, complete with a cable knit sweater that says, “Jesus Loves Me.”

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DSquared Menswear Fall 2005

DSquared Menswear Fall 2005

DSquared Womenswear Fall 2005

DSquared Womenswear Fall 2005