The Cry of Modesty
I recently went to a Christian seminar about women’s dress reform. After a long presentation about the immodesty that the fashion industry promotes, which of course is the reason Christian women should not follow fashion trends, the floor was then opened to questions, concerns, suggestions and comments from the audience. As I listened to the questions and concerns raised by the audience, I was perplexed at the bible verses and Ellen G. white’s quotes that were given as answers. Have you ever sat in a room full of people and felt like the dumbest one in their midst? Welcome to the Club! I mean forgive me, but the speculations, personal preferences and eisegesis just made my head spin. At the end of the session, as the lady who was sitting next to me got up to leave, she murmured “that was just a waste of time.”
The questions and concerns were relevant. These beautiful women wanted to become acquainted with the cry of modesty in this present day: What does she sound like? What does she say exactly when she cries out? One particular young woman expressed her dilemma as such: “I feel like I am caught up in-between two extremes. One tells me as a Christian I ought to wear long and plain dresses, and the other one tells me to show “what my mama gave me.” Between these two, how do I know for sure when I am being immodest?”
There is no doubt that the secular world of fashion is to be blamed for promoting immorality in dress, but it is also undeniable that they have a better balanced understanding of modesty and immodesty than we do. It is hard to admit, but the fashion gurus know how to listen to the cry of modesty loud and clear throughout different eras. I know, I know, I know. By now you might be asking - How is a multi-billion-dollar global industry that, at its heart, is based on creative egoists, able to decipher the cry of modesty? And yes, I use to think the same - It really sounds illogical. However, we must take to heart the counsel of Romans 1:22 “by claiming to be wise, we can become fools ourselves.” Therefore, I am convinced that a short tour in their design studio can perhaps teach us something.
The early stage in the design process of clothing is called the RRI (Research Relevance Individuality). It is a process, I believe when incorporated in the matrix of our lives, we too can become better acquainted with the cry of modesty and perhaps beat the gurus at their own game. We can become the next trendsetters! Ok, ok, ok, this is not a competition – I get it.
Research
Fashion Design requires intentionality, precision and personal creativity. Designers do not wake up and start designing based on a spark of creativity and personal preferences. In the pre-design stage of a collection, before a visual board can be pasted, an initial sketch line can be drawned, two questions must be answered; the who and the what. Who is this collection for? What are her values? The answers to these two questions derive from extensive research on the historical background on modesty and immodesty from previous eras to the present. In addition, a heavy collection of many styles from the past to the present, as well as a thorough market research analysis, is of enormous importance. This plethora of information pre-determines the identity of the collection to be designed. A great deal of time, energy, money and skills are invested in research in this preliminary stage in order to have a concrete understanding of the worldviews of past and present civilizations. This stage paves the way to notice the different faces of modesty throughout history and acknowledge that it is culturally defined. And once the faces are detected, it becomes almost automatic to become acquainted with the relentless voice of modesty as she cries out “I am ever changing from generation to the next, from one culture to the next, but my essence is ever constant - humility.”
Relevance
As a collection progresses into the creative stage, every piece must be conducive to the target audience’s need. Relevance is one of the most revered rules in the fashion bible. If you walk into a secular fashion design office, present yourself as an American woman, give your body measurements and lay down your Christian values - BAMMM… guaranteed you would walk out with a satisfying wardrobe that is modest and modern. What is the trick? Simply that fashion gurus know to scratch people where they itch. It is interesting to note that as Christians get busy complicating the simple principle of 1 Tim 2:9: I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, to the point that some people perceive it to be a nebulous concept, the secular fashion industry gets busy applying it.
Relevance leaves no confusion between Ellen G. White’s era of modesty and today’s. In the 20th century, long dresses were the norm; modesty in wardrobe was a matter of steering away from looking extravagant. The fashion police in those days searched for evidence of expensive fabrics, expensive bows, complicated ornaments, patterns and popping bright colors as the cause for tickets. The face of modesty then, was revealed by not wearing your wealth and become the center of attention. In contrast, the face of today’s modesty is to cover up places that ought to remain covered. The concern is to not showcase your body and become the center of attention. Thus, relevance focuses on the current need and compels us to be attentive to the entreating voice of modesty as she cries out “Please put some clothes on...let your nudity be covered”
Individuality
Respect for individuality is the bedrock of the fashion industry. Fashion gurus acknowledge that we are not a one size and one-fit-all people. We come in different size, shape and differ in taste. This naked truth is used as a source of creativity to design one style for various body types. For instance, a dress designed for a pear body type can have a much lower breast cleavage without drawing undue attention to the chest since the upper area is not the focal point. On the other hand, a dress designed for an apple body type should have a higher cleavage since the upper area is the focal point. Respect for individuality breaks the barrier of limitation, boosts morale and encourages people to be authentic. Respect for individuality opens the ears to the pleading voice of modesty as she cries out “Please select some clothes - and while you’re at it, please pick the fit that is intentionally designed for your body type – oh, and make sure it’s your size too!”
The RRI is a useful guideline to stray away from extremes and encourage a balanced practical view of modesty. Let this balanced view reflect your wardrobes as you make smart choices to dress modest, modern and chic. And Yes, you can dress modest and chic – prayerfully remember to:
1. Be conscious of the modern cries of modesty.
2. Embrace your body type. Not everything on sale and pretty is for you. Have you ever seen a woman in a pretty dress that does her no good? Designers design with body types in mind, so no matter how popular a brand is, if it does not suit your body type, do not bother.
3. Be simple. When it comes to ornaments and décor, less is better. When it comes to covering up places that ought to remain covered, more is better.
4. Be honest with yourself as you reflect on the deep-seated reasons you want to wear certain outfit. Is it the need for attention or is it carelessness?…
Geraldine Sigue is a student at the Andrews Theological SDA Seminary.