The Styling of Italian Devotion

kim kardashian italian devotion styling

Whether you are a devote Catholic or just a lover of religious symbolism, Italian devotion in design is an art form in and of itself. And regardless of whether it is your personal style or not, it is still well worth all the recognition it gets for stylistic power. Home to the Pope and a vast population of Roman Catholics, the Italian born styling of devotion is all about celebrating faith through the use of religious symbolism in art, fashion, and design.

At Love Happens we are all about Italian devotion right now! From the celebrity Kardashian-Barker wedding party in Portofino and the many Italian devotion fashion statements that came with it; to Venice’s international art exhibition Biennale Arte 2022 featuring the evocative exhibition Angels Listening; the recent release of the Italian Netflix series Devotion, A Story of Love and Desire (Fideltà); and the show commanding exhibit of our publisher the luxury decor brand KOKET at the world’s largest furniture fair Salone del Mobile.Milano; Italy is a design powerhouse right now (and always!).

From the news and TV series to fashion and home decor, in honor of our love for the styling of Italian devotion read on and be inspired!

The Styling of Italian Devotion, A Break Down

This holy-inspired look often features demure colors and lace veilings contrasted with symbolic brilliant gold accents. An overall Humble-Meets-Audacious style. It is important to note here too that the styling of Italian devotion is a spectrum. It can lean more toward a conservative look. Or all the way at the other end with a dark sultry feel.

Kim Kardashian rocked the look of Italian devotion in Portofino, Italy in May 2022 for her sister Kourtney Kardashian's wedding to musician Travis Barker. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)
Kim Kardashian rocked the look of Italian devotion in Portofino, Italy in May 2022 for her sister Kourtney Kardashian’s wedding to musician Travis Barker. (Photo by NINO/GC Images)

Colors & Textures

When it comes to the colors and materials best suited for styling an Italian devotion look, think of a modest black or white base with prominent gold or bejeweled accents. Clergy historically wear black and/or white making this the best choice for your outfit base when it comes to the look in fashion. Go for these colors as the base when it comes to interiors, think walls, floors, and/or upholstery.

italian devotion styling koket projects luxury interior design
In this interior by KOKET black and white with marble and gold accents create the perfect subtle Italian styling, add your own religious symbol to complete the look of devotion.

Metal and jeweled accents make the Italian devotion look ever so alluring. Whether in a cross necklace or a gold light fixture, the addition of metallic instantly elevates the neutral base of the style.

Incorporating lace, especially black but also white, into your style brings in the Catholic practice of women veiling their skin with lace, humbling to God.

The prominent use of marble and storied paintings in Italian churches makes these elements also great ways to accomplish Italian devotion styling.

When it comes to mirrors, antique or Venetian styles are a fabulous fit for this look.

italian devotion styling koket venetian mirror
Black walls and flooring accented with gold, antique mirror, and a true Italian style statement in a Venetian-inspired mirror make for a devoted Italian interior in this space by KOKET.

Symbols

When selecting the perfect gold and bejeweled accents, while any gold tones will help, a Catholic symbol is the best way to get the true look of devotion.

The most renowned designers feature works of art perfect for Italian styling. Think of the renowned luxury Italian fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana’s cross jewelry or sacred heart handbags. Beautiful religious jewelry can also be found in the world of vintage shopping, a great sustainable choice!

Clip-on drop cross earrings by Dolce & Gabbana
Clip-on drop cross earrings by Dolce & Gabbana
dolce baggana devotion sacred heart bag italian styling
Medium Devotion bag with sacred heart by Dolce & Gabbana
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana for Dolce & Gabbana. Wedding ensemble, spring/summer 2013 Alta Moda. Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana. Digital composite scan by Katerina Jebb. Image Courtesy of The Met.
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana for Dolce & Gabbana. Wedding ensemble, Spring/Summer 2013 Alta Moda. Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana at The Met Heavenly Bodies Exhibit, 2018. Digital composite scan by Katerina Jebb. (Image Courtesy of The Met)

Even designers outside Italy adore the art of Italian devotion styling. A perfect example is the beautiful Catholic figurines by the Spanish fine porcelain brand Lladro.

Heavenly Heart Angel by lladro
Heavenly Heart Angel
Our Lady of the Sacred Forgiven Figurine, Numbered Edition
Our Lady of the Forsaken, Numbered Edition
Heavenly Prayer Angel lladro
Heavenly Prayer Angel

Get the Italian Devotion Look at Home

If you are looking to create an Italian devotion interior KOKET has the perfect black and gold look. Mix in your favorite symbolic works of art and your space will instantly radiate Italian devotion styling.


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