St Patrick's Day is a religious holiday that seems to have lost its meaning for many. For most college students, it has turned into a day of drinking green beer and getting as drunk as possible. However, what we college students seem to forget is that there really is a religious meaning to this holiday.

St Patty's Day is a day that represents the bringing of Christianity to Ireland by Saint Patrick. We sometimes forget the religious influence that several things contain. If we look closely, we can find religion in almost any aspect of life, including fashion.

The word religion derives from the Latin root religio(n-) which translates to bond, obligation or reverence (deep respect). Many argue that fashion is a religion, with Anna Wintour holding the title of high priestess and André Leon Tally being her fashionable henchman. However, saving that controversial topic for another day, I think it is important to see the influence religion has within the fashion industry.

There are constantly hidden religious symbols and influences that need to be acknowledged.

Oftentimes designers use religion to create a controversial collection to instigate thought. Fashion shows are essentially creations that the designer has imagined. He or she is inspired and proceeds to design. Designers like to stir thought within the viewers through a hidden context or understanding. Religion has proven to be a very effective and inspirational tool for many designers. Whether it's Lady Gaga's fashions and inspirations in her "Judas" music video, meant to be a modern-day portrayal of Jerusalem, or Playboy being inspired and turning a "bunny" into Mary, there is a never-ending cycle of religion in the fashion industry.

Personally my favourite depictions of religion are in ad campaigns and direct imagery used in clothing. Recently Black Milk Studios has been providing customers with an updated version of what American Apparel provides. As opposed to plain-coloured clothing with occasional prints in basic silhouettes, they have decided to add more intrigue with strong images. Using the American flag, bold patterns and religious graphics, they have certainly made religious icons fashionable.

Ad campaigns are also a very effective way of delivering a religious message to the public. Seeing as fashion shows are usually reserved for the fashion industry as opposed to the public, the masses rarely get the opportunity to experience the mood of the collection, spotlights and all. Ad campaigns provide us with an inner look into the designer's creations. A great example of this is in a 2009 Dolce & Gabbana advertisement. The ad illustrates men seen praying on their knees with their eyes open. It implies a hidden meaning and therefore the public has an opportunity to reflect upon a deeper meaning. The religious aspect adds depth to the advertisement without being too overbearing.

Intentional or not, religious symbols will always be an undeniable source of inspiration for lots of designers, whether we like it or not.