Where Do Those Crazy Liturgical Costumes Come From?

This is a follow-up on my last post on clerical costumes.

Challwood Studio is one of the sources Episcopal clerics go to when looking for new ways to express themselves. If you visit Challwood's web page, you may see some familiar outfits including Presiding Bishop Schori's miter, Bishop Gene Robinson's garb, and other monstrosities.

A little digging turns up the fact that the name "Challwood" is the result of the fusion of the last names of the two partners in the studio, Paul Woodrum and Victor Challenor who are also fused at the hips.

"The Rev. Paul Woodrum is a retired Episcopal priest who lives in Brooklyn, NY, and supplies in the Dioceses of Long Island and New York. Since 1985 he and his husband, Victor Challenor, have been partners in Challwood Studio, designing and crafting contemporary liturgical vestments and ornaments." (Episcopal Cafe) 

This explains a lot. It is more than fitting that a gay, married, retired Episcopal priest is the go to guy for our inclusive, progressive leaders. It is also telling that the vestments our priests and bishops go for all scream, "Look at me" for narcissism is at the heart of the gender identity confusion that has swept the Episcopal church off the mainline of Christianity and onto its current trajectory.

From now on, whenever I see our bishops and priests wearing these overly expressive and distracting garments, I will hear the words of "Dedicated Follower Of Fashion" by The Kinks coming to mind,

They seek him here, they seek him there,
His clothes are loud, but never square.
It will make or break him so he's got to buy the best,
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.

And when he does his little rounds,
'Round the boutiques of London Town,
Eagerly pursuing all the latest fads and trends,
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.

Oh yes he is (oh yes he is), oh yes he is (oh yes he is).
He thinks he is a flower to be looked at,
And when he pulls his frilly nylon panties right up tight,
He feels a dedicated follower of fashion.

Oh yes he is (oh yes he is), oh yes he is (oh yes he is).
There's one thing that he loves and that is flattery.
One week he's in polka-dots, the next week he is in stripes.
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.

They seek him here, they seek him there,
In Regent Street and Leicester Square.
Everywhere the Carnabetian army marches on,
Each one an dedicated follower of fashion.

Oh yes he is (oh yes he is), oh yes he is (oh yes he is).
His world is built 'round discoteques and parties.
This pleasure-seeking individual always looks his best
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.

Oh yes he is (oh yes he is), oh yes he is (oh yes he is).
He flits from shop to shop just like a butterfly.
In matters of the cloth he is as fickle as can be,
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.
He's a dedicated follower of fashion.
He's a dedicated follower of fashion.