Veronica Marrinan uses her grandmother’s sewing machine to put a hem on a scarf in her new collection.
As the co-founder of Litany NYC, her goal is to clothe not just the body but the soul.
“As a Catholic, how does my clothing express my soul,” said Marrinan. “You know, how can I share my personality, the unique way God made me, through what I wear.”
Over her shoulder is assistant designer Rebecca Kreamer. The pair talk through every stitch, making sure the product they send out gets the stamp of approval.
“Fast fashion doesn’t have a lot of modesty wear,” said Kreamer. “And if it is, it’s not very flattering, so Litany offers that modesty look.”
The two women, both graduates of the Fashion Institute of Technology, are on the heels of a cultural revival, filling a void for Catholics who choose to veil during Mass.
Litany’s scarf designs, inspired by saints, devotions, and Gospel stories, are different from the common lace veils women were required to wear before the Second Vatican Council in 1962—the same veil Veronica grew up wearing.
“I’m aware that I’m in my special place of worship,” said Marrinan. “I put my veil on, it helps me remember that.”
Now, as popularity grows, so do sales.
Litany made more money in the last year than they did in the first three years of the business. Sales of this ‘Holy Family’ scarf are up 34 percent from 2023. Sales of the St. Joseph, Spouse of Our Lady scarf are up 81 percent.And sales on this scarf, called Mary, Mother of the Church, are up 100 percent from last year.
Litany says last year, before more people were veiling, that design was purchased 33 times. This year, it’s been purchased 67 times.
“What are people buying, what do they want, and how can we fulfill that need” said Marrinan.
“The empowerment behind it that we’re giving these women—I want to veil,” said Kreamer. “I feel confident, I feel comfortable, and I’m happy to be doing it.”
Litany’s scarves allow Catholics to display their faith in a personal way.
“Knowing a little bit of the design behind it is going to help them believe the truth that they are so beautiful and so beloved by God,” said Marrinan.
The team says though veils are making a comeback, the devotion behind them never went out of style. In Crown Heights, Jessica Easthope, Currents News.