Espadrilles out for the sunshine...

That's right, it's happened... Religion now sell shoes! Available in 2 styles in a plethora of colourways- including our signature Union Jack print, there is a pair to match every outfit!

At just £40, these canvas slip-on shoes are perfect for the incresingly warm weather. Available in all our London stores in sizes 7-12.

Around the World in Religion: South Africa

Religion may have been created in East London but over the years it’s grown into an international brand. We’ve got stores in England, Indonesia, Australia, America and more. That’s right, we get around! So we're giving you a taste of each of our stores, starting with Johannesburg, South Africa.

Hi Thembi! What’s your job title and how long have you been at Religion?

I’m the store manager here at Religion. I have been here for just 2 months and 12 days. Beforehand I was travelling, and I spent 3 months in Wellington, New Zealand.

Describe your store? What’s the area like?

The store is situated at 44 Stanley Ave in Milpark, Johannesburg. The area is a student area as there is a university nearby. However when you walk into 44 Stanley its like stepping into a whole different world that's buzzing with fashionistas, local celebrities and the media. It has an upmarket, chilled vibe to it. After working here for a month I realised that this is the perfect location for the store, even better than being in a huge shopping mall. I love the store, the front of the store is glass so there’s always a view of the store from the outside. The shelves are lined with white light LEDs so even when the store is closed, people still have a full view of the items in the store. The graphics in the store are amazing. Love it...

What do you and the rest of the Religion team like best about the brand?

Of course we love the clothes, but also the feel of the store. It creates a comfortable working environment and we all look forward to coming to work every day.

Describe the style of your customers?

All of our customers have a different style. No one that comes into Religion has the same style as the next person that walks in, there's a different element to each of them. There's an item for every style out there in the store.

What are your bestsellers?

At the moment we have two popular items in store. The American flag print jeans and the American flag print cardigan. People are crazy about these two items!

Religion in an East London brand – what do you think makes it so popular in South Africa and internationally?

Well it’s a very different look and these days people pride themselves in being different. They want to have a unique style that very few people have and that's why I think it’s so popular. If I want something that I know I won’t see on everyone then Religion’s for me.

Describe your style…

I'd describe my style as rocker chic. Taking the grungy style and adding a feminine twist to it.

What is your favourite piece for this season and how are you wearing it?

My favourite piece for this season would have to be my Religion black drop crotch sweat pants. I wear them with a pair of air max sneakers, a simple wife beater and a hoodie on chilly days.

What’s on your playlist?

At the moment I’m listening to: Little Dragon, Florence And The Machine, Amy Winehouse, The Internet and Corinne Bailey Rae.

What’s the best night out in Johannesburg?

The best night out in Johannesburg would start off with dinner at Moyo at Zoo Lake, followed by drinks at MiBar in Rosebank and then some dancing at club Hush in Rosebank. Not forgetting looking fresh in Religion clothing. Night made...

Where’s your favourite spot in South Africa?

My favourite spot in SA would be The Sands in Sandton. Perfect chilled environment on the pool deck, enjoying the best sushi and cocktails while watching the sun set on a Sunday. Not forgetting the pool in the shape of an absolute vodka bottle...

A girl after our own heart. If you’re in Johannesburg or planning a trip, you can find the store at 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg, 2001, or take a look at the website here.

It's time to crack out the Sunnies

Oh yes, the first and foremost sunshine MUST is a reliable pair of sunnies. From classic shapes to quirky frames, everyone has a favourite. The right pair can transform an outfit from meh to wow and plus - lets face it - they make you look damn cool. Of course, Religion has come up with the goods, and we even have styles which are in keeping with this season's sunglasses craze: the round lense. Take a look at our clear frames which were featured in Grazia:

Here's a selection of some of our favourite frames. You can buy them from any Religion Store or for women's sunglasses, online at House of Fraser. Which ones will you be wearing?

With all this talk of sunshine, here's a little something to get you in the mood...

How to Transition Gracefully

When the warm weather starts creeping up but it’s not quite warm enough to let go of your trusty winter wear, layering is key. Ruched fabrics, simple tees and shorts can be layered up with light, loose jackets and thin knits to combat the changing weather. Take a look at our selection of key pieces to help you transition gracefully...

For Him: We've picked out simple summery tees, classic shorts and tapered chinos. Plus of course our Hollywood shirt, one in a series of four Hawaiian shirts. See our blog post on these beauties here.

Big Stripe Tee

Euston Shorts

Hollywood Shirt

Lambeth Trousers

Vulture Jacket

Noctun Shorts

For Her: It's all about gathered, loose fitting fabrics that layer up a treat. Throw a light jacket over a simple dress or our Animal Shorts for an evening look.

Amore Top

Animal Shorts

Globe Dress

Impatient Jacket - Religion Black Label

Law Waistcoat

Sumie Wash Dress

Behind the Brand: Grace Rankin

Last month we spoke to menswear designer Tahsin to get behind the brand, and this month it’s the turn of Grace Rankin. Grace is the Showroom Coordinator here at Religion and her job includes everything from sales to styling.

Talk us through your average working day...

I start off by making sure the showroom is looking good for the sales appointments and then check emails and reply to anything that’s urgent. Days can vary quite a lot as if we have important customers in I tend to be on hand with the sales agents more – helping with appointments and trying on the clothes for the customers. I sometimes take appointments if the sales guys are really busy. I liaise with our PR agency and organise any samples/ images or pricing that they might need – also if we have celeb visits I’m in contact with our stores to prep them etc. My days are very diverse and I can go from responding to email queries to styling photoshoots.

What are you wearing today?

Religion Night Dress and Hopper Leather Jacket

Hopper Leather Jacket

Night Dress

Describe your style:

I’ve got a very girlie style but I like to mix it up with edgy Religion pieces like this Hopper leather jacket. Plus I love having a bit of sparkle on my nails.

Which new Religion SS12 pieces are you most excited about getting your hands on?

Definitely the Universe shirt in white and the Paris Shirt dress. I’m going to wear them with our Afi leggings for now but once it gets a bit warmer I’m thinking bare legs and chunky heels.

Paris Shirt

What can’t you leave the house without?

My phone and a good book – I can’t resist an action book but I like a mushy romantic one every now and again.

Describe your ideal night out...

Being with good friends chatting and drinking – I’m a South London girl at heart so the cocktail bars on Clapham High Street or The Bedford in Balham are my favourites.

Who is your style icon?

I love Audrey Hepburn’s style but I don’t dress to her look. I like Sienna Miller’s relaxed style too.

What is your favourite thing about being in London?

There’s always something to do and see. I love Southbank as there’s always something going on there – chocolate tasting, book fairs… Plus of course the culture and museums London has to offer. This weekend I’m heading to the Marilyn Monroe exhibition at the Getty Images Gallery.

Wear the Tropics on your Torso!

The sun is showing it's face (albeit reluctantly) and us Brits love to brighten up our wardrobes come Summer. Let Religion introduce to you the Hawaiian print shirts shown here in a FHM spread. Available in 4 different prints, they are available in all our London branches.

So how to wear this Hawaiian shirt? Despite it being a menswear piece, it can be worn by both males and females shown here by two members of staff;

Team the new Aloha Hawaiian shirt with jeans while there's still a chill in the air, and if the sun peaks through the clouds, simply swap them for shorts.

So...

Your plans for the weekend: postpone them, buy some cachaca rum, one of these Aloha Hawaiian shirts, play the entire Serge Gainsbourg back-catalogue and take it from there...

Religion: Music to Your Ears

For the March issue of Company High-Street Edit, we 'fessed up about the music played in our stores. The top six tracks on our playlist are:

1. Pete Doherty: Last of the English Roses

2. Bat for Lashes: Horse and I

3. The Black Keys: Strange Times

4. Passion Pit: Moth's Wings

5. The Kills: Baby Says

6. The Enemy: Be Somebody

Take a listen and tell us what you think. What's your favourite track to listen to while getting dressed up in Religion?

Lucille's Perfect Pooch Pout

Introducing the hot new modelling talent for 2012: Lucille the Boston Terrier. Lucille was seen at the end of last year fashioning out a Religion Holes Sweat (see the article here ) and she has now made her magazine debut in Elle - High Street Edit. She's such a great poser we almost forgot to mention there are some brand new Religion collars in there too!

New Religion Store in Seoul

The new Religion store in Korea is now open! If you're heading to Seoul, go to Noon Square shopping centre to get your Religion fix. Take a look at the pictures...

Celebrities in Religion

Celebrities have been stocking up their Spring wardrobes with Religion this month. Here's a selection of who's been in store or been seen out and about in Religion:

RiRi in 'God Save The Queen Sweat'

 The one and only Rihanna was seen wearing her Religion 'God Save the Queen' sweat this week. You can pre-order this item at Serene Order


Dot Rotten in Arua Blazer

One to watch for 2012, Dot Rotten picked up a selection of Religion for an upcoming photoshoot. Read our interview with the South London MC  here


Kirk picked up some jeans and tees from Religion

 We had a chat with Kirk when he came into our Portobello store to find out what he is getting up to in 2012 - read it right here


Maverick Sabre in Religion Denim Jacket

 Maverick Sabre's incredible album 'Lonely are the Brave' gets alot of airtime in Religion HQ.


Amy Childs seen out in Religion Afi leggings

Essex girl Amy Childs loves our Afi leggings and has been seen out in London wearing them.


Harry Styles in a simple Religion polo

 Everyone's favourite jailbait, Harry Styles keeps it simple in a Religion polo.

February Press

There's been a real buzz around our new collection for Spring Summer 2012 in the press. Take a look at some of the coverage Religion had during February: