This year saw the rise of the kaffiyeh or "Arafat scarf" as the one of the hottest accessories.

This year saw the rise of the kaffiyeh or "Arafat scarf" as the one of the hottest accessories.

The kaffiyeh became the latest addition to religious symbols becoming fashion statements.

I had a conversation with two colleagues about religious symbols becoming fashion statements last week.

They were very emotional about respecting religion and letting religious symbols stay sacred.

While talking about the matter, we realised that the only religious symbol left untouched by the fashion frenzy was the Zion Christian Church's badge.

"Imagine all the things that one could do with the badge.

"You can use it as a brooch on a beautiful shirt, or maybe as a hairpin minus the green cloth," I suggested to my friends.

They looked at me and gasped. Imagine people flocking to clubs with a star or dove brooch or hairpin.

"That is disgusting," one of them screamed. "No club will allow anyone with that to enter their premises. It's disrespecting religion."

The only problem with this future fashion statement is that it is only sold to baptised members of ZCC by the church.

It might prove a bit hard to get hold of the future fashion accessory.

The dove badge costs R13 and the star one costs R5. Fashion lovers are always looking for bargains.

Or maybe the badge is one of those things that have to be left sacred.

If it ever becomes a fashion accessory, remember you heard it from me first.