With the Catholic church shrouded beneath a dark cloud of priestly misdeeds last year, one might think that shifting the focus onto something that doesn't involve alter boys would be a welcome distraction. But, if I had to guess, the year of the fashionable nun wasn't exactly what the Vatican had in mind. But, with or without the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI, 2008 will go down as the year of the fashionable nun (even if only in our collective memories).

Agyness Deyn on the cover of Pop Magazine, Fall 2008

High-fashion nuns took over Pop Magazine's myriad of Autumn/Winter '08 covers. "Miss Sister 2008," the first-ever nun fashion show was announced (and then quickly canceled) this past week. A risque fitness club ad with nuns sketching a nude man angered the Boston Archdiocese. Even model Eva Mendes recently revealed that she once considered the sisterhood (until she found out that there wasn't any money in it. Go figure!)

Not surprisingly, granny panties, cleavage covers, and dowdy bib dresses have been making some serious headway this year. And the fall 2008 catwalks have been no exception, with black and white full-coverage frocks and head coverings making their presence be known. (Yes, the Virgin de Guadalupe will being having her cake AND eating it too!)

Frans Molenaar, Fall 2008

Alexis Mabille, Fall 2008

Roland Mouret, Fall 2008

Chanel, Fall 2008

Moschino, Fall 2008

3.1 Phillip Lim Bib Dress & 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent Titanium Sweater Dress

Tunic Mini Dress & Agadir Connie Dress by Jill Stuart

Actress Megan Fox for "Teresa: The Making of a Saint”

The controversial Equinox Fitness Club ad

Singer Kylie Minogue

From controversial 'Get Women Naked' JBS underwear ad campaign

Smoking Nun Dress by Lucha Workshop

Helen Noakes Nun Earrings at helennoakesjewellery.com

Me Too 'Frost' Pump at nordstrom.com

Boutique 9 'Jolie' Oxford at zappos.com