Fanshawe Fashionista: Have faith in fashion

You don't have to work in the fashion world to have a keen sense of style and although the newly appointed pope may never make a best-dressed list, he is nothing short of a religious fashion icon. Never before acknowledged for his sense of style and flare, the surprising individualism of Prada-wearing Pope Benedict XVI and his new designer duds is causing a stir in Vatican City. His quick dismissal of a traditional tailoring company, who has dressed the pope for centuries, is also irking the Catholic Church.

The PopeCruising around in his popemobile wearing Gucci shades and red Prada loafers under his cassock, the stylish Benedict is being accused of ditching the papal tailors who have been dressing popes for over 200 years and he's getting much grief from the Vatican for doing so. The Pope has also relied on a specific tailor that continues to dress him, despite what other popes have done in the past.

Since his days as cardinal, Benedict has favored his tailor, Alessandro Cattaneo, and the 20-year-old religious-fashion house of Rainier Mancinelli. At risk of losing the papal-dress contract are the Annibale Gammarelli tailors, who are famous for making papal wear for past popes since 1792. At Benedict's debut blessing in a cassock that rest just above his ankles, Annibale Gammarelli blundered and their ensemble was ‘short' of acceptable for their Holy Father. Many other celebratory ensembles created by Gammarelli were reported by the Pope as being uncomfortable and unacceptable, and he switched them up for Rainier Mancinelli's more loose-fitting threads, although Gammarelli claims to dress the Pope regularly. The Vatican refuses to comment on the papal attire.

Regardless of what either party reports, the Prada wearing pope has sparked ‘cassock wars' in the holy city by refusing the services of robe makers that have been doing the job for over two centuries and hiring a tailor who has been in business for only 20 years. Both tailors are trying to win the Pope's favour and end the dispute over the papal contract.

This new Roman Catholic leader has a fondness for designer eyewear and Italian shoes, hats and jackets, and is slowly becoming an unlikely style icon. This is a man that knows what he likes, and his attempt to switch tailors and infuse fashion designers into his wardrobe is catching everyone off guard.

Although Pope Benedict XVI may not yet have achieved the mass popularity and support of his Polish predecessor, his sense of style and love for designer accessories is winning him new fashionista-fans worldwide. Because of his stylish ways, this German-born leader is in the centre of the Vatican's more bizarre controversies over who has designed his wardrobe, (opposed to more relevant and important religious topics). And regardless of which tailor the Pope has now switched to, it is widely seen as a betrayal of hundreds of years of tradition. Perhaps tradition is not something he is trying to tamper with, but simply enjoys old favourites and is a fan of designer goods. Either way, he should not be seen as a victimizer, but rather Italy's new fashion victim.

Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.