He designed over 20 garments for Pope Francis and made more than 50 for the late Pope Benedict.
Filippo Sorcinelli, an openly gay and tattooed Italian designer, has created more than 70 garments for two Popes—over 50 for the late Pope Benedict XVI and more than 20 for the late Pope Francis. Despite his unconventional image, Sorcinelli remains a prominent figure in Vatican fashion.
Born in 1974, Sorcinelli was first commissioned by Pope Benedict in 2008 and later established LAVS (L’Atelier Vesti Sacre), his atelier dedicated to sacred vestments. He collaborates closely with the Vatican’s Office of Liturgical Celebrations and believes liturgy should engage all five senses. His robes are often scented with incense to evoke spiritual memory.
“It’s the fragrance of incense that transports the person to a pew in St. Peter’s Basilica,” he explained.
Some of his designs take up to 1,000 hours, costing between €1,000 and €7,000. Notably, he crafted Pope Benedict’s mitre for his funeral.
Sorcinelli told DW News: “The church should be welcoming… and open to all aspects of our society… that is also part of the Christian message.”
Despite raising eyebrows within the Church, Sorcinelli’s artistry continues to define modern Catholic vestments with both reverence and contradiction.