Meet the Gay Designer Who Styles the Pope

When you picture someone designing clothes for the Pope, you probably imagine a quiet, older man tucked away in a Roman workshop, surrounded by tradition and silence. You don’t imagine tattoos, shirtless selfies, or incense-scented fabric. But Filippo Sorcinelli is all of that and more.

Filippo is a gay designer who has spent over two decades creating garments for the Catholic Church’s highest figures, including not one, but two popes. 

He has crafted over 20 garments for Pope Francis and more than 50 for the late Pope Benedict XVI. And while his work is rooted deeply in sacred tradition, Filippo himself stands boldly outside the mold.

What to know about Filippo

Born in 1974, Filippo is now 51. His journey with the Vatican began in 2008 when he was commissioned to create a vestment for Pope Benedict. 

That moment launched a long-standing collaboration that would lead to the founding of his own atelier, LAVS (L’Atelier Vesti Sacre), a studio dedicated to crafting liturgical garments.

From elaborate mitres to flowing robes worn during papal Masses, Filippo’s creations are nothing short of majestic. His most iconic piece? The pointed mitre worn by Pope Benedict during his funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica.

But it’s not just about looks for Filippo. He believes liturgy should touch all five senses. That’s why his garments are designed to smell like incense. Yes—smell. When clients, whether priests or popes, unwrap their robes, the first thing they notice isn’t the fabric, but the fragrance. 

For many, it instantly brings back memories of prayer, ceremony, and stained-glass silence.

These aren’t your everyday clothes either. Some of his pieces take weeks sometimes months to complete. One robe could demand up to 1,000 hours of work, with prices ranging from €1,000 to €7,000 depending on the occasion and design.

Yet, despite being so deeply involved in one of the world’s most conservative institutions, Filippo is unapologetically himself. His Instagram is a mix of sacred art and sensuality tattoos, fashion shots, and moments that celebrate his identity. He doesn’t hide who he is. And that alone makes people talk.

In a Church that has historically taken a harsh stance on homosexuality, Filippo’s role is both unexpected and powerful. Especially after recent headlines where even Pope Francis was criticized for using homophobic language, his ongoing presence in Vatican fashion raises questions and maybe even eyebrows.

Still, Filippo remains clear in his message. In an interview, he said, “The Church should be welcoming. It should not shy away from anything. It should face everything without fear.”

Some call it contradiction. Others call it progress. But one thing is certain: the man behind the Pope’s robes is not who most people would expect and that might be exactly what makes his work so powerful.

In the end, does it really matter who holds the needle, as long as the thread carries meaning?