| Monday, December 26, 2005 |
| PAPA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG |
Pope offers fashion hints, wears Prada, Gucci.
VATICAN CITY.-- Whether it's Prada and Gucci, or fancy ecclesiastical tailoring, Pope Benedict XVI is his own man when it comes to dressing.
Just days before Christmas, Benedict showed up at his weekly public audience in St. Peter's square wearing a full trimmed stocking cap that could have passed for a Santa Claus hat.
Earlier this month, he made another fashion statement -- donning a red velvet cape trimmed in ermine for the traditional papal visit to the statue of the Madonna near the Spanish Steps, that marks the beginning of Rome's Christmas season.
Coming after gossip about wearing Gucci sunglasses and bright red Prada loafers, the vintage styles have turned Benedict into something of a fashion celebrity.
"Those red shoes have made quite an impression", said Vatican historian Alberto Mellini.
The 78 year old Benedict lacks John Paul II's natural charisma, and the trappings of Vatican splendor may be a way to compensate.
Those who know Joseph Ratzinger from his years as head of the Vatican's doctrinal office desmiss any notion of vanity in the his dressing habits. "He wouldnt' know Gucci from Smoochi", said Marjorie Weeke, a former official at the Vatican's social communications office.
Another fashion issue in the news recently: Papal Hemlines.
During Benedict's first public appearances, his cassock was very above the ankle, revealing white socks and bright red footwear. The hem was soon lowered a few inches.
The Gucci shades that Benedict was spotted wearing in an open car ride last spring also brought talk.
In his old neighborhood outside the Vatican, opticians Gladio and Walter Colantoni have been fitting Ratzinger with glasses for almost two decades. They say the designer sunglasses were probably a gift.
"The thing he was most interested in is practicality", said Gladio, adding that the old fashioned glasses used by Benedict for reading during public appearances speak for themselves.
(Source: Associated Press) |
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