In Video: Meet the tailor who will dress the new pope

The Art of Papal Attire: How the Pope’s Tailor Creates a Custom Fit in Minutes

As the world waits with bated breath for the next pope to be announced, a small tailor shop just steps away from the Vatican is hard at work. Rano Maninelli, the Pope’s trusted tailor, is busily at work, creating three custom white cassocks for the soon-to-be-elected pontiff. It’s a task that requires precision, skill, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of papal fashion.

A Tradition of Excellence

Maninelli has been dressing the popes for over 20 years, and his reputation for excellence is unmatched. He has dressed the last three popes, each with their own unique fashion requirements. From Pope John Paul II’s bold red hats to Pope Benedict XVI’s more subdued attire, Maninelli has mastered the art of papal dressing.

The Anatomy of a Papal Cassock

The cassock, also known as a soutane, is the traditional attire of the pope. It’s a garment that has been worn by papal candidates for centuries, and each one is made with the utmost care. According to Maninelli, nothing on the dress is left to chance. Every detail, from the fabric used to the number of buttons, is meticulously planned to create the perfect fit.

The Importance of 33 Buttons

One of the most striking features of the papal cassock is the use of 33 buttons, a tradition that dates back to the early Christian era. These buttons represent the years of Christ’s life, and their precise placement is a testament to the tailor’s skill and attention to detail.

A Custom Fit in Minutes

So how does Maninelli manage to create a custom fit in such a short timeframe? According to the tailor, it’s all about having the right team and the right equipment. With a team of skilled seamstresses and a state-of-the-art sewing machine, Maninelli is able to create three custom cassocks in under an hour. It’s a feat that requires a great deal of practice and expertise, but one that Maninelli has mastered over the years.

A Papal Priority

For Maninelli, dressing the pope is a serious business. He knows that the pope’s attire is a reflection of the office, and that every detail must be perfect. Whether it’s the fit, the fabric, or the finish, Maninelli is obsessed with getting it right. As he puts it, "When the pope wears my clothes, I want him to feel like he’s the most important person in the world. That’s what I’ve been working towards for over 20 years."

A Legacy of Papal Fashion

For Rano Maninelli, dressing the pope is not just a job – it’s a legacy. He has spent his entire career perfecting the art of papal attire, and he takes pride in knowing that he has helped shape the image of the pope for generations to come. As he puts his needle and thread to work, he knows that the next pope will be just as well-dressed as the last, and that’s the greatest reward of all.