Stylish despite himself…
Every year, the highly respected New York Times reveals its ranking of the most notable personalities for their style over the last twelve months. For the 2025 edition, there are 67 individuals from diverse backgrounds who, according to experts, have truly shaped fashion. Cinema, music, sport, politics: these personalities “have drawn the contours of style and self-expression” with resounding success. If certain figures in the ranking were expected, such as ASAP Rocky, Jennifer Lawrence, or even Carrie Bradshaw; others create surprise. This is the case of this political personality whose inclusion left a lasting impression.
In office since May 8, 2025, we recognize this figure by his codified and very strict clothing protocol. He occasionally wears red, but mostly wears white. His emblematic headgear, the “cap” or “zucchetto”, is an accessory that completes his outfit. Among the centerpieces of its dress code are also the cassock and the mosette, this cape and/or pilgrim covering the shoulders. The surprise lies in the nomination of Pope Leo XIV – born Robert Francis Prevost – as one of the best dressed personalities of 2025.
The first American in history to access this position, Pope Leo XIV also inscribes his name in the history of fashion, according to the New York daily. Expert journalists salute his audacity in integrating more casual and relaxed accessories into a highly regulated outfit. THE New York Times highlights in particular how “Robert Francis Prevost, a native of Chicago, (…) made his mark by wearing a Chicago White Sox cap (of which he is a big fan) with his pontifical clothing.”
This choice, surprising at first, makes sense when put into perspective with current societal trends. Alongside artists like Rosalia (also praised by the magazine), the Pope involuntarily catalyzes the underlying trend “Nun mania” who is currently influencing the fashionista planet. Moreover, well before the modosphere, the sovereign pontiff already wore the color of the year 2026 designated by Pantone: the “Cloud Dancer”. A sign of its status as a true precursor.
