Pope Leo XIV has been named to Vanity Fair's annual Best Dressed list, an honor that places the pontiff alongside figures from entertainment and fashion. The American-born Pope, whose secular name is Robert Francis Prevost, was recognized for his distinctive style, which the magazine described as a combination of "imperious Italian robes and all-American kicks."
Vanity Fair cited the Pope's ability to pair traditional papal vestments with items like baseball caps and Nike sneakers. Style correspondent José Criales Unzueta noted that the list celebrates individuals whose personal style is compelling and inspiring. The magazine highlighted the "innate Americanness" of the Pope's fashion choices and the tradition of American sportswear.
The Pope shares the 2026 list with notable figures such as actress Nicole Kidman, musician Rihanna, and actor Coleman Domingo.
The Vatican's fashion has long been a subject of interest, with historical figures like Saint Peter noted for their distinctive attire. High fashion designers have frequently drawn inspiration from the Vatican's aesthetic. For instance, designer Wales Bonner created a modern papal-inspired outfit for her 2017 runway. In 2018, the Costume Institute featured a Catholic-themed exhibit that included interpretations of religious garments by designers such as Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior.
This recognition follows a trend of fashion media attention on papal style, including an AI-generated image of Pope Francis wearing a white Balenciaga puffer jacket in 2023, which, though a deepfake, underscored the potential for papal figures to generate fashion headlines. Rihanna was also noted for a "Pope-y couture" look at the 2018 Met Gala.
For those inspired by Pope Leo XIV's style, particularly his favored vintage Nike Low Rise Plus sneakers from the 1980s, acquiring similar items can be costly. These rare vintage sneakers can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars. However, Nike currently offers similar trainers, such as the Dunk Low Retro sneaker, for $120.