Filippo Sorcinelli, a stylist from the Marche region, has been quietly clothing Pope Francis since the earliest days of his pontificate. As the founder of Atelier Lavs, Sorcinelli specializes in creating liturgical garments and has made some of the most significant robes of Pope Francis’ ministry, including those worn during his historic pontificate inauguration Mass in 2013. Despite the prestigious nature of his work, Sorcinelli describes the pontiff with a “sobriety of language and presence,” reflecting Pope Francis’ desire for simplicity and understatement.
Throughout his time working with Pope Francis, Sorcinelli has respected the pontiff’s wishes for unassuming, understated designs that prioritize humility over spectacle. His creations feature sober cuts, subtle symbolism, and a lack of ostentation, reflecting the pope’s origins far from the sumptuous liturgies of central Europe. Sorcinelli draws inspiration from medieval art, particularly the fresco cycles of Giotto in Assisi, to visually recount a pontificate focused on building bridges and emphasizing encounter over barriers. For Pope Francis, the robe is not a symbol of power but a sign of service and humility, favoring simple lines and natural materials over the baroque garments of his predecessors.
Over the years, Atelier Lavs has become a prestigious point of reference for bishops, cardinals, religious orders, and solemn patronal festivals in cities across Europe. Sorcinelli’s passion for fine yarns and ancient weaving techniques, developed from a young age in his family’s business, is evident in the contemporary language he brings to his designs, combining the richness of the Italian liturgical tradition with handmade embroideries and precious natural materials. Sorcinelli has also curated custom-made vestments for Vatican diplomatic delegations visiting regions such as Latin America and Asia, showcasing his dedication to celebrating and promoting sacred vestments in diverse cultural contexts.
In the final earthly journey of Pope Francis, the visual language of his papacy remained intact with Atelier Lavs’ creations. The mitre crafted by Sorcinelli, a headdress of white silk foil trimmed in traditional gold, symbolized continuity, purity, and timeless beauty. Despite the significance of the occasion, nothing new was created for the event, emphasizing humility over spectacle. The chasuble came from the existing wardrobe of the papal sacristy, and even the mitre was one already in use, reflecting Pope Francis’ commitment to simplicity and understatement. Sorcinelli’s work not only meets the ceremonial demands of the papal role but also captures the deeper spirit of a pope who seeks to bring the Gospel back to the heart of the Church through every gesture and even his clothing.
In recognition of his artistry and innovation in the field of sacred vestments, Sorcinelli has received prestigious awards such as the Art and Liturgy Prize from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in 2021. The Diocesan Museum of Milan also hosted a retrospective dedicated to Atelier Lavs in 2018, highlighting the atelier’s two-decade history of excellence in combining traditional techniques with contemporary design. Sorcinelli’s deep passion for weaving and embroidery, rooted in his upbringing in Jesi, has contributed to the success and reputation of Atelier Lavs, which continues to serve as a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship in the realm of liturgical garments. Through his collaboration with Pope Francis and other esteemed clients, Sorcinelli’s work reflects a commitment to artistry, reverence, and humility in the sacred art of vestment-making.
