How does one become an ecclesiastical tailor?
There are very few schools. It’s mostly a question of apprenticeships. I began by working with an ecclesiastical tailor. I grew attached to the work, I continued it, and I have been doing it for 45 years. During the course of your career did you notice distinctive changes in style? The traditional ecclesiastical costume changed dramatically after the Second Vatican Council, between 1962 and 1965. Many items were set aside after it because they were deemed inadequate for our times, like the cappa magna, the great cape with the long train typical of cardinals, and the ferraiolone, the large, full-length cloak the bishops wear. The last person to wear the cappa magna was Cardinal Siri of Genoa. After he died, it was discontinued. How would you define your style? I have my own style but it’s only a matter of personal choice and taste. It has nothing to do with things like “fashion.” Some would define the Pope as a fashion icon in your world. I do not intend to answer any questions about th
