The clothes make the Pope. Right?
December 17, 2007, 9:56 am
Posted by David Gibson
So all along I thought Benedict XVI was getting props for his daring attire, from Prada (or bespoke, still unclear) red shoes to Gucci shades to glittering gold Pio Nono vestments. The Santa Claus camauro, the ermine-trimmed red velvet hat the Pope likes when it’s cold, should be coming out any day. But now fashionista Franco Zeffirelli comes along and tells the pontiff, through an interview in La Stampa, that he shouldn’t be wearing “showy” clothes. Um, Zeffirelli telling someone he’s too showy? Franco was a consultant to JP2 on such matters, and I never recall Wojtyla being singled out as a fashion plate. Zeffirelli seems to be looking for a job. Or simply to amuse us bloggistas on a cold Monday morning. Buona giornata a tutti.
Clearly, Zeffirelli has strong feelings about Catholic figures dressing conservatively. In 1968′s “Romeo & Juliet,” Olivia Hussey looks lovely but indeed a bit “showy.” As soon as she is cast as the Virgin Mary in “Jesus of Nazareth” however, her wardrobe was altered to portray a much less ermine-d mother of Christ. Perhaps Zeffirelli would rather have Il Papa take his clothing cues from the characters of his more religious films…
I ought to rejoice on Gaudete Sunday, but, really, the pink vestments on our unassuming pastor ticked me off. Our talented but retro assistant arrived to help at communion with a pink stole. Men in pink, yikes. The Tablet of 8 December 2007 has on page 35 a brief note by Robert Mickens about the copious cope of Pope Benedict at First Vespers, beginning Advent. He faults Guido Marini. On the other hand, I’m not too fond of the Salt Lake style of dark suits and black name badges. Zeffirelli has a point. Continuing from yesterday’s Introit, “Modestia vestra nota sit …” is translated, “Your kindness should be known to all.” The emphasis on kindness is beautiful.
Merry Christmas. Joe
I’m with Zeffirelli. I recently read Robert Mickens’ Letter from Rome in the Tablet (8 December). Don’t miss it.
Apparently that gorgeous golden cope was so heavy it needed to be held up by two deacons, and the Pope’s new master of ceremonies has brought an old papal throne out of storage for liturgical use as well. Zeffirelli’s advice is really quite practical. It can’t be easy to give advice to the faithful about not getting caught up in material things while dressed in such a fashion, or sitting on a throne.