By Jenna Clarke
The devil may wear Prada, but the clergy prefer Armani.
A bishop on the small Mediterranean island of Pantelleria has performed mass in brand new robes designed and constructed by Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani.
It's Armani baby - Italian Bishop Domenico Mogavero in his couture threads. Photo: Franco Lannino
This venture into church couture followed reports Pope Benedict XVI has a weakness for red Prada shoes, a rumour the Vatician was quick to deny.
"The Pope is not dressed by Prada but by Christ," a statement said.
Famed fashion designer Giorgio Armani has taken his designs to the pulpit. Photo: Giuseppe Aresu.
However that did not stop Italian Bishop Domenico Mogavero, who impressed his congregation by donning Armani silk robes appliquéd with symbols of vines, shells and starfish a church opening ceremony.
Last year the Bishop approached the head of the famed fashion house about the possibility of designing new ceremonial gowns for the Diocese.
Armani, who owns a luxury estate on the tiny Italian island and has been holidaying there for more than 37 years, created four silk robes for the ministers of the new church in green, white, red and purple.
The high-priest said the stylish new pulpit looks - although popular with female churchgoers - were not a fashion statement nor did he intend to turn the altar into a catwalk.
"This is not all about having brands in church or indulging in the fashion of the moment, but about wearing something beautiful to give glory to God," Father Mogavero said.
"I asked him [Armani] for the vestments as a gift to the new church, to create something beautiful, original and with themes reflecting the island," he added.
"I will see him this summer and I'll have the opportunity to thank him personally."
Father Mogavero has a rebellious reputation within the church after he called on Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to resign over his sex scandals and wrote about the financial troubles which plagued the Vatican during Pope John Paul II's years.
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