Pope Francis' Style, From White Spots To Best Dressed Men's Treatment

Pope Francis (Photo: Instagram/@franciscus)

JAKARTA - In addition to bringing peace and harmony messages, Pope Francis is known for his style without realizing it to become a fashion icon.

Far from the sparkling fashion world, it is known for its simplicity.

He always wears plain white robes, black shoes, and regular watches.

Reporting from the CNN page on Saturday, April 26, the Pope's modest and simple style has had such a broad influence. Until finally, he was named Esquire's 2013 Best Dressed Man.

The New York Times see the simplicity of Pope Francis. Seen black shoes are said to have been made by his old friend in Buenos Aires. Until finally, the black shoes immediately caught the attention of the world.

Unlike its predecessor, Benediktus XVI, who likes to wear luxurious clothes and accessories, such as gem-weared chest crosses, designer design shoes with bright red colors, hats, and fur caps.

Unlike Fransiskus, who appears as is wearing plain liturgical clothes and practical footwear. It didn't take long for this style to get recognition.

The Cut dubbed Francis the world's 'tormcore whale', because of his simple and unknick-knacks performance. He was also the first whale to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone. Not only that, various memes and merchandise began to emerge, from t-shirts to mug with Pope Francis' face as an icon.

"Meanwhile, the Bradley Cooper, Chris Pine, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have had a glorious year, their choice of clothing is only a red carpet. Meanwhile, Pope Francis' sartorial decision refinedly marks a new era. For many people, for the Catholic Church, that's a new hope," said Max Berlinger, representative of Esquire.

Max Berlinger was even invited to various TV shows to discuss his choice of placing the Pope on the list of the best dressed men. However, he refused the invitation.

"I just felt it was cool and worthy of attention. The Pope was previously wearing expensive clothes. Pope Francis went to prison and washed the inmates' feet. I felt the clothes reflected a bigger shift," he said.

Carol Richardson, a liturgy art historian from the University of Edinburgh, sees the contrasting style between Benedict and Pope Francis as a reflection of the different theological views.

"Benediktus XVI is playing with various periods of time past what he wears. As a traditionalist, he wants to emphasize the continuity of the history of papality," explained Richardson.

"While Francis, as the first Pope of Jesuit, puts more emphasis on real practice. Pursuits study language, philosophy, history, rhetoric, all of that to be applied in real life as world priests." he continued.

Although he did not try to appear symbolic, Fransiskus' white clothes were still full of meaning. White color symbolizes purity and love, while a number of red accessories signify sacrifice and mercy.

The black shoes worn, although do not have official meaning, remind monks of the life of poverty and generosity.