Suddenly we are living in a world where the Pope is a fashionista who is commissioning his own fragrance?  By todays standards, that is one step away from being the star of your own Reality Show or better yet a TLC series.

Pope Benedict XVI has proven to be a spiffy dresser. He wears red loafers that landed him in the pages of Esquire magazine as the “accessorizer of the year,” he’s been spotted wearing sunglasses by Gucci and has been outfitted by the Italian fashion house, Belstaff.   (I will admit……I LOVE the loafers!)

Now, this Tim Gunn of the Vatican has stepped things up a bit and commissioned his own brand of eau de cologne. It’s been reported that the fragrance will be a combination of lime tree, verbena and grass, which will represent his love for nature and animals. However, Silvana Casoli, known to many as a “fragrance wiz” claims she has a “pact of secrecy” regarding the actual ingredients. This “secret” scent will be an exclusive one for his Holiness, and it will not be shared with the flock.  Wow, I guess that means no gift sets or complimentary travel bags this holiday season.

No name has been chosen for this creation yet, but there is something about SHROUDED that just seems right to me.

Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity. Coco Chanel

As we are all dealing with the pressures of a poor economy, not to mention the Lenten Season: a time that many of the faithful commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxury as a form of penitence, having our own cologne created seems a bit …well lets just say Diva-ish. The fact that this extravagance comes in the shadows of so many Catholic schools and parishes closing due to  “lack of funding” … well that just confirms the hypocrisy.

 Now let’s get back to the original question at hand: What Would Jesus Wear?  

Something simple, yet stylish. Something welcoming, but not overpowering.  Basically a no-fuss look that is smart, versatile and defines character.