Filippo Sorcinelli: From Sacred Vestments to Artistic Perfumery

Filippo Sorcinelli, an Italian artist and entrepreneur, has revolutionized both sacred vestments and artistic perfumery over the past two decades. Born in Mondolfo (Pesaro and Urbino), he was inspired by the incense-scented sacristies where his mother cleaned. He studied at the Istituto d'Arte, the Conservatorio Gioachino Rossini in Pesaro, and the Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra in Rome, becoming an accomplished organist who improvised at Notre Dame Cathedral. In Santarcangelo di Romagna, he founded Atelier LAVS (Laboratorio Atelier Vesti Sacre), a workshop that reimagined ecclesiastical garments by incorporating high-fashion materials and techniques for the first time. LAVS has dressed Popes Benedict XVI and Francis, and created vestments for Saint Pope Celestino V. The atelier employs a mostly female, under-35 tailoring team, emphasizing slow, Made-in-Italy production. Its customer care includes personal delivery and repair services to extend garment life. The artistic perfumery line originated from the practice of scenting vestments with an incense-based fragrance before shipping; client requests for personal use led to a new business. Sorcinelli also created an olfactory tribute to photographer Mario Giacomelli. The article is part of Artribune's Focus Moda – Fashion & Fragranze.