# Vanity Fair 2026 best-dressed lists

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vanity-fair-2026-best-dressed-lists
> Updated: 2026-08-26T10:28:00.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

Vanity Fair has resumed its tradition of releasing best-dressed lists after a six-year hiatus. The 2026 selection evaluates cultural figures across various categories, including ‘perennials’, ‘professionals’, and ‘originals’. 

Among the honorees in the ‘originals’ category is Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. The publication highlighted his unconventional style, which involves pairing traditional cream-colored cassocks with Nike sneakers and baseball caps. He appears on the list alongside other figures such as Spike Lee, Björk, and Rosalía.

Leo XIV placed sixth in the ‘originals’ category, a group recognizing ten individuals for unique and innovative personal styles. The magazine noted that his fashion habits date back to his time as Robert Francis Prevost, known as ‘Father Bob’, prior to his election on May 8, 2025. This recognition follows previous fashion accolades for the Pontiff from Vogue and The New York Times in 2025. 

Recent reports further note that while the Pope maintains his casual sportswear pairings, he has also been recognized for reviving certain traditional liturgical elements, such as the red papal mozzetta.

## Claims

- Vanity Fair included Pope Leo XIV on its 'Best Dressed List 2026'. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Pope is noted for an unconventional style, combining traditional cassocks with Nike sneakers and baseball caps. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope to be recognized by Vanity Fair for his style. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The sneakers worn by the Pope are identified by Italian media as the Nike 'Franchise Low' model. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Pope Leo XIV named to Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed list

Pope Leo XIV has been included in Vanity Fair’s 2026 ‘Best Dressed’ list under the ‘Originals’ category for his unique style of pairing traditional papal vestments with Nike sneakers and baseball caps.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pope-leo-xiv-named-to-vanity-fair-best-dressed-list

### 2026-08-25: Vanity Fair releases best-dressed lists for 2026

Vanity Fair has revived its best-dressed lists, honoring cultural figures like Teyana Taylor, Jacob Elordi, and Harry Styles for their creativity and influence in fashion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vanity-fair-releases-best-dressed-lists-for-2026

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Cite as: Vanity Fair 2026 best-dressed lists. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vanity-fair-2026-best-dressed-lists