Charles Esther
Christopher Cuozzo, a long-time bespoke menswear designer, has expanded into womenswear — and one of his most prominent clients is now Karoline Leavitt, the youngest-ever White House press secretary.
Leavitt, 27, rose from a Trump White House intern to a senior role in the president’s inner circle, becoming well-known for her ability to handle media pressure, support nontraditional media voices, and command attention at the podium with unshakable confidence.
Leavitt’s elevated position in Washington has also led to an elevated wardrobe, with Cuozzo designing several custom suits for her, including some that reflect her bold, classy fashion sense.
A Strong Collaboration Between Cuozzo and Leavitt
Cuozzo, known for his bespoke menswear, started designing custom suits for Leavitt after being introduced to her by the woman who designed his website. He had previously made suits for her husband, Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate developer, and the couple quickly became fans of his work.
“We did quite a few suits, actually, some for him, some for her,” Cuozzo shared. “They were the nicest, nicest people. Then, when the suits were ready, I shipped them down to DC for them. They absolutely loved them, and both of them have been ordering more ever since.”
Creating Custom Suits That Reflect Leavitt’s Style
The process of designing a suit for Leavitt is a collaborative effort. Cuozzo sends photos of fabrics and full suits on models, factoring in Leavitt’s profession, complexion, hair color, and personal style preferences.
Leavitt, known for her fearlessness with color, often chooses classic designs with a twist. Cuozzo mentioned an emerald green suit with gold buttons that he designed for her, showing how the two worked together on this standout look.
Hidden Details in Leavitt’s Suits
While many of Leavitt’s suits are stylish and professional, Cuozzo also includes special hidden details like custom linings. One suit, for instance, features an American flag lining, a nod to Leavitt’s role in the Trump administration.
Cuozzo mentioned the challenge of getting Leavitt to show off such details, saying, “I’ve got to get her to flash that jacket open,” adding a personal touch to her already striking attire.
Considering Leavitt’s Public Role in Suit Design
When designing suits for someone in such a high-profile and public position, Cuozzo considers not only style but also the message the clothing conveys. “Classic reigns supreme,” Cuozzo said, highlighting that Leavitt’s suits need to reflect her professionalism while also leaving room for individual style.
Her red suit, featuring the American flag lining, was a perfect example of boldness and confidence. Cuozzo sees Leavitt’s choice of color as a powerful statement, reflecting strength and confidence, especially as she’s in the public eye every day.
The Message Clothing Can Convey
Fashion has long been a tool for sending a message without words, and Cuozzo recognizes that Leavitt’s suits help convey authority and professionalism. “What you wear speaks before you do,” Cuozzo noted, explaining how a well-chosen suit can give off an air of importance and confidence.
For Leavitt, her custom suits convey that she means business — without needing to say a word.
Custom Suits at Christopher Cuozzo’s Boutique
For those interested in bespoke suits, Cuozzo’s designs are available to the public, with women’s suiting starting at $1,495 and men’s suiting from $995. Of course, these prices increase depending on fabric quality and customization details.
While Cuozzo declined to comment on the exact costs of Leavitt’s suits, he emphasized the high quality and attention to detail that goes into every garment.
Conclusion
Christopher Cuozzo’s collaboration with Karoline Leavitt has resulted in a series of powerful, custom-designed suits that not only reflect her professional image but also make bold statements.
In a role where appearance is essential, Leavitt’s carefully chosen wardrobe shows she is not only ready to take on the press but to do so with style and confidence, all thanks to the creativity and craftsmanship of Cuozzo’s designs.
