90-Year-Old Tailor Crafts Inauguration Suit for Vice President JD Vance

MADEIRA, Ohio — When Vice President-elect JD Vance takes the oath of office on Monday, he will do so in a custom suit crafted by 90-year-old master tailor Romualdo Pelle, a Cincinnati-area legend with over eight decades of sewing experience.

Pelle, who immigrated from Italy in 1960, has been tailoring suits since opening his shop, Romualdo, in 1968. His craftsmanship has earned him a loyal clientele, including Vance, who ordered four suits for his inauguration week. “It’s an honor for me, really, at my age that I can still serve people,” Pelle said.

Vance’s inauguration suit is a two-button, navy blue design handmade in Italy. The vice president-elect also ordered two overcoats, shirts, and Italian-made Grenadine silk ties for the weekend’s events. “He’s a friend first,” said Chris Berre, co-owner of Romualdo. “To see his quick rise to the vice presidency; it’s just a surreal feeling.”

Pelle, who still supervises every order, learned his craft as a child in Italy. “My godfather, I was eight and a half, he said ‘Romualdo! I want to teach you what I do. I am a tailor and you’ve got good hands!’,” Pelle recalled. His dedication to his craft has made him a local icon. “He’s loud, he’s boisterous, and loves talking to his clients,” said Tim Brock, another co-owner of the shop.

Vance, a longtime customer, expressed his gratitude in a handwritten note to Pelle: “For Romualdo — with admiration for your hard work and dedication. I will proudly wear your suit at the inauguration.” Pelle, who plans to continue tailoring as long as he can, said, “I want to die over here, to tell you the truth.”