Karoline Leavitt's designer reveals Trump aide's little-known fashion secrets

Daily Mail​

13-05-2025

The designer behind White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt 's colorful suits has revealed all the secrets about the outfits she wears at the podium - and what she and her husband are really like behind the scenes.
Over the past few months, Leavitt, 27, has made a splash in front of cameras while captivating the country as the youngest White House Press Secretary in history.
Not only has Donald Trump 's aide been praised for her wits, but she's also become somewhat of a 'White House style icon' as she often wears matching suit sets, designer dresses and different jewelry.
And it looks like the man behind some of her stylish suits is Christopher Cuozzo, who makes bespoke men and womenswear, with most of his creations starting at around $1,000.
In a new interview with Business Insider, Cuozzo revealed that he first started working with Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 59, in a very natural way.
'Karoline is very friendly with the woman who designed my website. I've been doing custom menswear for a very long time and rolled out custom womenswear in 2024,' Cuozzo told the outlet recently.
'The woman who did my website obviously knew that from building out my website. She made the introduction, and I met with Karoline and her husband the day after Thanksgiving,' he continued.
Cuozzo said that after the introduction, he then began making suits for both of them, and has nothing but good things to say about the couple.
In a new interview with Business Insider, Cuozzo revealed that he first started working with Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 59, in a very natural way
'Karoline is very friendly with the woman who designed my website. I've been doing custom menswear for a very long time and rolled out custom womenswear in 2024,' Cuozzo told the outlet recently
'I did quite a few suits, actually, some for him, some for her. They were the nicest, nicest people,' the designer divulged.
'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.'
When it comes to creating suits for Leavitt, Cuozzo said that she's 'not afraid' of wearing color, as has been evident from her outfits.
Leavitt has rocked the podium in a bright, 'MAGA-red' suit, a purple pantsuit and other jewel-tones.
'I follow trends, so I have to factor in what's in. I have to factor in the season. I have to factor in the client's complexion and hair color,' Cuozzo said.
'And then, I also have to factor in what the client does for a living, because somebody who is an artist versus somebody who's in media are two completely different clients.'
Typically, making a custom suit for Leavitt will take anywhere from four to six weeks, and oftentimes, he will add special details for the client, like a specific lining.
He said that typically, people go for classic colors, and Leavitt especially doesn't want anything too busy.
'When she chose red, I was pleasantly surprised. It's my company color. It's one of my favorite colors. It screams confidence...' the designer shared with the outlet.
'She's on the younger side, so she can pull off some of that stuff,' Cuozzo added.
The details about Leavitt's outfits come just weeks after she was seen on a rare outing with her husband, Riccio, and their son, ten-month-old Nico, at the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll.
The big day of festivities, attended by President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, includes a whole host of activities for families, like an egg hunt and cookie decorating.
Leavitt herself wore a stunning designer, pastel-colored, baby-blue dress for the grand event.
Her husband, Riccio, founded the real estate business Riccio Enterprises LLC and currently, he manages beachfront houses in New Hampshire, where the couple is from.
According to the Portsmouth Herald, Riccio was living on the streets by the age of 18, relying on friends for basic hygiene.
'When I was 19 or 20, I would call my buddies to go over their houses to watch a game just so I could take a shower,' Riccio told the local newspaper in 2005.
She said she was thankful for her Riccio and his flexible work schedule, as he could take care of Nico while she was at work
He attended Plymouth State University, and kickstarted his career in real estate after completing a course in 1990.
The couple got engaged on Christmas Day in 2023.
In October, Leavitt spoke to The Conservateur about juggling motherhood with her fast-paced job.
She said she was thankful for her Riccio and his flexible work schedule, as he could take care of Nico while she was at work.
'Leaving the baby every day to go to work, it does break your heart, Leavitt admitted.
'It's incredibly challenging emotionally, physically, spiritually,' she added.