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

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
The real reason Kate Middleton broke the dress code on her visit to the V&A
The Princess of Wales cut a very trendy figure as she visited the new V&A East Storehouse in London yesterday - but one aspect of her outfit appeared to break the dress code. Kate, 43, stepped out for her first engagement of the month - and her first since returning from the half-term break - in a chic trouser suit by designer Alexander McQueen for the event, along with a white scoop-neck top. For her accessories, the princess opted for a stylish belt, Laura Lombardi chain necklace, and a pair of sleek black heels from Prada. But while Kate looked incredibly elegant, technically speaking, she did break a little-known style rule during her visit with her choice of footwear. 'We recommend wearing practical clothing and flat shoes,' the V&A East Storehouse's website reads. 'The metal grid flooring is not suitable for stilettos or kitten heels.' However, the princess appeared completely at ease and masterfully managed the uneven floors, even while wearing a pair of challenging heels. When asked about Kate's choice of footwear, Tristram Hunt, the director of the V&A, told PEOPLE magazine: 'She is a pro! She dealt with that!' He added: 'She had a super energy. She was very energetic and focused. We last saw her about two years ago. 'She retains this great passion and interest in creativity and making and design. It was wonderful to be able to host her.' The mother-of-three has repeatedly made wearing heels look easy over the years - even while playing sports, wearing pumps on grass and attending horse racing events such as Royal Ascot. In 2012, Kate even wore heels to play a game of hockey and, more recently in 2022, kicked a football in heels during an engagement with her husband Prince William. She even wore her beloved shoe in her first pictures with Prince Louis in 2018 as she stepped outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital. The princess' last public engagement was a ship-naming ceremony in Glasgow on May 22, after which she enjoyed the half-term holiday with her children. The entire Wales family will, however, be present at Saturday's iconic Trooping the Colour in London, sources told the Mail. Aides added that the 'cadence' of the princess' public engagements is still as was announced earlier this year, involving a slow and measured return to public life following her cancer diagnosis last year. Palace aides said the 'cadence' of the princess' public engagements is still as was announced earlier this year, involving a slow and measured return to public life following her cancer diagnosis last year After she arrived at the buzzy east London venue, she was given a behind-the-scenes tour and learnt about the work that goes into conserving and displaying some of the amazing objects stored, including the largest Picasso work in the world Happily she announced in January that she is now officially in remission. Created in partnership with young people and inspired by east London's creative heritage, the new V&A East Storehouse - a world first - has been built to ensure the nation's creative works are available to all. Spanning four levels and bigger than 30 basketball courts, Storehouse is a new kind of museum experience giving visitors the chance to see behind the scenes of a working museum, explore why and how objects get collected by museums, find out how they are cared for, and uncover the stories they tell about us and our world. Wherever possible, glass and barriers have been removed, and visitors will be able to get closer to objects than ever before. Kate's two-hour visit ran over by 30 minutes as she was so engrossed in the artefacts and artwork on display. The Collections Access team have all been recruited from the local area and the Princess got the chance to engage with a new 'Order an Object' service, where anyone can book a free appointment to view an object up close and have a one-on-one session with the a member of the team. Kate, who studied for a degree in arts history at University of St Andrews, began her tour behind the scenes where thousands of exhibits are being cared for before going on display. Marvelling at a William Morris designed screen she remarked: 'Wow. Love the twist here.' Speaking to Tim Reeve, deputy director at the V&A, she added: 'What a fantastic idea. What an opportunity for everyone to see these historic pieces in first person. It's so eclectic. And all parts of the process of displaying and curating.' During her tour behind the scene she pulled on protective gloves to caress a 19th century riding habit, remarking: 'It's so delicate.' She was also shown a 1970s 'photogram' dress and said: 'It's really interesting as fashion designers are also using screen prints and photographs.' Fashion fan Kate also immediately identified a black and gold coat dress was by British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. She said: 'You see a certain shape and you know the designer.' The princess, who is patron of the V&A, also joined staff collecting new photos for the archive and online search portal. The museum team needed to photograph a 1943 ballet shoe worn by Alice Markova at a performance of Giselle at the Old Vic, who had signed its inside sole and penned a special message. Watching how it was photographed for the collection, Kate said: 'Gosh it's so small and I like the fact you can see her handwriting.' Venturing into the public area, which was thronged by visitors unaware of the princess's unannounced visit, she marvelled at the largest Picasso artwork in the world. Joined by Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, she was entranced by the fabric which was backdrop for the 1924 Ballets Russes production of Le Train Bleu, and signed by the artist. Mingling with the public in the vast Weston Collections Hall she also looked impressed at the previously locked-up artefacts out on show for visitors. But she was forced to hold carefully onto the glass railing as she walked along the metal grid floor on her high heels. The V&A website recommends visitors wearing practical clothing and flat shoes, saying the metal grid flooring is not suitable for 'stilettos or kitten heels'. The storehouse also allows visitors to book online to view up to five objects in a study room. The princess had her own private viewing time with five items which the press were allowed in. Speaking afterwards Tim Reeve said the princess ordered to see a musical instrument, some William Morris fabric samples and items 'relating to nature'. Cristina Juan, Head of Phillipine Studies at SOAS, was working in one of the rooms after ordering five textiles for research. She told Kate: 'It's amazing as I've been waiting for three years.' Speaking afterwards, she added: 'I didn't know she was coming. Now they've opened this and I can order online they take out of storage whatever you like. The Princess of Wales in the Cloth Working Centre at the newly-opened V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick The Princess of Wales with (left to right) the director of the V&A Tristram Hunt, the deputy director of the V&A, Tim Reeve, chair of the V&A Baroness Shafik and the director of the V&A East, Gus Casely-Hayford, at the V&A East Storehouse, a brand-new cultural destination in east London 'Now it's as easy as ordering from Uber.' The idea of opening up the storehouse to the public was dreamed up after the V&A learned in 2015 it had to move its archives from an old building. Ahead of Kate's visit, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness' engagement today is all about highlighting the importance of creative opportunity and celebrating the power of creativity to bring us joy.' After she left the Hackney Wick venue, Tim Reeve said of the V&A's royal visitor: 'There's no doubt about it she is a great supporter of the arts. 'She has been really interested in this project and it's clear she loves the idea of what we are trying to do here with back of house and to be a member of the public seeing behind the scenes. 'She really understood she was sharing it with the public and everyone sharing the same space. 'She really wanted to see it as the public saw it and didn't want to impose.' The V&A East Storehouse has more than half a million artefacts including 350,000 library books, 250,000 objects and thousands of letters, posters and flyers - including the Glastonbury Festival archives. Kate, who studied for a degree in arts history at University of St Andrews, began her tour behind the scenes where thousands of exhibits are being cared for before going on display. It also contains dresses which belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Keith Moon's drum kit, shoes designed by Zahra Hadid and a petal from the London 2012 opening ceremony cauldron. Visitors can also see a section of the 1960s Robin Hood Gardens housing project, in Poplar, East London which has now been demolished. In September it will open the David Bowie Centre after securing his estate's archives including letters, instruments and costumes. Last month, Kate officially named HMS Glasgow by smashing a bottle of local Scottish whisky against its hull. Keeping her look suitably nautical for the outing, the royal sported a navy and white £1,850 coat dress from British brand Suzannah London and a matching statement hat from Philip Treacy, first worn at Trooping the Colour in 2024. As the couple departed, one wellwisher from the crowd couldn't resist telling the princess, 'you're beautiful!' And in an effort not to leave her husband out, they added: 'You too, William!', in footage recorded by local news outlet Clyde News. Clearly amused by the surprise compliment, William, 42, quipped: 'You don't have to say that, don't worry!' The crowd then burst into laughter at his self-deprecating comment, as the couple bid goodbye after a busy afternoon. Earlier, stepping up onto a podium before a crowd of several hundred BAE employees, their families and the 45-strong ship's company, Kate uttered the time-honoured words: 'I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her'. The Princess then flicked up a small red 'launch' button to release a bottle of exclusive single malt whisky made by the nearby Clydeside Distillery. The ceremonial act is said to bring good luck and fortune to the vessel and its crew. The distillery opened its doors in 2017, the same year that the HMS Glasgow build began, marking what is considered the start of two modern icons of Glasgow's maritime heritage. Each bottle of the whisky sold will include a donation to HMS Glasgow's chosen charity, Place2Be, of which the Princess is patron, and which supports children's mental health in the city. The Princess was named sponsor of the 8,000-tonne warship, a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021 and is said to hold 'a real interest' in the ship 'and in the lives of those who will serve onboard'. A year later, Kate met Royal Navy sailors from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to hear about the ship's progress and their experiences in the Royal Navy.


The Guardian
23 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Hyper-prolific rapper Boldy James: ‘I never settled for the cards life dealt me. I've always been the dealer'
In the brief window between my conversation with Detroit rapper Boldy James and you reading this sentence, it is likely that the 42-year-old MC will have surprise-released at least one new album on to streaming platforms. This year alone, he has already released seven records. A planned eighth is due in July, but who knows what might pop up in between. 'My father always told me you've gotta work twice as hard because you can't expect something for nothing in this life!' Boldy says of a work rate that can easily result in 20 new songs being completed in the studio over a 24-hour period. His combative verses, as cutting and direct as Don Corleone whispering instructions to a made man, have earned him critical adoration and elicited high-profile co-signs from hip-hop figureheads including Earl Sweatshirt, Nas, Westside Gunn, the late Mac Miller and producer the Alchemist, while fans are intrigued to know how he remains so prolific. Boldy calls his release strategy 'flooding the market' – tactics he learned from his days caught up selling drugs on Detroit's West Side. 'My homie worked the track – which was a long stretch filled with junkies – from 3am to 6am. He might make $5,000 [£3,700] per night. It might have taken my dad a few months to earn that same cash, so I ended up doing it too. I've never been no sleepyhead. I used to sell drugs all night and then go to my class to take an exam. No problem.' Boldy describes his days selling narcotics on cold street corners with vivid cinematic flair: on the spooky new trap song Aspen, he jokes that his 'Mexican plug' – slang for a prestigious international drugs source – looks a lot like the late civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Is that true? Boldy laughs: 'Allegedly.' He looks back on this part of his life as a reflection of his resourcefulness. 'I never just settled for the cards life was dealing me,' he says. 'I've always been more like the dealer.' A student of 1990s mafioso rap, a teenage Boldy fed off the confidence of artists such as the Notorious BIG and Erick Sermon. 'I like it when men have firm handshakes and don't whine too much,' he says. He started releasing music independently in the late 2000s, a sound built around warm nostalgia and sleepy depression. Boldy can be famously sedate in interviews, but today he's lively and open. He usually works with a single producer per record, giving his albums an unusual cohesiveness in a collaboration-heavy genre. Produced by Detroit 'sound healer' Sterling Toles, the soul stirring spiritual jazz sermon of Mommy Dearest (A Eulogy), one of Boldy's most experimental songs, reflects on a childhood of serious neglect due to a mother lost to addiction. 'Tellin' me that you was on your way to come see me / And left me sittin' on the porch in the rain, freezing,' he raps amid stuttery saxophone that can't decide if it wants to soar or whimper. But when we talk, Boldy doesn't want to reflect too much on that difficult past. It's all in his music. He says his 2022 song Power Nap is among the finest examples of his lyricism. 'We went from childhood dreams to federal nightmares' … 'Six sleeper bags on the grass it's a slumber party,' he raps, his vocals evoking those of Mobb Deep's Prodigy as he burrows into unorthodox pockets of drumless soul-rap. 'On one level, six sleeping bags makes you reminisce on your childhood and having those sleepovers to play Nintendo with all your friends, right?' he asks. 'But it's also because I could easily roll up the street and see six young Black males on the grass, laid out dead. I represent the hood struggle for real. No gimmicks.' Today, he cares most about showing his six children 'the whole world,' he says. 'I want to make sure I'm always sharing wisdom, because you can get took out at any moment. Right now I'm jumping out half a million dollar cars, wearing $400,000 [£300,000] worth of jewels. It means I've got a lot to lose.' Testament to Boldy's stature is the fact that he's sitting on an unreleased collaborative album with J Dilla rumoured to be called Drug Dilla. Boldy has previously said that the late Detroit beatmaker's estate had given him access to some of the last beats the producer ever crafted – putting him among the small group of MCs (Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killah, MF Doom, Phat Kat) to get posthumous approval from his camp. Boldy has said the album is finished, but I'm warned in advance not to ask about a release date. Yet he offers a telling answer on why his flow might fit so well over Dilla's unconventional production. 'I rap for real niggas who don't care about club music. That's more my lane. I got like a left-handed type of flow anyways, so not a lot of people can really bounce or groove to my shit. There's a time and a place for my music.' Asked what that is, Boldy concludes: 'It's music made for people trying to process their past and turn it into a net positive. Play it on a road trip while driving to visit family. But I don't expect everybody to relate either … because not everybody grew up around money and murder.' Boldy James and Nicholas Craven's new single, Spider Webbing Windshields, is out now. An as-yet untitled album from the duo will be released in July


Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
The truth about Meghan Markle's 'bare-faced look': Makeup artist Daniel Martin reveals the products he uses to make the Duchess look 'all natural'
The Duchess of Sussex 's makeup artist, Daniel Martin, has revealed the secret behind Meghan's 'no makeup' look. The New York-based creative, who is one of Meghan's closest friends, having collaborated with the mother-of-two since her Suit days, shared the product on a Gloss Angeles podcast episode with hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan. 'This is a new product that's in my kit,' Daniel said before revealing it to be Live Tinted Hueglow, liquid highlighter drops that retail at $38 (£28). He continued, 'It does this beautiful glass. I used it on Meghan for an event, and it just gives your skin this beautiful; it's like when Pat McGrath did the whole mask that just made skin look like glass. It's that, but in a product. Co-host Kirbie asked, 'So you used that on her body?' To which he answered, 'I used it on Meghan's body, Meghan's face, because it just adds this radiance to the skin that doesn't look like makeup.' Daniel, who also did the duchess's makeup on the day of her royal wedding to Prince Harry, added that the item comes in multiple shades and that he used Golden Hour on Meghan, 43. 'I add it to foundation too if I want to a bit of radiance because the texture feels like skincare,' he continued. 'It's very compatible with makeup, and sometimes with makeup, things can get too shiny if it's already like shimmery, whereas this just gives it an added like lacquer.' Elsewhere in the podcast episode, the makeup artist discussed his social media presence. Before explaining that he doesn't plan to use TikTok despite having an account, Daniel said, 'I don't really promote work, I share my work. I share the situations I'm in with certain people. 'I don't create content specifically to try to get new business on that platform, and I think a lot of people are in that weird struggle right now. It's like, how do I show up in this space? 'And especially a fifty-something-year-old person, I don't want to come across looking so thirsty.' Daniel's appearance on the show follows reports that Meghan allegedly plans to add hotels and restaurants to her As Ever lifestyle brand. Meghan is trademarking her brand As Ever for 'hospitality services', The Sun first reported. This will reportedly include places to stay, as well as temporary lodgings and 'provision of food and drink', the newspaper revealed. Meghan could dish up a selection of her own edible creations, incorporating recipes she featured on her recent Netflix eight-part cooking show With Love, Meghan. Brand experts have claimed hotels and restaurants fit in nicely with the Duchess' business brand. Meghan touched on the topic of hosting guests in the first episode of her series, 'When I have someone stay, one of my favourite things to do is prep the guest room.' A second series of the show has already been filmed and is set to be released this Autumn, despite a series of less than ideal reviews following the programme's release in March. The show saw Meghan reveal her tips and tricks for hosting guests, as well as different recipes and party planning hacks. Her lifestyle brand's website states, 'As Ever is more than a brand - it's a love language. 'Created by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, As Ever welcomes you to a collection of products, each inspired by her long-lasting love of cooking, entertaining and hostessing.' Meghan's representatives declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. The news comes after Meghan took a break from her busy work schedule as she embarked on a trip to Disneyland with husband Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Duchess shared a series of special moments from their visit in a new post on Instagram. It appears the special time away was at least in part to celebrate their daughter Lilibet's fourth birthday. According to Meghan's post, it appears the family had a good time - sharing details of their trip, including some of the snacks they enjoyed. Notably, one picture show a large pile of corndogs and pickles on a table. It is not known what the family paid for their holiday, but the pictures certainly made it appear as though they made the most of their time away. As well as having a blast on numerous rides, both Lilibet and their son Archie, six, had the chance to meet Disney princess Elsa from Frozen. Meghan held her children's hands as they slowly walked over to take pictures with the character in a sweet moment. Meghan and Harry's kids also had fun on some rides at the amusement park, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Cars ride. The couple - who tied the knot in 2018 - also enjoying the offerings, including the Space Mountain ride.