Cardi B’s court stint for assault and battery turned into somewhat of a fashion show and stirred up thoughts, conversations, and questions at Coveteur HQ. What is it about celebrities and their need to turn looks while on trial? What is it about the courtroom that inspires fashion with a capital F? My thoughts: It’s an excuse to dress up and cosplay as one’s most buttoned up, put together and, most importantly, innocent self. And maybe it’s not even an excuse, it might just be crucial for the desired outcome. Celebrities, in this moment, need look their absolute best, in all ways possible. Their futures and legacies depend on it.
When celebrities are in court, the trials dominate the media, journalists and photographers swarm, it becomes the talk of the town, and all of us are reminded that celebrities are real people with real problems and real consequences. The only thing separating them from us is that they (or just Kim Kardashian) can show up to court in vintage John Galliano skirt suits and millions of dollars worth of jewelry. I, on the other hand, cannot.
We decided that now was the perfect time to pay homage to the celebrity court looks still engrained in our memories. A day in court is just an excuse to source an archival vintage piece, apply current trends to timeless silhouettes, and turn a look, after all.
Cardi B
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On August 26th, Cardi B rolled up to court in full tweed Giambattista Valli pantsuit with feather trimmed lapels and cuffs adding a distinct playful element.
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A day in court was the perfect opportunity for Cardi B to whip out an iconic Jacquemus pantsuit. We all know that a Jacquemus suit is rarely just a regular suit. This white suit featured puffy shoulders, a cinched waist, and wide-legged pleated trousers.
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Cardi B solidified that the polka dot trend isn't going anywhere when she showed up to court (and later celebrated her victory) in this Valentino suit. This three-piece look consisted of a blazer, trousers, and, button up shirt, all in a black and white polka dot print. The blazer was adorned with a distinct pink bow and the shirt featured a ruffled lapel, paying homage to the history of suiting.
Winona Ryder
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Winona Ryder is such a fashion girl that she stole over $5,500 worth of clothing from Saks Fifth Avenue and was later charged with grand theft. Her court style didn't disappoint, though, and it's not surprising—she is clearly committed. So committed that she wore a midi-dress from the same Marc Jacobs collection she was accused of stealing from to day five of her trial. This power move ended up landing Winona Ryder her very own Marc Jacobs campaign. So, it worked out for her but, needless to say, don't try this at home. We can't all be Winona.
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Naomi Campbell
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Naomi Campbell showed up to a Manhattan courthouse in 2006 in her truest form: statuesque supermodel. When you're as blessed as Campbell, your face, body, height, walk, and silky smooth hair do most of the work. A classic, no frills little black dress and a few accessories (two anklets, stacked bracelets, & oversized sunglasses) do the trick.
Anna Delvey
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Anna Delvey's grand larceny and theft trial wardrobe was all about damage control. She employed a celebrity stylist, a display of the status she was dedicated maintaining, to help curate her looks. Her wardrobe was demure and wholesome, not at all what a guilty girl would wear.
Gwyneth Paltrow
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Gwyneth Paltrow's 2023 courtroom looks were the epitome of quiet luxury. She opted for logoless (sometimes her own G Label) designer staples: chunky knits, classic blazers, simple button up shirts, polo sweaters, and Prada boots.
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A$AP Rocky
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If we learned anything from A$AP Rocky's trial for an accused shooting, it's this: menswear doesn't have to be boring. Suits don't have to be boring. Rocky's rotation of suits, often YSL from head-to-toe, were a masterclass in accessorizing, mixing patterns, and experimenting with different silhouettes.
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Martha Stewart
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A little casual insider trading and obstruction case couldn't stop Martha Stewart from reminding the public that she is, well, Martha Stewart. She pulled up to the courthouse carrying the, arguably, most luxurious, statement-making accessory of all time: a Birkin bag.
Kim Kardashian
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There are some things that just cannot be made up. Kim Kardashian showed up a Paris court where defendants were on trial for stealing millions in jewelry literally dripping in diamonds. Her jewelry was paired with an iconic vintage John Galliano blazer dress.
