When Shakira arrived at the Barcelona Provincial Court this morning to testify before the judge for allegedly cheating 14.5 million euros in income and wealth taxes in 2012 and 2014, she knew full well that dozens of cameras would be waiting for her. Furthermore, public scrutiny would extend not only to his words, his testimony, or his interactions with the judge, but also to his posture, facial expressions, and, most importantly, his clothing.
The artist faced a prison sentence of eight years.Europa Press News (Europa Press via Getty Images)
The fact that the clothing that a woman chooses for a court appearance is a whole genre is shown not only by the countless cases in which this clothing unfortunately influenced the verdict. In 2004, a judge in Barcelona found that the testimony of an alleged abuse victim was not credible because she was “fashionably dressed” and did not fit the “victim profile.” The judge acquitted a man accused of constant attacks because his wife’s story did not match “the fear and distrust of the typical abused woman” and because during the three days of the trial the complainant “dressed differently every day, with rings, bracelets “had taken part and strange earrings, big glasses. Factors that, according to the judge, were not “consistent with the vision of a woman subjected to attacks for six months.” A few months ago, the Pack’s lawyer also questioned the credibility of the San Fermines survivor, defending the inclusion in the trial summary of a photo of the young woman on her personal Instagram wearing a T-shirt that read, “Whatever you do, take off your clothes” wears . Panties. The phrase was a catchphrase from the reality TV show Super Shore.
In the case of Shakira’s trial, which involves a crime against the public treasury, gender biases in clothing are obviously not as strong, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t equally present.
The Colombian singer, who has been in Spain for a few days and performed at the Latin Grammy Gala in Seville last Thursday, appeared in public with a subtle smile and sent a kiss to everyone who was waiting for her, including a big one fan community and also placed his hand on his heart in a clear gesture of gratitude. Nothing seemed left to improvisation, especially her look, where every element was a specific pale pink. The suit consists of a blazer with one button and wide lapels and pleated trousers with buckles and an ironed stripe. On the other hand, a V-neck T-shirt in exactly the same color. Then three accessories: a pair of translucent pink vinyl sunglasses, some platform shoes, and finally a long-handled bag. The latter was the only one whose brand had perfect recognition: it belongs to the French brand Jacquemus, which is known, among other things, for its viral bags.
Shakira with her lawyers Pau Molins and Miriam Company upon her arrival at the National Court in Barcelona this morning. Jacquemus’ bag is recognized in his hand.Europa Press News (Europa Press via Getty Images)
The other brands to which the garments belong have not made the artist’s choice public, as they have done on other occasions. No reputable brand wants to advertise in a legal dispute. Although a trial can be an unprecedented global projection platform, as Gwyneth Paltrow demonstrated last year. The actress was the star of the Park City Courthouse in Utah for eight days, where she appeared in Sanderson v. Paltrow, in which she was tried for her role in a 2016 skiing accident at Deer Valley Resort. The verdict was twofold: all his appearances that showed winter style, successor style and quiet luxury were analyzed and turned into a meme. And all the brands he wore were carefully listed: coats from The Rox, suits from Brunello Cucinelli and cardigans from his own brand, G. Label. Utah law recommends “appropriate” clothing and accepts casual clothing.
Spanish law has no dress code: Lola Flores sat in court dressed in black nappa leather and high heels, Isabel Pantoja wrapped in scarves. Shakira, dressed in pink, accepted three years in prison and a fine of 7.3 million in exchange for not going to prison.