Gwyneth Paltrow Dazzles in Designer Threads During Ski Crash Trial
Gwyneth Paltrow is a fashion icon, and her sense of style has never been more evident than during her recent eight-day ski crash trial in Park City, Utah. The 50-year-old Oscar-winner showed off her sophisticated sense of style in the courtroom as she paired major designer labels with her own G. Label by Goop brand threads, some of which sold out in minutes online upon being featured in court.
According to Cynthia Augello, partner at Warren Law Group, “every aspect of her behavior, attire, and statements will be scrutinized.” It comes as no surprise that Paltrow went for an understated presence to impress the jury, and she wore clothes that aligned well with the expectations of the local community while maintaining an effortless appearance.
But what does a litigant’s choice of clothing in court convey about them and their case? According to Augello, “Ms. Paltrow’s overall demeanor and unique aura leave an indelible impression on both the judge and the jury, and while her visage should not influence the outcome of the case, it undoubtedly plays a role in shaping perceptions.”
Paltrow earned a legal victory when an eight-person jury found her not liable for a ski crash collision involving Terry Sanderson at the Deer Valley Resort, and she countersued and was awarded $1 in damages, in addition to attorney fees.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Fashionable Outfits
On the first day of the trial, Paltrow wore a $1,200 pair of brown leather Celine boots, a green trench coat, and a cream-colored sweater from The Row, and aviator Ray-Ban sunglasses. On the second day of proceedings, she donned an ivory-colored cardigan from G. Label by Goop with a $25,000 gold Foundrae clip chain heart necklace, and she carried a vintage brown leather Celine purse.
Despite the underlying cost, each of her looks had a similar neutral palette. On the third day, she wore a gray Brunello Cucinelli suit that she had worn previously while shopping with her daughter, Apple. On the fourth day, she testified in a long navy skirt and a black, long-sleeved polo from Prada, and she wore Chelsea boots which retail for $1,320.
Paltrow repeated her Celine boots for day six, but opted for Proenza Schouler White Label leather culottes for a cool $900, paired with her own pink G. Label blouse. Sanderson initially claimed that Paltrow left him with a “permanent traumatic brain injury” after she crashed into him from behind while skiing in 2016 at the Deer Valley Resort in Park City. He initially filed a $3.1 million lawsuit against the actress, the exclusive resort, and the ski instructor who was providing lessons to Paltrow’s son at the time of the accident.
However, a judge dismissed the claim, and Deer Valley Resort and the instructor were removed from the lawsuit. Sanderson then sued Paltrow for $300,000. She countersued for $1 and attorney fees.
The Strategic Significance of Clothing
A party’s main goal at any trial is to win over the jury with a more persuasive, credible story. According to attorney Andres Munoz, partner with Romano Law, “Her choice of clothing and accessories may be to play to the local crowd or to underscore that she’s the obviously famous defendant that is being subjected to a money grab by the plaintiff.”
However, juries also have the ability to sniff out disingenuous behavior. So, the balance is to appeal to the jury by appearing more likable and relatable while staying genuine. Paltrow’s appearance during this trial is an unspoken tool of persuasion that falls within that latter category.
Criminal defense attorney Silva Megerditchian said that while jurors “see everything,” as long as the clothing is appropriate, it truly does not affect the verdict. “It is important to note when representing a celebrity, there is a difference between likability and credibility,” Megerditchian said.
The Bottom Line
Paltrow’s sense of style conveyed the subtlety of a celebrity who was mindful of her visual impact on the judge and jury, which underscored her seriousness about the proceedings. Ultimately, the credibility and believability of the witness, regardless of what they are wearing or how expensive their jewelry is, is the most important aspect of the trial.
