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CNN
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Kim Kardashian and the checkered history of celebrity courtroom dressing
Kim Kardashian arrived at the courthouse in central Paris earlier this month composed, collected, and dripping in an estimated $8 million worth of jewelry. The ensemble was a bold choice, considering she was appearing at her own robbery trial, over one of the most audacious celebrity heists in modern history. She arrived alongside her mother Kris Jenner to testify against the so-called 'grandpa robbers' (some suspects in their 60s and 70s, one of which died before the case went to trial, while another developed Alzheimer's and was deemed unfit to stand), who are facing charges for armed robbery, kidnapping and conspiracy after allegedly stealing $10 million worth of cash and jewelry from the A-lister, who was held at gunpoint, during a trip to Paris in October 2016. At the trial, Kardashian was bespectacled in Alaïa sunglasses, her form accentuated in a vintage John Galliano black skirt-suit with a plunging neckline and sizeable side-slit. Kardashian's neck alone was encircled with over 52 carats — courtesy of a tear-drop-shaped necklace from Samer Halimeh — which she paired with diamond earrings, a 4.55 carat Repossi diamond over-the-ear cuff and a white gold and diamond pavé version by Briony Raymond. The striking Halimeh piece felt like a revenge necklace signalling Kardashian's unique ability to easily replace millions of dollars' worth of precious jewels. To some on social media, this served as a gauché reminder of seemingly bottomless wealth. But for NYU fashion law professor and 'The Laws of Style' author Douglas Hand, it was a symbol of defiance. 'Her choice of jewelry really underscored the fact that she wants to announce that she's reclaiming her power after this traumatic event,' Hand told CNN over the phone. 'If I were advising her from both a business perspective and a legal perspective, I think you'd want to signal that you are a survivor.' The power of a carefully considered courtroom outfit should never be underestimated. In 2023, when Gwyneth Paltrow was taken to court for a personal injury claim over a skiing accident, she wore a series of understated, luxurious looks — including a loden coat from The Row, pants by Proenza Schouler, boots by Celine and a number of her own branded sweaters — that swayed the online demographic in her favor. Several fans took to social media to rate her looks out of ten, while some even sought to recreate them at home. What could have easily become a brand-damaging episode — Paltrow's expensive taste in ski instructors and her decision to have a post-crash massage were key elements of the prosecution — surprisingly became a masterclass in the soft power of fashion. Ultimately, the jury unanimously sided with Paltrow and found her not liable. Similarly, when author E. Jean Carroll appeared in court to testify against US President Trump in 2023, accusing him of sexually abusing her in a Bergdorf Goodman store in 1996, the writer curated a series of decorous earth-toned tailored dresses, smart jackets and off-white overcoats, which presented her as the antithesis of the 'whack job' Trump had tried to label her. Despite denying the allegations and publicly insulting Carroll for making the claim, Trump was found liable for sexual assault battery and Carroll received $5 million in damages. (A year later, she was awarded another $83.3 million for defamation.) Elsewhere, celebrities including Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B have enlisted their regular red carpet stylists to help create courtroom looks that still feel authentic to them: sharp tailored suits (worn shirtless, however) with hair cut into razor-sharp bobs. According to Hand, the consideration that goes into courtroom clothes isn't merely an exercise in vanity. '(These outfits) are pretty choreographed by any well-advised litigant,' he said. 'For high profile litigants, courtroom dress is usually an attempt to dispel any appearance of wrongdoing, whether you're charged with a crime or you're embroiled in some dispute or a nasty divorce.' The right ensemble can also help promise 'some degree of credibility,' added Hand. This seems to be the strategy of music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who during his ongoing trial on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering has avoided all iterations of masculine power-suiting and instead opted for soft sweaters, glasses and undyed grey hair. The result, some argue, is a curated image that seems like a far cry from the alleged crimes. 'Your apparel choices speak before you do,' Hand added. 'That's incredibly important, particularly in a high stakes situation like a court of law.' For almost as long as celebrities have been breaking the law, they have at least been dressing for the occasion. In 2002, Winona Ryder arrived at her shoplifting trial (she was accused of stealing more than $5,500 of designer goods from Saks Fifth Avenue) dressed in a Marc Jacobs trompe l'oeil knit dress that has since gone down in fashion history. Her sartorial strategy was clear: midi-skirts and dresses that were elegant, prim and demure, worn with headbands for a youthful earnestness. 'How nice to see a defendant rise above the tried-and-true dark suit and opt for a more fashionable facade,' wrote Robin Givhan at the time, in a tongue-in-cheek report for the Washington Post. Unfortunately, no matter how much her hemline communicated sweetness and light, Ryder was still found guilty and sentenced to 480 hours of community service, a $3,700 fine and 36 months of probation. When rapper Lil' Kim was on trial for perjury in 2004, she coordinated her tailored pinstripe suit vest and slacks with those worn by her attorney Mel Sachs. In fact, several of her courtroom looks were reportedly personally gifted by Marc Jacobs — a close friend of the musician — who provided her with modest sandy-colored suits and bouclé twin-sets. But too heavy an emphasis on fashion can also backfire. When Martha Stewart was brought to trial for insider trading in 2004, her choice to wear a mink stole and chestnut-colored Hermés Birkin bag sparked controversy. 'The Birkin did little to promote the image of an approachable woman who has struggled up from humble roots,' wrote the New York Times that same year. 'Instead, it cemented an image of her as a pampered fat cat seemingly willing to snatch money from an Average Joe Stockholder.' Meanwhile, when Michael Jackson arrived at court in 2005 after being accused of child molestation (he was later acquitted), the pop star showed up dressed in flamboyant brocaded vests and dazzling waistcoat jewelry — much like what he wore on stage. Ideally, said Hand, celebrities want to aim for a 'sober' outfit that feels 'conservative to emphasize trustworthiness.' Anything else risks sending a message of flagrance, which can sour jurors fast. Earlier this year, the realms of fashion and law enforcement intertwined even further when rapper A$AP Rocky appeared in a Los Angeles court facing charges of two counts of felony assault, one with a firearm. Rocky, who recently co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala, arrived at his trial looking strikingly dapper. His gabardine trench coat, wool chiné pants and striped satin shirt worn with sunglasses was a sophisticated, stylish take on courtroom dressing. Upon first glance, it looked like the type of paparazzi-style campaign Rocky has starred in for Italian luxury label Bottega Veneta. A few days later, a press blast distributed to journalists confirmed that Rocky had been kitted out head-to-toe in Saint Laurent. When the media alert was sent, Rocky — who has now been acquitted on all charges — was still the lead suspect in an ongoing criminal trial. But Saint Laurent was not deterred by the questionable backdrop, continuing to send multiple releases after each new courtroom appearance. It surprised even a senior fashion public relations executive in London, who said they would advise PRs to avoid sharing outfit details and shopping links when pieces have been worn to sensitive events. 'It's not appropriate to be shouting about them wearing your brand in those contexts,' they said. 'It's tacky.' (Saint Laurent did not respond to requests from CNN for comment.) But the French luxury house isn't the only brand hoping to captialize on the free press that comes with highly publicized lawsuits. In 2024, Anna Delvey — the 'fake heiress' who was found guilty of grand larceny, among other financial crimes, in 2019 — used one of her immigration court appearances to promote emerging fashion label Shao New York by wearing a custom outfit by the brand (the designer is a client of the OutLaw Agency, a venture Delvey began with publicisit Kelly Cutrone in 2023). In Kardashian's case, she was not appearing as a person convicted of a crime but rather a veritable victim. 'The appearance of wrongdoing was not anything that she needed to address,' said Hand. Instead of sending a message to the judge and jury, as is usually the goal of a celebrity courtroom outfit, Kardashian's diamonds spoke directly to the public. What they were really intended to say, however, isn't crystal clear.
CNN
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Kim Kardashian and the checkered history of celebrity courtroom dressing
Kim Kardashian arrived at the courthouse in central Paris earlier this month composed, collected, and dripping in an estimated $8 million worth of jewelry. The ensemble was a bold choice, considering she was appearing at her own robbery trial, over one of the most audacious celebrity heists in modern history. She arrived alongside her mother Kris Jenner to testify against the so-called 'grandpa robbers' (some suspects in their 60s and 70s, one of which died before the case went to trial, while another developed Alzheimer's and was deemed unfit to stand), who are facing charges for armed robbery, kidnapping and conspiracy after allegedly stealing $10 million worth of cash and jewelry from the A-lister, who was held at gunpoint, during a trip to Paris in October 2016. At the trial, Kardashian was bespectacled in Alaïa sunglasses, her form accentuated in a vintage John Galliano black skirt-suit with a plunging neckline and sizeable side-slit. Kardashian's neck alone was encircled with over 52 carats — courtesy of a tear-drop-shaped necklace from Samer Halimeh — which she paired with diamond earrings, a 4.55 carat Repossi diamond over-the-ear cuff and a white gold and diamond pavé version by Briony Raymond. The striking Halimeh piece felt like a revenge necklace signalling Kardashian's unique ability to easily replace millions of dollars' worth of precious jewels. To some on social media, this served as a gauché reminder of seemingly bottomless wealth. But for NYU fashion law professor and 'The Laws of Style' author Douglas Hand, it was a symbol of defiance. 'Her choice of jewelry really underscored the fact that she wants to announce that she's reclaiming her power after this traumatic event,' Hand told CNN over the phone. 'If I were advising her from both a business perspective and a legal perspective, I think you'd want to signal that you are a survivor.' The power of a carefully considered courtroom outfit should never be underestimated. In 2023, when Gwyneth Paltrow was taken to court for a personal injury claim over a skiing accident, she wore a series of understated, luxurious looks — including a loden coat from The Row, pants by Proenza Schouler, boots by Celine and a number of her own branded sweaters — that swayed the online demographic in her favor. Several fans took to social media to rate her looks out of ten, while some even sought to recreate them at home. What could have easily become a brand-damaging episode — Paltrow's expensive taste in ski instructors and her decision to have a post-crash massage were key elements of the prosecution — surprisingly became a masterclass in the soft power of fashion. Ultimately, the jury unanimously sided with Paltrow and found her not liable. Similarly, when author E. Jean Carroll appeared in court to testify against US President Trump in 2023, accusing him of sexually abusing her in a Bergdorf Goodman store in 1996, the writer curated a series of decorous earth-toned tailored dresses, smart jackets and off-white overcoats, which presented her as the antithesis of the 'whack job' Trump had tried to label her. Despite denying the allegations and publicly insulting Carroll for making the claim, Trump was found liable for sexual assault battery and Carroll received $5 million in damages. (A year later, she was awarded another $83.3 million for defamation.) Elsewhere, celebrities including Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B have enlisted their regular red carpet stylists to help create courtroom looks that still feel authentic to them: sharp tailored suits (worn shirtless, however) with hair cut into razor-sharp bobs. According to Hand, the consideration that goes into courtroom clothes isn't merely an exercise in vanity. '(These outfits) are pretty choreographed by any well-advised litigant,' he said. 'For high profile litigants, courtroom dress is usually an attempt to dispel any appearance of wrongdoing, whether you're charged with a crime or you're embroiled in some dispute or a nasty divorce.' The right ensemble can also help promise 'some degree of credibility,' added Hand. This seems to be the strategy of music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who during his ongoing trial on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering has avoided all iterations of masculine power-suiting and instead opted for soft sweaters, glasses and undyed grey hair. The result, some argue, is a curated image that seems like a far cry from the alleged crimes. 'Your apparel choices speak before you do,' Hand added. 'That's incredibly important, particularly in a high stakes situation like a court of law.' For almost as long as celebrities have been breaking the law, they have at least been dressing for the occasion. In 2002, Winona Ryder arrived at her shoplifting trial (she was accused of stealing more than $5,500 of designer goods from Saks Fifth Avenue) dressed in a Marc Jacobs trompe l'oeil knit dress that has since gone down in fashion history. Her sartorial strategy was clear: midi-skirts and dresses that were elegant, prim and demure, worn with headbands for a youthful earnestness. 'How nice to see a defendant rise above the tried-and-true dark suit and opt for a more fashionable facade,' wrote Robin Givhan at the time, in a tongue-in-cheek report for the Washington Post. Unfortunately, no matter how much her hemline communicated sweetness and light, Ryder was still found guilty and sentenced to 480 hours of community service, a $3,700 fine and 36 months of probation. When rapper Lil' Kim was on trial for perjury in 2004, she coordinated her tailored pinstripe suit vest and slacks with those worn by her attorney Mel Sachs. In fact, several of her courtroom looks were reportedly personally gifted by Marc Jacobs — a close friend of the musician — who provided her with modest sandy-colored suits and bouclé twin-sets. But too heavy an emphasis on fashion can also backfire. When Martha Stewart was brought to trial for insider trading in 2004, her choice to wear a mink stole and chestnut-colored Hermés Birkin bag sparked controversy. 'The Birkin did little to promote the image of an approachable woman who has struggled up from humble roots,' wrote the New York Times that same year. 'Instead, it cemented an image of her as a pampered fat cat seemingly willing to snatch money from an Average Joe Stockholder.' Meanwhile, when Michael Jackson arrived at court in 2005 after being accused of child molestation (he was later acquitted), the pop star showed up dressed in flamboyant brocaded vests and dazzling waistcoat jewelry — much like what he wore on stage. Ideally, said Hand, celebrities want to aim for a 'sober' outfit that feels 'conservative to emphasize trustworthiness.' Anything else risks sending a message of flagrance, which can sour jurors fast. Earlier this year, the realms of fashion and law enforcement intertwined even further when rapper A$AP Rocky appeared in a Los Angeles court facing charges of two counts of felony assault, one with a firearm. Rocky, who recently co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala, arrived at his trial looking strikingly dapper. His gabardine trench coat, wool chiné pants and striped satin shirt worn with sunglasses was a sophisticated, stylish take on courtroom dressing. Upon first glance, it looked like the type of paparazzi-style campaign Rocky has starred in for Italian luxury label Bottega Veneta. A few days later, a press blast distributed to journalists confirmed that Rocky had been kitted out head-to-toe in Saint Laurent. When the media alert was sent, Rocky — who has now been acquitted on all charges — was still the lead suspect in an ongoing criminal trial. But Saint Laurent was not deterred by the questionable backdrop, continuing to send multiple releases after each new courtroom appearance. It surprised even a senior fashion public relations executive in London, who said they would advise PRs to avoid sharing outfit details and shopping links when pieces have been worn to sensitive events. 'It's not appropriate to be shouting about them wearing your brand in those contexts,' they said. 'It's tacky.' (Saint Laurent did not respond to requests from CNN for comment.) But the French luxury house isn't the only brand hoping to captialize on the free press that comes with highly publicized lawsuits. In 2024, Anna Delvey — the 'fake heiress' who was found guilty of grand larceny, among other financial crimes, in 2019 — used one of her immigration court appearances to promote emerging fashion label Shao New York by wearing a custom outfit by the brand (the designer is a client of the OutLaw Agency, a venture Delvey began with publicisit Kelly Cutrone in 2023). In Kardashian's case, she was not appearing as a person convicted of a crime but rather a veritable victim. 'The appearance of wrongdoing was not anything that she needed to address,' said Hand. Instead of sending a message to the judge and jury, as is usually the goal of a celebrity courtroom outfit, Kardashian's diamonds spoke directly to the public. What they were really intended to say, however, isn't crystal clear.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kris Jenner, 69, channels Coco Chanel in elegant ensemble during Paris visit for Kim Kardashian's jewellery heist trial... following the duo's slew of pointed 'secret meaning' outfits
Kris Jenner stepped out once again during her Paris visit to support her daughter Kim during the trial for her 2016 diamond heist. The reality matriarch, 69, looked incredible in a boxy Chanel jacket, with the fashion house's CC logo on the buttons, paired with wide-leg black trousers and heels while departing the Ritz Hotel on Thursday afternoon. Far from merely being a journey for justice, in true Jenner-Kardashian style, the mother and daughter have treated their trip to the French capital as a fashion parade. Throughout their stay, dramatic ensembles appear to be steeped in meaning, complete with dripping jewels, masculine suits and recreations. Kim was seen wearing a lavish diamond necklace and earrings as she testified at the trial of the gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room in 2016 - a moment she revealed led her to believe she would be killed. The influencer was joined by mother Kris as she made her way into the courtroom on Tuesday. Kardashian - who was dressed in a black blazer, skirt and sunglasses - waved at onlookers and press before pulling her mother aside for a brief chat. It marks the first time Kim confronted the suspected 'grandpa gang' of Paris robbers who are accused of stealing jewellery worth millions of dollars from her. In the aftermath, Kim was said to have vowed to stop showing off her jewels on social media. For her court appearance, the reality star wore a $3 million necklace by Samer Halimeh New York, crafted in 18K white gold and featuring 80 diamonds, culminating in a 10.13-carat pear-shaped center stone. She added a Sloan Pave diamond ear cuff worth $8,300 and a second Serti Sur Vide Earcuff by Repossi made up of 12 pear shaped diamonds for 4.55 carats. Jeweller Zack Stone noted that Kim was sporting a diamond anklet that had been given to her by daughter North. Stone told MailOnline: 'Kim's anklet looks like it could be the sentimental piece she received from North for Mother's Day, featuring the birthstones of her four children. 'Set with round-cut diamonds, it's delicately accented with a single pearl, a pear-cut garnet, a pear-cut zircon, and an emerald-cut emerald. I'd estimate its value at around $8,000. 'On her right hand, Kim is sporting a massive ring. While the exact cut is hard to confirm, the diamond appears to be at least 20 carats, set in a solitaire design that further emphasises its remarkable size. 'Given these details, it's safe to assume the ring carries a hefty price tag - my estimate would be around $3.5 million.' Inside the courtroom, Kardashian broke down in tears as she shared her fears that she thought she would raped that evening. Search for The Trial: The Kim Kardashian Heist, wherever you get your podcasts now. New episodes will be released every Monday and Thursday. Subscribe to The Crime Desk to listen ad-free.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The secret meaning behind Kim Kardashian's Paris looks: From statement $3M necklace made from 80 diamonds to making a 'power move' with bold robe and underwear
The secret meaning behind Kim Kardashian 's Paris looks have been revealed, amid her ongoing $10M jewellery heist trial. It marks the first time the influencer, 44, has confronted the suspected 'grandpa gang' of Paris robbers who are accused of stealing jewellery worth millions of dollars from her at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room in 2016. The reality star broke down in tears as she told the court she forgives the defendant, despite fearing she was going to be raped and killed during the heist. But Kim seems to be taking back the power with subtle messages through her choice of outfit. On Wednesday, Kim left her hotel in a plunging cream satin gown with a feathered trim, which was a sight to behold in itself, with a lace bra underneath. One fan pointed out that Kim was wearing a robe and underwear when she was robbed at gunpoint: 'I think this outfit is a play on what she was wearing when she was robbed. A robe and underwear' Another added: 'Exactly. I don't love her generally but I see this as taking back some of her power. It's a cool move.' Kim chose to accessorise her look with a blue baseball cap, but it is unknown why she opted for the quirky choice. Kim's courtroom bling was no mistake either - in fact, the Daily Mail has learned it was a calculated 'f**k you' to the thugs who stole her jewels years ago. She showed up to court on Tuesday dripping in diamonds, wearing a jaw-dropping $3 million necklace by Samer Halimeh New York, crafted in 18K white gold and featuring 80 diamonds, culminating in a 10.13-carat pear-shaped center stone. The statement necklace appeared to be a not-so-subtle message to the men standing trial for her infamous 2016 robbery. A source close to the reality star told the Daily Mail that Kim's display of wealth was very much deliberate - and cost around $6million in total. 'It's not about the jewels. She wore them on purpose to say that they didn't really steal anything from her. She has built back and she's living a good life now,' the insider said. 'You could say that it was a total "f**k you" to them.' One fan pointed out that Kim was wearing a robe and underwear when she was robbed at gunpoint: 'I think this outfit is a play on what she was wearing when she was robbed. A robe and underwear' She added a Sloan Pave diamond ear cuff worth $8,300 and a second Serti Sur Vide Earcuff by Repossi made up of 12 pear shaped diamonds for 4.55 carats. Jeweller Zack Stone noted that Kim was sporting a diamond anklet that had been given to her by daughter North. Stone told MailOnline: 'Kim's anklet looks like it could be the sentimental piece she received from North for Mother's Day, featuring the birthstones of her four children. 'Set with round-cut diamonds, it's delicately accented with a single pearl, a pear-cut garnet, a pear-cut zircon, and an emerald-cut emerald. I'd estimate its value at around $8,000. 'On her right hand, Kim is sporting a massive ring. While the exact cut is hard to confirm, the diamond appears to be at least 20 carats, set in a solitaire design that further emphasises its remarkable size. 'Given these details, it's safe to assume the ring carries a hefty price tag - my estimate would be around $3.5 million.' Inside the courtroom, Kim broke down in tears as she shared her fears that she thought she would raped that evening. Kim stood in the packed courtroom across from her mother, Kris Jenner. As she entered the Voltaire Room, the star was greeted by cheers of 'wow' from the audience. Her voice broke as she sobbed while telling the courtroom: 'I just want to be heard and understood. I appreciate the letter, those words. I forgive you. But it doesn't change the emotion and the feelings, the trauma, and my life being changed forever,' after the judge read aloud an apology note written to Kardashian in 2017. 'I came to Paris for Fashion Week, Paris was always a place that I loved so much. I used to walk around the city when I woke up in the middle of the night. I always felt very safe.' Kardashian told the court. 'It was around three in the morning. I heard stomping up the stairs when I was in bed. I kept calling out for my sister and one of my best friends, but no one answered me. And in my bedroom come in a few police officers, or what I assumed were police officers as they were in police uniforms,' she said, recalling the night of the robbery. She told the court that the attackers arrived dressed as police officers, with the concierge in handcuffs. Kim described how they tied her hands with cable ties, dragged her to the bathtub and pointed a gun at her temple. One robber gestured toward her ring. 'Then I heard one of the gentlemen forcefully say 'Ring! Ring!' in English, with an accent, pointing'. The suspects are accused of tying up Kim with zip ties and duct tape before making off with jewellery, including a $4million engagement ring given to her by her then-husband rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye), according to investigators. 'And I was still in such shock, because honestly a lot of terrorist attacks were happening in the world, and I thought it was some sort of terrorist attack, and I didn't immediately understand it was for my jewellery. 'They pulled me back in the room once they realised they had everything, and they threw me on the bed. 'I was pretty hysterical and I just looked at the concierge and told him what is going to happen to us, I have to make it home to my babies,' Kim said. She said at one point she feared she was going to be raped as the robbers threw her on the bed and one of them grabbed her leg. 'But he ended up tying me up and closed my legs,' she added. 'I thought about my sister, thought she would walk in and see me shot dead and have that memory in her forever. 'I absolutely thought I was going to die. 'After a few minutes, I didn't hear anything, so I (moved over) to the sink, and it was a marble sink so I cut my ties. 'When I got downstairs, Simone (her stylist) let me know that she had called my sister Kourtney, and her and the security were on the way. We weren't sure at that point if they were going to come back. So we ran on the balcony to hide in the bushes. 'I remember calling my mom from the bushes to let her know what happened. And then I think while we were waiting for my security, we were trying to come up with a plan, if we should jump from the window, as it was just a one-storey building.' French prosecutors say the men who orchestrated the heist - most in their 60s and 70s - were part of a seasoned criminal ring that tracked Kardashian's movements through social media. Two of the defendants have admitted being at the scene. One claims he didn't know who she was. Twelve suspects were originally charged. One has died and another was excused due to illness. The French press dubbed the group les papys braqueurs - 'the grandpa robbers' - but prosecutors insist they were no harmless retirees. Yunice Abbas, 71, who is among the 10 suspects standing trial, many in their late 60s or 70s and dubbed 'the grandpa gang,' has told French media that he and others who took part in the robbery did not know who Kardashian was. 'It's not her, it's her diamond we targeted,' Abbas told C8 TV a few years ago. Abbas has admitted his participation in the robbery - writing a book about his role. In interviews with French media, he said he was sorry for what he did and wanted to apologise to Kardashian. There is no possibility of a guilty plea in such cases and Abbas is standing trial despite admitting to playing a role in the robbery. Frank Berton, a lawyer representing 68-year-old Aomar Ait Khedache, nicknamed 'Omar the Old,' said last month he hoped the fact that Kardashian is a global star won't affect the trial. Khedache is accused of being the gang's ringleader, which he denies. 'This trial attracts international attention because of who the plaintiff, the victim, is,' Berton said. Kim jetted into the French capital on Monday, sharing a picture of her view from the plane that she captioned simply with a French flag. While it is not known what the SKIMS founder got up to the night before her day in court, her mother Jenner took to Instagram to reveal she had spent the evening at dinner with partner Corey Gamble and Michael Coste. The suspects in the trial are accused of tying up billionaire Kardashian with zip ties and duct tape before making off with jewels, including a $4 million engagement ring given to her by her then-husband rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye), according to investigators. Cameras are usually not allowed in courtrooms in France, and Kim's testimony will not be broadcast live.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kim Kardashian makes bizarre fashion choice as she teams busty feathered gown with a baseball cap for lunch with suited and booted Kris Jenner after testifying in jewellery heist trial
She rarely puts a foot wrong in the fashion stakes. But for a low-key lunch in the Paris sunshine, Kim Kardashian opted for a more unlikely fashion choice as she stepped out with her mother Kris Jenner on Tuesday. The influencer, 44, departed her hotel in a plunging cream satin gown with a feathered trim, which was a sight to behold in itself. The daring gown showed off Kim's ample cleavage as it boasted a plunging front, and a matching feathered neckline and skirt trim. However, perhaps in a bid to shield herself from the warm weather, Kim chose to accessorise her look with a blue baseball cap. Kris opted for a starkly different look as she left her hotel in a burgundy double-breasted suit, teamed with a matching tie and a striped shirt. The pair's outing came after Kim made a tearful appearance to testify in court during the trial for a 2016 jewellery heist in Paris. The reality star broke down in tears as she told the court she forgives the defendant, despite fearing she was going to be raped and killed during the $10 million heist. Kim arrived at the court wearing a $3 million necklace by Samer Halimeh New York, crafted in 18K white gold and featuring 80 diamonds, culminating in a 10.13-carat pear-shaped center stone. She added a Sloan Pave diamond ear cuff worth $8,300. Inside the courtroom, Kardashian broke down in tears as she shared her fears that she thought she would raped that evening. Kardashian stood in the packed courtroom across from her mother, Kris Jenner. As she entered the Voltaire Room, the star was greeted by cheers of 'wow' from the audience. Her voice broke as she sobbed while telling the courtroom: 'I just want to be heard and understood. I appreciate the letter, those words. I forgive you. But it doesn't change the emotion and the feelings, the trauma, and my life being changed forever,' after the judge read aloud an apology note written to Kardashian in 2017. 'I came to Paris for Fashion Week, Paris was always a place that I loved so much. I used to walk around the city when I woke up in the middle of the night. I always felt very safe.' Kardashian told the court. 'It was around three in the morning. I heard stomping up the stairs when I was in bed. I kept calling out for my sister and one of my best friends, but no one answered me. And in my bedroom come in a few police officers, or what I assumed were police officers as they were in police uniforms,' she said, recalling the night of the robbery. She told the court that the attackers arrived dressed as police officers, with the concierge in handcuffs. Kardashian described how they tied her hands with cable ties, dragged her to the bathtub and pointed a gun at her temple. One robber gestured toward her ring. 'Then I heard one of the gentlemen forcefully say 'Ring! Ring!' in English, with an accent, pointing'. The suspects are accused of tying up Kardashian with zip ties and duct tape before making off with jewellery, including a $4million engagement ring given to her by her then-husband rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye), according to investigators. 'And I was still in such shock, because honestly a lot of terrorist attacks were happening in the world, and I thought it was some sort of terrorist attack, and I didn't immediately understand it was for my jewellery. 'They pulled me back in the room once they realised they had everything, and they threw me on the bed. 'I was pretty hysterical and I just looked at the concierge and told him what is going to happen to us, I have to make it home to my babies,' Kardashian said. She said at one point she feared she was going to be raped as the robbers threw her on the bed and one of them grabbed her leg. 'But he ended up tying me up and closed my legs,' she added. 'I thought about my sister, thought she would walk in and see me shot dead and have that memory in her forever. 'I absolutely thought I was going to die. 'After a few minutes, I didn't hear anything, so I (moved over) to the sink, and it was a marble sink so I cut my ties. 'When I got downstairs, Simone (her stylist) let me know that she had called my sister Kourtney, and her and the security were on the way. We weren't sure at that point if they were going to come back. So we ran on the balcony to hide in the bushes. 'I remember calling my mom from the bushes to let her know what happened. And then I think while we were waiting for my security, we were trying to come up with a plan, if we should jump from the window, as it was just a one-storey building.' French prosecutors say the men who orchestrated the heist - most in their 60s and 70s - were part of a seasoned criminal ring that tracked Kardashian's movements through social media. Two of the defendants have admitted being at the scene. One claims he didn't know who she was. Twelve suspects were originally charged. One has died and another was excused due to illness. The French press dubbed the group les papys braqueurs - 'the grandpa robbers' - but prosecutors insist they were no harmless retirees. Yunice Abbas, 71, who is among the 10 suspects standing trial, many in their late 60s or 70s and dubbed 'the grandpa gang,' has told French media that he and others who took part in the robbery did not know who Kardashian was. 'It's not her, it's her diamond we targeted,' Abbas told C8 TV a few years ago. Abbas has admitted his participation in the robbery - writing a book about his role. In interviews with French media, he said he was sorry for what he did and wanted to apologise to Kardashian. There is no possibility of a guilty plea in such cases and Abbas is standing trial despite admitting to playing a role in the robbery. Frank Berton, a lawyer representing 68-year-old Aomar Ait Khedache, nicknamed 'Omar the Old,' said last month he hoped the fact that Kardashian is a global star won't affect the trial. Khedache is accused of being the gang's ringleader, which he denies. 'This trial attracts international attention because of who the plaintiff, the victim, is,' Berton said. Kardashian jetted into the French capital on Monday, sharing a picture of her view from the plane that she captioned simply with a French flag. While it is not known what the SKIMS founder got up to the night before her day in court, her mother Jenner took to Instagram to reveal she had spent the evening at dinner with partner Corey Gamble and Michael Coste. The suspects in the trial are accused of tying up billionaire Kardashian with zip ties and duct tape before making off with jewels, including a $4 million engagement ring given to her by her then-husband rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye), according to investigators. Cameras are usually not allowed in courtrooms in France, and Kardashian's testimony will not be broadcast live.
