CBC Radio | Posted: January 8, 2016 2:02 PM | Last Updated: January 8, 2016
Image | Bill Cosby
Caption: Pulitzer Prize winner Robin Givhan decodes the deeper meaning of Bill Cosby's courtroom sweater, and the role of clothing in influencing public opinion. (The Associated Press)
Audio | Q : The optics of innocence: A closer look at Cosby's sweater
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Did Bill Cosby wake up the morning of his formal arraignment and arbitrarily decide on his outfit? Pulitzer-Prize-winning fashion critic Robin Givhan seriously doubts that.
In the court of public opinion, Givhan argues that apparel is no trivial matter — and that Cosby's grandfatherly sweater was a very calculated choice.
"When it comes to these kinds of court appearances ... trying to influence public opinion begins from the moment that person is viewed, in public, as the accused."
Media Video | (not specified) : Bill Cosby arrives for arraignment
Caption: Comedian is led through a crush of media and spectators as he enters a court building in Elkins Park, Pa.
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