Since Mubarak's hospitalization and subsequent arrest, we have only seen images of him in the mode -- and gear-- of patient or prisoner. A far cry from his heady prosperous days where he insisted on his tailored suits bearing his own stamp: a personal weave, emblazoned in his 'running stitched' name. A vanity outfit if ever there was one. Now, he is reduced to choices in colors of pajamas, as befits convalescence or penal clothing.
Mubarak's first appearance in court was memorable for the extraordinary images of the ousted dictator, who ruled Egypt for 30 years, commanded respect and instilled fear, being wheeled into court on a hospital 'trolley'.
After the first two trial rounds, 3rd August and 15th August, the decision was taken to ban further air time for the hearing sessions, broadcast live for the first two runs. Instead, for the sake of the fair trial and public safety, the remainder of the trial would be conducted off camera. This was the case September 5th for the third hearing, whose proceedings were held off-camera.
But that didn't stop us getting a glimpse of the dictator's 'training' suit or patient/ prisoner 'gear'. We are left wondering, what next for Mubarak, an orange jumpsuit, a new line in hospital gowns, or maybe a horizontal monochrome striped outfit, popularized as prison-wear by Hollywood and cartoons.
The first outing of Mubarak for his court trial was quite sobering to see, but by the second and third hearings we had acclimatized to seeing the former President of Egypt in his night gear, doubling as patient and defendant-dock clothes. Instead, we were left wondering if he's had to supplement his wardrobe with pajamas to see him through the end of his public trial (now banned from the camera).
