We gotta hand it to her. When George Clooney’s bride Amal showed up to this year’s Golden Globes wearing a black gown and white opera gloves a la Hepburn, the fashion world gasped. Would this formal throwback style be embraced or panned? Some critics loved the classic look. Others argued it was slightly uptight. To make the situation even more interesting, we later found out Amal had sewn the gloves herself, just hours before the awards show, prompting DIY fans to start pinning like crazy.
Whether or not we think gloves and the Golden Globes go hand-in-hand, one thing’s certain: This past year, the retro, ladylike accessory is enjoying a strong revival. Many of the models coming down the fall runways seemed to have been plucked from the pages of a 1960 Vogue or the set of Mad Men’s first season. There were elongated opera gloves, the quintessential evening statement that would look regal at a holiday gala—or, of course, a Puccini premiere. There were mid-length looks, often lavishly ornamented, that would grab attention at your next ladies-who-lunch lunch or work dinner. And there were shorter daytime gloves, often with sporty details such as fringe, appliqués and buttons, suitable for everything from date nights to weekend outings. Even mitts—those fuzzy little blankets for one’s arms—made a cozy appearance in some collections.
So, this winter, don’t keep these babies at arm’s length. Embrace this trend and you’ll shine at your next holiday party—or breakfast in front of Tiffany’s window.
From left: Current runway looks from Prada, Balenciaga, Boss and Tracy Reese
The Upper Hand: Dolce & Gabbana’s bejeweled, appliquéd offerings.
Up in Arms: At New York Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs opted for leather mid-length gloves.
Give the Girl a Hand: Amal Clooney accessorized a black gown with DIY white gloves—and, of course, George.
Glove Child: Oscar de la Renta sent a model down the runway in pink opera gloves and a chartreuse skirt.
