Weekend Chic: Selena Gomez's Elbow Gloves Inspire Timeless Elegance
Selena Gomez stuns at the 2023 Academy Museum Gala, exuding timeless grace with her choice of elbow gloves Joined by two other celebrities, they collectively bring back the glamour of yesteryears with this striking retro accessory
Last night at the 2023 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, three celebrities arrived with a throwback fashion statement: Evening gloves. Selena Gomez and Cara Delevigne both wore classic black opera gloves, while Jared Leto sported a red leather pair that peeked out from under his white Givenchy poplin shirt. The opera glove, popularized in the 16th century and typically between 19 and 23 inches in length, has been a timeless fashion choice to elevate and enhance any outfit.
Gomez wore her accessories over her opera gloves.
The historical allure of gloves was rooted in their status as a carefully considered status symbol. Made of soft kid leather and lined with silk, they were often embellished to showcase wealth and influence. Queen Elizabeth I was known to wear a pair stitched with two inches of gold fringe. Additionally, gloves preserved the modesty of the wearer, serving as a physical barrier to touch, which was highly valued in the 1500s, particularly for women.
The unexpected connection between Dua Lipa and Megan Fox and the significance of red hair in history has a surprising story. The elegant and refined image of elbow-length gloves has stood the test of time. In Hollywood's Golden Age, the gloves were a key element of Marilyn Monroe's alluring appeal, particularly during her iconic performance of "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend" in the 1953 film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." In this scene, Monroe paired a strapless, hot pink satin gown with a pair of opera gloves adorned with stunning bracelets, reminiscent of Gomez's Gala look.
The sight of Monroe, a modern "sex bomb," wearing the innocent and maidenly accessory (especially paired with the bustier dress) was a bold display of sartorial subversion that playfully nodded to fashion history and its conservative views on sex.
Marilyn Monroe created an iconic opera gloves moment, teaming them with a bustier dress in the 1953 movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
Today, this item is undergoing a revival, appearing on the arms of celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Rodrigo, Zoë Kravitz, Emma DArcy, Mia Goth, and others. While they are still worn by royalty (just last week, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a pair of white elbow gloves by Paula Rowan to a state dinner at Buckingham Palace), the versatility of the evening glove makes it a surprisingly fun and playful accessory.
Featured look of the week: Emily Ratajkowski and the ultra-cinched puffer
Versace's latest Fall-Winter 2023 campaign featured a striking combination of black croc-effect leather elbow gloves paired with blue denim jeans. Meanwhile, at the 2022 Met Gala, actor Kodi Smit-McPhee made a statement with a bold firetruck red pair of Bottega Veneta leather opera gloves, elegantly scrunched under the sleeve of a white pinstripe shirt and jeans. Even Kendall Jenner has been seen styling gloves with lingerie, a fashion choice that would have shocked glove enthusiasts from the 1500s.
Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee at the 2022 Met Gala.
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
Reclaiming a fashion item and placing it in a new context is undeniably charming. While modesty may not hold the same significance as it did in the 16th century, elegance and humor are always timeless. Whether you're donning a full-length Valentino gown a la Gomez or simply throwing on a favorite pair of jeans, the glove trend is here to stay.
