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10 pairs of gloves to help you up the drama in your wardrobe

IMAGE VIA @ZIGS_MOM FOR @DYSPNEA_/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY SUNNY CHISHOLM

A layer of allure.

Gloves are some of the most efficient multitaskers. They can act as a protector, an investment, a status symbol or an heirloom. In my opinion, they are the unsung heroes of the accessories world, striking a balance between fashion and function.

Style often reflects changes in the collective consciousness. So it’s no surprise that the last few (very challenging) years have seen us embrace over-the-top glamour – think Emily in Paris, Bridgerton and corsets becoming a mainstay in Gen Zer’s wardrobes. 


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But despite the number of changes that have taken place in modern life, gloves have been used for the same purposes they always have been — for presentation, for preservation (aka warmth) and for play. Moving beyond last year’s period drama inspired regencycore trend, the new iteration of the evening glove straddles all kinds of aesthetics and their costumey quality offers an effective balm to the everydayness of the everyday.

Not often in fashion does the covering of skin seem both coquettish and demure, but the layer of allure that the glove provides does exactly that. Gloves are fun, flirty and romantic, and sometimes that’s the whole point. To inject a little drama into your next outfit, here’s a round-up of our favourite pairs that are sure to fit like a glove.

Sleeper

 

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Comfort and glamour, not necessarily words used together, are the two that come to mind when I think of Sleeper. Best known for making sleepwear cool, the label also offers playful, pyjama-inspired styles that can be worn beyond the bedroom, without skimping on pizzaz. Its Zephyr Ruffle Gloves fulfil the yearning to dress up, and I simply refuse to believe that anyone could have a bad time wearing them. There’s something deliciously carefree about their opera-length and devil-may-care impracticality.

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Poster Girl

Famously worn by the new queen of pop (that’s you, Dua Lipa), Poster Girl is a label that experiments with texture and technique. Celebrating confidence, sensuality and ultra femininity, it makes sense that the brand has ventured into accessories, which by virtue, are allowed to be a little frivolous. The Gracie Gloves are made to be seen in a vibrant cherry red with crystal embellishments and Poster Girl’s signature mesh detailing. 

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Dyspnea

 

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The Australian duo behind the unique and ubiquitous Dyspnea has made maximalism their brand. Fashioned in a semi-transparent, carefully hand-beaded soft polyester and available in seven rich colours, Dyspnea’s elbow-length Oprah Glove would be the crown jewel of any maximalist’s wardrobe. Dramatic? Certainly. Demure? Anything but. 

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Diaspora

 

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Hand-crafted by Sydney-based designer Steph Liakos, Diaspora’s exploration of discarded fabrics and off-cuts result in one of a kind creations (and sustainable ones at that). Using a mix of recycled materials in vibrant colours and decorated with dangling, delicate yarns, Diaspora’s sleeves, in Liakos’s words, are “enmeshed with life experiences”. 

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Paloma Wool

 

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The whimsical and quirky charm of Paloma Lanna’s namesake label has garnered a cult following, further propelled by the rise of the avant basic trend launching the brand into the fashion stratosphere. Paloma Wool’s popularity is partly due to the timeless and artisanal qualities of each limited piece it releases, and its Onawa Gloves are no exception. The soft-knitted, woollen style speaks to function, whereas the generous length and distinctive pattern speaks to fun. And who says fashion can’t be both? 

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Fruity Booty

 

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Created from deadstock (that is, stock that would otherwise go to waste), Fruity Booty leads with a sustainable approach and creates limited-edition intimates and other small, delicate garments. Made from a recycled blend of stretch fabric, its Green Check Gloves feel both low maintenance and spirit-lifting. 

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MM6 Maison Margiela 

Since its conception, Margiela’s diffusion line has challenged the conventions of femininity with contemporary cuts and colourways. True to the brand’s DNA, its striking full-length Black Long Gloves add an air of drama and mystery which I can only describe as Holly Golightly meets Catwoman. 

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Issey Miyake

 

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Renowned for boundary-pushing designs, Issey Miyake’s eponymous brand first made its name by fusing modern materials with ancient tradition. The textured Shell Knit Gloves are a testament to clever design and technical innovation, with the thumb and index finger made of touchscreen-friendly fibres.

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Ichiyo

 

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Inspired by the pleasure of dressing up, this Paris-based ready-to-wear label revels in femininity. Romantic pastel colours and dainty fabrics are the brand’s mark, typified by its fingerless Purple Globe Gloves with abstract florals in dreamy watercolours.

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Marine Serre

With an appreciation for vintage and the pre-loved, Marine Serre’s brand is naturally centred around sustainability. The production of new garments is based on what end-of-life materials are at her disposal. Sported by none other than Beyonce, Adele, Dua Lipa and the Jenner sisters, the brand could almost trademark its iconic crescent moon print. Immortalised in paparazzi shots, they are now available in slinky, elbow-length gloves. 

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For a deep dive into the history of the fashion glove, head here.

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