Hello Everyone,
Is it possible that fashion designers are finally beginning to love us women after all? If so, what a relief! For the last couple of seasons they have actually been offering us beautiful accessories to enhance our femaleness. And this season it seems they are at it again as accessories have become a girl’s best friend. (Meanwhile we are digging deep holes in our pockets, but that’s another story!)
What better way to highlight our femininity than by adding a pin here, a hat there or a belt around the waist or slipping on a pair of gloves to keep our hands warm and clean? Or what about adding an embellished headband with a matching belt or blouse? (Max Mara has some beautiful headbands to tempt you!)
But, back to gloves. My April 2007 column featured “The Coat.” This perfect cover-up can be raised to another level just by wearing a beautiful pair of gloves. Since they come in many colors, lengths and fabrics and with or without fingers, there is no excuse for not owning a few pairs.
Gloves go back to prehistoric times when they looked more like mittens and were worn by cavemen for protection. Prior to the 11th century, the wearing of gloves—other than for functional and protective purposes—was confined to the clergy, nobility and military and signified distinction and power as well as luxury and refinement. But they were also given as a symbol of affection and esteem. Today, gloves are worn both as fashion accessories and as protection against harsh products and elements.
By the 12th Century gloves had became a distinctive fashionable accessory. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, no well-dressed woman would appear in public without wearing this latest trend. Glove centers began to develop rapidly all over Europe from the 14th and 15th Centuries onwards.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, gloves were made of lace, silk, linen or leather and were extravagantly ornamented. Fit was not a high priority. However, as time went on, a proper fit became more important than ornamentation and London became an important hub of the glove trade. But it is thanks to a French gantier (glover), Xavier Jouvin, that a system of sizing gloves was devised in the early 19th century by measuring the hand around the widest part, the knuckles.
During and after World War II there was a decline in the glove industry, but I remember vividly my mother and grandmother wearing gloves to add a finishing touch to their outfits and, believe it or not, to keep their hands clean!
Gloves have at last made a come back thanks to the Maisons de Haute Couture and their designers who have recognized their importance as a fashion accessory. They are available at most department stores as well as Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, Hermes, Gucci, Dior (high priced) or H&M, Zara or Mango for all budgets.
Hopefully, in 2007, gloves will continue to not only protect us from the cold and rain but enhance our style and elegance, too.
From Paris – These fabulous gloves are made by Causse and I am gaga over them!
Causse the renowned French glove makers have just opened their first boutique in Paris at 12 rue de Castiglione (two steps away from the Place Vendome). Fans of the French gantier (established in 1892) include Madonna and Karl Lagerfeld who ordered 250 pairs of fingerless gloves at one time from Causse. The very chic and elegant 2007/08 winter collection includes these lovely specimens in golden lambskin.
