Of course, we all vividly remember the minimalist perfection of Carolyn Bessette’s instantly famous 1996 bridal look. Specifically her bias-cut slip dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez.
Bessette’s entire bridal vibe was iconic in its simplicity. The dress was beautifully minimalist; the tulle veil was present but perfectly muted, merely a whisper of fabric trailing from the back of her sleek ballerina bun. But her gauzy elbow-length gloves are so subtle they’re often missed as a key accessory of Bessette’s wedding style, a lovely detail adding just a little extra something to her streamlined look.
Wedding gloves are now back in a very big way for brides, the trend spotted in so many of the just-released Fall 2023 bridal collections. London-based accessory designer Kerry Parker, owner and founder of Kerry Parker Atelier, says though this season we are seeing more gloves, they are something that have always been a huge accessory for brides, dating back to the Victorian era. They’re also reminiscent of Bridgerton and all it’s incredible Regency-era costuming, as a huge style component of the women’s best looks on the beloved series.
“Gloves were favoured by elites and adored by brides, eventually transcending into [mainstream],” Parker explains. “The reason we see them more now, is because of the emergence of an even bigger and daring fashion audience that strives to define their own individual style, hence a much greater presence.”
Parker’s striking collection of gloves features an all-star array of fabrics including satin, velvet and tulle, with whimsical embellishments like pearls, crystals and bows. The designer believes gloves are truly the ultimate fashion accessory and attributes that to their versatility. “You can style gloves in multiple ways,” says Kerry. “They can look traditional or modern. Just a few weeks ago we had a classic bride and an influencer at fashion week wearing the same pair of our gloves.”
Parker’s specialty creations are all made-to-order and can be easily shopped online and arrive perfectly fitted as the designer asks for a concise set of measurements for each custom pair she creates.
Read on for more of Parker’s style expertise when it comes to choosing wedding gloves.
Do you have particular wedding glove style for brides that you’re loving right now?
“I do love a lace fingerless glove, and our Tess vow gloves are a perfect style,” says Parker. “We customize these for brides by having vows embroidered across the top of the glove in silk thread. We also have an over-the-elbow length tulle fingerless glove called the Evelyn, which is also a showstopper.”
Is there an etiquette for brides surrounding wearing gloves on a wedding day?
“Confidence is the fuel to etiquette, and it would be rare to see gloves on someone who lacks that,” says Parker. “The finesse it adds to your personality screams from afar. You could go for more intricate embroidered details on your pair in the morning and let all the blingy dazzle out for your evening reception.”
When it comes to fingerless gloves, is there a sweet spot they should hit on your hand?
“Right around the base of your fingers is where they should sit,” explains Parker. “That is the beautiful spot where delicate tulle plays peek-a-boo with your precious rocks.”
What are your fit tips for longer wedding glove lengths?
“Gloves are least likely to roll down if they end before the elbow, or go all the way up to the tricep,” reports Parker. “It also means minimal wrinkling due to natural ball-socket movement. There is not one-size-fits all standardization when it comes to gloves, and this is something that we as a brand continue to propagate. Find what flatters your jolly self and ace it!”
Who are a few celebrity brides who have done wedding gloves right?
“Carolyn Bessette of course is top pick,” says Parker. “Recently Nicola Peltz Beckham, Kourtney Kardashian, model Tess Annique Souray and stylist Sonam Babani have looked amazing wearing wedding gloves. The latter two were actually Kerry Parker brides!”
The best wedding gloves to shop now
Will you go wrist, elbow or tricep length?
The fishnet wedding gloves
We love these short and sweet gloves in classic fishnet. Pair with a mini wedding dress for a look that’s totally modern with a chic vintage twist.
The fingerless wedding gloves
These are Kerry Parker’s runaway bestsellers, the Tess vow gloves, which are custom made for every client. It turns out gloves are a perfect place to emblazon some of the most important words from your big day.
The sparkly wedding gloves
These glitter gloves are one of our favourite wedding accessories from the beloved curve size brand’s new bridal collection. They’re available in three different sizes, which means there’s a perfect fit for everyone.
The 3-D floral wedding gloves
These divinely embellished gloves feature lace, pearls and 3-D floral accents. The fingerless style is held in place by a delicate ribbon worn looped around the middle finger.
The silk wedding gloves
These silk elbow-length silk gloves will imbue your wedding look with a timeless, old-Hollywood feel. They look amazing paired with a halter or strapless neckline.
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