The 2025 Golden Globes weren’t just about celebrating film and television. This year, the red carpet became a stage for a trend that merges vintage elegance with modern flair — opera gloves. These long, sophisticated gloves made a striking comeback, appearing on numerous celebrities in either classic white or bold black. The accessory, once reserved for 19th-century soirées, has now found its place in contemporary fashion, blending tradition with an edge.
A Statement of Bold Contrasts
Fashion historian Nancy Deihl explains that opera gloves originally symbolized modesty and high culture, often paired with evening gowns that revealed the arms and neckline. “In the 19th century, women adorned these gloves with bracelets to highlight their jewelry,” she shares. Fast forward to 2025, and celebrities are reinventing this style with a provocative twist, using the gloves to create a contrast between glamorous evening wear and covered arms.
Stars Who Brought Opera Gloves to Life
Kerry Washington embraced the trend with a daring Barbie-pink ruched gown paired with long black gloves that exuded drama and sophistication. Her look, crafted by Balenciaga, perfectly balanced boldness and grace, turning heads on the red carpet.
Ali Wong, who took home an award for her Netflix special “Single Lady,” chose a fiery red ruffled gown, also from Balenciaga. Her sleek black gloves and signature glasses added a sharp, modern edge to her look.
Velvet Glamour Meets Opera Gloves
Janelle James, from “Abbott Elementary,” took a classic route by pairing her strapless black Christian Siriano gown with opera gloves. Her glittering bracelets, worn over the gloves, nodded to the historical origins of the accessory.
Cristin Milioti, known for her role in “The Penguin,” donned a black velvet Rodarte dress adorned with embellishments. Her gloves matched her gown’s intricate details, creating a seamless monochromatic moment.
Pamela Anderson, a vision of timeless beauty, opted for a dramatic black ballgown by Oscar de la Renta. The satin gloves she wore elevated her look to a level of unparalleled elegance, proving that opera gloves can enhance any ensemble.
A Playful Take on Tradition
While black gloves dominated the red carpet, Ariana Grande stayed true to tradition by choosing ivory opera gloves. She paired them with a vintage yellow Givenchy gown encrusted with Swarovski crystals. This homage to classic Hollywood glamour reminded everyone of the enduring charm of these accessories.
Why Opera Gloves Are Back
Celebrity stylist Payton Dale attributes the resurgence of opera gloves to a mix of practicality and fashion rules. Designers often require stylists to present their garments exactly as seen on the runway, including accessories like gloves. Additionally, gloves provide a functional yet chic alternative to coats, keeping stars warm without hiding their gowns.
Dale also notes a broader cultural shift: “We’re craving old-school glamor after years of minimalism. Opera gloves fit perfectly into this desire for grand, maximalist fashion.”
A Modern Interpretation
Though opera gloves are steeped in tradition, their 2025 revival carries a sense of rebellion. As Deihl puts it, “Today’s celebrities are using them to challenge norms, pairing them with revealing gowns to create an alluring contrast. It’s about being classy with a hint of mischief.”
Not Just a Passing Trend
Opera gloves have already established themselves as a staple on runways from luxury brands like Balenciaga, JW Anderson, and Miu Miu. The 2025 Golden Globes proved that these accessories are here to stay, continuing to redefine red-carpet fashion.
With opera gloves making waves across the fashion world, their timeless appeal is anything but outdated. From their historic roots to their contemporary revival, this accessory has reemerged as a symbol of sophistication and bold style.