Opera gloves have become the fashion set’s favourite accessory

Last night at the Fashion Awards in London, which marked the first time the event has been held post pandemic following a digital iteration in 2020, there was one accessory that shone the brightest on the red carpet - opera gloves.

Designer Richard Quinn seemed to spearhead the retro trend with three of his gowns featuring the arm sweeping style. First there was Swedish supermodel Elsa Hosk whose cherry red gloves popped against her voluminous floral dress. Then there was Addison Rae in a 1950s take. Finally, the gloves were worked into Priyanka Chopra Jonas' statement-making Richard Quinn gown.

Related: Elsa Hosk's most major red carpet looks to date

But Quinn wasn’t the only designer dreaming of a night at the opera, Alexa Chung served whimsical vibes in a lace pair by Caroline Hu. Charli Howard embraced old Hollywood charm in satin pink, while Demi Moore choose leather full-length gloves to compliment her sequin Fendi number.

And the list continues. Winnie Harlow’s cream pair sat under a quilted beige-yellow gown. Dua Lipa's Maximilian gloves took a fingerless take on the trend, while Sabrina Elba in David Koma cemented that this accessory is here to stay.

Despite peaking in the 1950s and adored by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the gloves are now finding their way onto instagram feeds across the global thanks to the arms of Bella Hadid, Rihanna and Beyonce who have a knack for bringing drama.

A plethora of opera gloves were also seen on almost every runway at the AW21 shows. At Prabal Gurung, opera gloves were paired with everything from sweeping skirts to red hot suits. Courrèges used the trend to extended the sartorial life of summer singlets. David Koma worked with layers, having them tucked under A-line dresses, while Jil Sander mastered the art of scrunching.

While the glamour and drama draws one in. It’s the practicality that makes you stay. No need to put your dresses in the corner, simply add gloves to stay warm and off the moment.