Three celebrities brought back a touch of Hollywood’s Golden Age at the 2023 Academy Museum Gala: Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne, and Jared Leto. Their eye-catching accessory? Evening gloves.

Selena and Cara opted for timeless elegance in classic black opera gloves, while Jared sported a bold red leather pair peeking out from under his white shirt. This seemingly simple accessory instantly elevated their outfits and added a touch of retro flair.

With a history dating back to the 16th century, opera gloves have always been a way to add sophistication and drama to any ensemble. Traditionally crafted from luxurious materials like kid leather and silk, they were once a status symbol, often adorned with intricate embellishments. Queen Elizabeth I herself was known for sporting a pair with two inches of gold fringe! Beyond aesthetics, gloves also served a practical purpose, acting as a barrier to touch and upholding the modesty standards of the time.

The noble and ladylike connotations of elbow-length gloves only persisted over the millennium. In fact, during Hollywood’s Golden Age, they were a vital part of Marilyn Monroe’s seductive charm. While performing the iconic musical number “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the 1953 film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Monroe matches her strapless, hot pink satin gown with a pair of opera gloves — festooned with dazzling bracelets, much like Gomez’s Gala look.

Fast forward to Hollywood’s Golden Age, and evening gloves became synonymous with movie star glamour. Think Marilyn Monroe’s iconic look in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” where she paired a strapless pink gown with dazzling opera gloves – a look that clearly inspired Selena Gomez’s recent Gala outfit.

The return of evening gloves on the red carpet suggests a renewed appreciation for timeless elegance and a touch of Hollywood history.