The Glove

In THE GLOVE the Deutsches Ledermuseum traces the varied cultural history of an accessory whose importance is often underestimated.

The sheer diversity of this article of clothing, which is currently experiencing a comeback, is demonstrated by means of selected exhibits, from warming Inuit mittens, boxing gloves, disposable rubber or latex gloves, and pontifical gloves to models by renowned designers such as Marc Jacobs, Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel.

As a love token, a gauntlet in a duel, or the insignia of royalty, this highly symbolic accessory and firm constituent of courtly and, later, bourgeois etiquette looks back on a long-standing tradition. The individual stages of the glove’s development are vividly explained and located in their historical context by means of short texts.

Students’ works from the unique Accessory Design course at the Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany, conclude this publication. The designs highlight a broad spectrum of design possibilities: from delicate structures made of tulle or lace and fingerless gloves adorned with (dried) flowers to a 3D-printed glove.