Think of the gauntlet as a hybrid between sleeve and glove. If you're looking for a two way dress, this concept is ideal. The gauntlet dates back to medieval times. Originally made out of chain mail or armor, knights used them to protect the hands. Fast forward a few centuries and the gauntlet has gone through some changes. Today they are fashion statements, made of fabric and are trendy as we speak partly due to the Goth revival which borrows heavily on Victoriana, a time when gauntlet lace 'mitts' were in vogue. Defined, a gauntlet glove typically extends from the elbow (sometimes all the way to the shoulder) to the wrist, leaving hand and fingers exposed. Often brides love this formality for the ceremony--making the ring exchange a cinch.. As you probably guessed, gauntlets can also be removed come reception time . . . .
Some designers have a signatures look. One of Parisian designer Suzanne Ermann's is adding gauntlets to many of her gowns. So innovative with this one component, I'd call these a combo of costume-inspired and neo-couture . . . .
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First daughter Tricia Nixon dared baring her arms back in 1971. Yes, the swinging 60's ushered in some let-it-all-hang-out attitudes in fashion but bridal fashion was still a modest and traditional arena. Tricia wore the sleeveless gown she wanted but kept fewer tongues a clucking by adding the lace gauntlets. Her gown was a tour de force in pure elegance custom designed by Priscilla of Boston.
