THE GLOVES ARE ON
A few years and careers ago I stood in my underwear, slightly befuddled, while a major stylist and her assistant greased a pair of latex stockings up my legs. It was late at night but, despite the hour, I can assure you that nothing untoward was about to go on. In fact, this was a very aboveboard shoot for T (The New York Time Style Magazine) featuring futuristic accessories where skin was just too human to be left bare (see image below). But who sent latex down the runway that season?
Apparently these stockings and the myriad of other dungeon-dwelling pieces came from Syren, a latex clothing shop on Sunset Boulevard – the go-to spot for stylists trying to fetish-out a sexy photo shoot concept. No, I’m not going to make a case for latex as daywear, the stuff’s got a difficult time making it out of the frame for a reason. Instead, I’d like to mention something else that has a much quieter life in pictures – gloves.
Next time you spot gloves in a fashion editorial, chances are you’ll see the name LaCrasia. Sure, major brands sell these too, but when you want something custom or classic, you go to the masters. Still based and manufacturing (!) in New York City, LaCrasia has made handwear for stars ranging from Lady Gaga to Jackie Kennedy and publications like W and Vogue. The world’s biggest glove-promoter, Michael Jackson, also had a number of LaCrasia designs though I’m sure none of them were in pairs.
The website looks like a bit of an afterthought as is frequently the case with small, artisan operations, but give them a call and arrange to have a look at their wares in person. They can also make custom pieces by mail if you send in a tracing of your hand. Maybe you want fuchsia feathers like those on Guinevere Van Seenus (top)? Here’s all of the info: LaCrasia Gloves, 1181 Broadway 8th floor, New York, NY 10001, tel. 212-803-1600.
Photo (top): ‘Sanctuary’ by Mario Sorrenti for W Magazine, August 2009 (cropped and partially illustrated for this piece by Michelle Ricks), Photo (above): ’2007: A Face Odyssey’ by Miles Aldridge for T Style Magazine, April 2007
