Taylor Swift wears gloves by an Irish designer on stage during the Eras Tour

She is the most renowned glove designer in the world and equips the hands of A-list celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Kate Middleton, Madonna and, most recently, pop icon Taylor Swift.

Paula Rowan herself sums up the appeal of gloves best by calling them “hand armor” and explaining that they are “the last thing you put on and the first thing people notice.”

Rowan catapulted Ireland into fame as a leading designer of fashion’s hottest accessory. Her name has become synonymous with high-quality gloves that grace international catwalks and feature in high-profile fashion magazines such as Vogue.

When celebrities need an extra touch of glamour, they turn to Rowan, whose glove designs combine timeless elegance with a modern twist.

Her creations received the greatest recognition when they appeared in the Lady Gaga-directed film “House of Gucci” and the Sex and the City sequel series “And Just Like That.”

Fashion trailblazer Gaga wore Rowan’s gloves during her 2022 Chromatica Ball tour, while Queen of Pop Madonna wore Rowan’s exclusive Haylee leather cuffs (€195) for her Madame X album.

Taylor Swift chose Rowan’s Aida gloves – price: €195 – for her Eras tour and presented them on stage at her performances in Dublin, among others.

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Commenting on Swift’s use of her gloves so far, Rowan said: “I am so excited and truly honored that Taylor Swift wore our white leather ‘Aida’ gloves during the ‘Tortured Poets Department’ section of her Eras Tour.”

“Taylor Swift is one of the world’s most successful artists with enormous reach and influence in both the music industry and pop culture. As an artist, businesswoman and philanthropist, she is truly an inspiration and role model to all.”

The trend for elegant opulence – kicked off by Bridgerton – has made dramatic opera gloves a major trend. Kate Middleton wore Rowan’s 12-button Montserrat gloves to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace last year.

Kendall Jenner, Paloma Faith and Dua Lipa have also adorned their hands with their works of art. Why are they suddenly such a fashion statement?

And how can an Irish designer with a boutique in Dublin’s Westbury Mall be the world’s leading glove manufacturer?

“I’ve always been kind of obsessed with hands, arms and gloves,” Rowan tells the Irish Mirror.

“I’ve been doing this for more than 15 years and I’ve seen a gradual evolution. For example, they’re appearing more often on the catwalk, there’s no doubt about that. It might have something to do with Bridgerton or Sex and the City, I don’t know.”

“I see a glove as a piece of clothing, as an important accessory. When you think of shoes, you think of Jimmy Choo; when you think of hats, you think of Philip Treacy.”

“I’m trying to do the same with gloves and become a leader in that field. Part of my success has been because I focused on one product, did it well and inevitably gained a following. So my name is synonymous with really high-quality gloves made in Italy from the finest leather.”

She is thrilled when style icons wear her creations and says: “I still get a lot of fun when I see people wearing my gloves, whether on the catwalk or on the street.”

Fashion expert Emmanuel Agbons shares the enthusiasm, noting: “Gloves have a timeless elegance that, as a classic accessory, can enhance any look. From formal occasions to casual outings, gloves add elegance and style that no other accessory can match.”

He also notes, “Eyewear can evoke a sense of vintage glamour reminiscent of Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, while also blending seamlessly into modern fashion trends.”

“I still get a lot of joy out of seeing people wearing my gloves, whether on the runway or on the street.”

“Gloves have a timeless elegance that can enhance any look as a classic accessory. From formal occasions to casual outings, gloves add elegance and style that no other accessory can match.”

“Gloves can evoke a sense of vintage glamour reminiscent of Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, while also seamlessly blending into modern fashion trends. I still get a lot of joy when I see people wearing my gloves, whether on the runway or on the street.”

“Gloves have a timeless elegance that can enhance any look as a classic accessory. From formal occasions to casual outings, gloves add elegance and style that no other accessory can match.”

“Gloves can evoke a sense of vintage glamour reminiscent of Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, while also blending seamlessly into modern fashion trends.”

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