Vera Wang’s Opera Gloves & Black-White Look at 2026 BAFTAs | Red Carpet Style
- London – Vera Wang continues to redefine red carpet style, turning heads at the 2026 BAFTA Awards and surrounding events with a series of striking looks that play...
- For the main BAFTA ceremony, Wang arrived at the Royal Festival Hall in a black-and-white ensemble featuring a bright white, strapless gown with vertical ruching that accentuated the...
- This isn’t the first time this week Wang has embraced the opera glove.
London – Vera Wang continues to redefine red carpet style, turning heads at the Awards and surrounding events with a series of striking looks that play with silhouette and texture. The designer, night, presented a subtly surreal take on the reemerging opera glove trend and has been spotted throughout BAFTA week showcasing her signature blend of classic elegance and modern edge.
For the main BAFTA ceremony, Wang arrived at the Royal Festival Hall in a black-and-white ensemble featuring a bright white, strapless gown with vertical ruching that accentuated the bodice and hips. The gown’s narrow skirt flowed into a short train, providing a classic foundation for a decidedly unconventional detail: mitten-finished sleeves. Instead of traditional opera gloves, Wang opted for black coverage extending past the wrist, culminating in a closed, mitten-like shape. This unexpected twist, paired with her signature black sunglasses and platinum blonde hair, created a look that was both sophisticated and playfully subversive.
This isn’t the first time this week Wang has embraced the opera glove. The previous evening, at the BAFTA Nominees’ Party, she sported a midriff-baring black co-ord, accessorized with opera-length leather gloves. The look, featuring a sleek bandeau-style cropped top and a flowing maxi skirt, demonstrated Wang’s ability to push boundaries while maintaining an air of effortless chic. She completed the ensemble with an oversized black hat and a dark gray fur hand muff, adding layers of texture and drama.
Wang’s consistent use of black and white throughout BAFTA week is a notable stylistic choice. Last year, at the , she wore a Vera Wang two-piece featuring an upside-down black bandeau top and a black-and-white color-block skirt. In , she opted for a draped white hooded gown with detachable black sleeves at the BAFTA Gala. This recurring palette suggests a deliberate aesthetic direction, solidifying Wang’s personal brand on the international stage.
The resurgence of the opera glove as a fashion statement is clearly gaining momentum. Beyond Wang’s influence, the accessory has been spotted on several other celebrities during recent awards season events. Tate McRae wore black leather opera gloves with a Balenciaga gown at the , while Kate Hudson paired a red Lanvin dress with black leather gloves at the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon. Even Mary J. Blige incorporated long gloves into her head-to-toe brown suede ensemble at the Michael Kors fall runway show.
Wang’s influence extends beyond the red carpet. In , she collaborated with David’s Bridal to launch an archival “White by Vera Wang” capsule collection, reviving popular designs from the early 2010s. This limited-edition run of gowns and bridesmaid dresses is a precursor to a broader Vera Wang Bride collection set to launch exclusively at David’s Bridal in spring . This move signals Wang’s commitment to making her designs more accessible to a wider audience, bridging the gap between high fashion and everyday brides.
At 76, Vera Wang continues to challenge conventional notions of age and style. Her appearances at the BAFTA events demonstrate not only her design prowess but also her personal confidence and willingness to experiment. She consistently proves that timeless style is not defined by age, but by a fearless approach to fashion and a commitment to self-expression. Wang’s ability to remain relevant and influential in a rapidly changing industry is a testament to her enduring creativity and her understanding of the cultural zeitgeist.
The opera glove, once considered a relic of a bygone era, has been reimagined by Wang and others as a modern statement piece. Whether in classic black leather or a more unexpected iteration, the accessory adds a touch of drama and sophistication to any ensemble. As awards season continues, it will be interesting to see how other designers and celebrities interpret this evolving trend, and whether it will continue to dominate the red carpet in the months to come.