Ivy and Izzy Getty in Cornelia James
Ivy and Izzy Getty step out at the Cannes Film Festival in matching sunlit yellow, each wearing Desdemona opera-length silk jersey gloves. The clean, fluid line of the gloves echoes…
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black
"In her eyes I see something more beautiful than the stars". Desdemona is the classic, full length opera glove in pure silk jersey. Silk jersey is a perfect fabric for gloves. It is 100% silk but has a natural elasticity which means that it clings like a glove should cling, feels marvellous on the arm and has a quiet lustre that speaks volumes.
Opera Length. This is a 16 inch glove. This is measured from where the thumb seam meets the wrist, to the opening of the glove.
For centuries, silk has remained an important material for glovemaking. It’s beautiful feel and appearance has afforded it a high reputation since the days of kings and queens. Our soft, pure silk jersey knit carries on the tradition and continues to be worn by royalty today.
If you'd like to see a swatch of this material in this colour before you decide, you can order one here.
Silk doesn't shout — it whispers. There’s a calm, understated confidence in silk gloves: cool to the touch, subtly luminous, endlessly refined. But refinement doesn’t mean fragility. What silk needs is softness — in water, in movement, and in time.
Handled properly, silk rewards you with longevity and elegance in equal measure.
Let It Rest
When it comes to silk, less is more. Wash cold, gently, and never in a rush. A delicates bag adds an extra layer of care. Afterward, leave the gloves flat to dry and reshape them quietly with your hands. Steam can help — but only at a distance.
Care Method
Turn gloves inside out and wash in a mesh bag on a cold, delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing or ironing directly. Never tumble dry.
If Softness or Sheen Is Lost
For creased, dulled or faded silk, we recommend a textile professional experienced in delicate natural fibres. They’ll restore the glove’s finish without weakening its weave.
Handmade in Sussex, England
Desdemona in the wild
Sotheby's
Featured in Sotheby’s (June 2019), Desdemona silk jersey opera-length gloves are shown in a quietly dramatic composition: long, fluid lines in black silk framing a modern, sculptural silhouette, set against…
Natural beauty
Featured in Condé Nast Brides, “Natural Beauty” highlights Desdemona opera-length silk jersey gloves styled with a pared-back bridal gown and simple bouquet, showing how clean lines and refined detail can…
Special days and Desdemonas
Featured in Love My Dress, “Special Days and Desdemonas” highlights our Desdemona opera-length silk jersey gloves — a refined, modern take on classic bridal gloves, framing each movement from aisle…
Holding hands
Desdemona opera-length silk jersey gloves appear in The Love Magazine’s “Holding Hands”, bringing a precise, modern line to bridal styling. Cut close to the arm in fluid silk jersey, they…
Tilda Swinton | W Magazine
Tilda Swinton | W Magazine Desdemona silk jersey opera-length gloves feature throughout Tim Walker’s surreal Tilda Swinton portfolio for W Magazine, shot on location at Las Pozas in Mexico. Styled…
Claire Foy | The Crown season 1
Claire Foy wears Desdemona Silk Gloves in the first-season artwork for The Crown. Cut in opera length from silk jersey, they frame the beaded gown and reinforce the formal mood…
Claire Foy | The Crown
Claire Foy wears Desdemona silk opera gloves in The Crown, where precise costuming helps define the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Cut from smooth silk jersey in a…
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s appearance at the Buckingham Palace state banquet became one of the defining images of the Obamas’ 2011 state visit to the United Kingdom. In the official photo with…
Lady Mary | Downton Abbey
Desdemona silk jersey opera gloves step into the world of Downton Abbey on Lady Mary, completing her evening look with quiet, period-authentic polish. In inky black silk jersey and full…
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The Finishing Touch
Our Presentation Box
Every pair of gloves is delivered with care. Wrapped within our premium gift box, accompanied by a complimentary dust bag and handwritten note. It doesn’t get more personal than that.
Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black
reviews
Verified Customer
Lulwa
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia28 April 2025
They are beautiful
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Wunstorf, Germany25 April 2025
Great thank you
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Raven
United States26 November 2024
Could not be happier with them!
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Southampton, United States6 November 2024
Lovely, Elegant Gloves
My black, silk opera gloves were exactly what I hoped for. The size and length were perfect and they added such an elegant touch to my gown. I received so many compliments on them. I highly recommend Cornelia James.
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Wabern, Switzerland5 May 2024
Beautiful gloves!
Beautifully made gloves. High quality, fits absolutely perfect and incredibly fast delivery!
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Quality
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Arlington, United States26 March 2024
Fits and looks great
Long and clingy so they don’t fall down. Comes wrapped beautifully in a box tied with ribbon and silk case.
Fit
Quality
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Kathleen
United States26 March 2024
Finally a wonderful glove. Top notch quality.
This is a wonderful glove that fits very well. I really enjoy the buttons It makes it easier to put on. The glove is superb.
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Quality
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Lisa
Huntington Beach, United States17 January 2024
Exquisite, beautifully crafted, and warm! Bravo!
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Roman
Germering, Germany21 November 2023
Alles in Ordnung.
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Quality
Shipping speed
Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Davenport, United States16 October 2023
Mature Bride
I ordered the gloves for my wedding reception outfit. I am a mature bride, and it was my first time wearing gloves. They arrived beautifully packaged, and I felt the luxury when I tried them on. I am grateful for this experience.
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Theresa
, United States24 September 2023
Feeling glamorous
So soft! Dainty material that feels amazing.
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Quality
Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Norwalk, United States26 July 2023
elegance
stunningly beautiful
Fit
Quality
Shipping speed
Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Anonymous
, United States8 April 2023
Beautiful glove and great response from team
The team was very responsive and checked back with the sizing as it seemed a bit off to them and true enough, we made some wrong measurements. Needless to say, the glove is beautiful
Fit
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Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Anonymous
, United States8 April 2023
Beautiful!
Glove fitted very well and the material was beautiful and comfortable.
Fit
Quality
Shipping speed
Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
Verified Customer
Debra
, United States17 October 2022
Love my gloves
Fit is perfect and custom service is superb. Thank you for helping me complete my ensemble for my daughters wedding.
Fit
Desdemona | Silk Opera Glove – Black 8½
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